2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Models, Changes, Interior – In this increasingly electric world, every major automaker has prioritized including hybrid models among their most lucrative offerings. The third-generation Ford Fusion will have two hybrid siblings, one regular and one plug-in, despite Ford’s plans to end production of some sedans in the United States in favor of crossovers. This piece focuses on the former because it offers fewer concessions and is the more practical mixed-use partner. The Fusion Hybrid gets its 188 horsepower from its 2.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline four-cylinder engine and electric motor. The front wheels accept the majority of the torque from the engine, thanks to the CVT.
The Accord Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Kia Optima Hybrid, all newer vehicles, are among the class leaders that Ford’s midsize hybrid car must contend with. Does it contribute anything, or will it forever live in the dungeons of mediocrity? Aside from minor front seat adjustments that Ford most likely deemed unnecessary, the 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid carries over virtually unchanged. However, Ford has confirmed that all Fusion models will be discontinued in 2024.
2024 Ford Fusion Redesign
The Ford Fusion looks like a midsize sedan should look, with a long front overhang, four doors, and a short trunk. Aluminum wheels with a dazzling silver finish come standard on the SE and SEL, while the Titanium’s 18-inch alloy wheels have a similar premium finish. Only the SEL and higher trims have the signature LED lighting, but all boundaries have LED taillights. The door handles on the SEL and Titanium models are chrome-inlaid, and the single exhaust tip, bumpers, and door handles are all painted in the vehicle’s base color. The base model has a five-bar grille, but the Titanium has a chrome mesh grille and a spoiler on the back of the decklid.
The gas and hybrid Fusions look and feel the same, with only minor height and curb weight differences. Without the mirrors, the two models are identical in size at 191.8 inches in length and 72.9 inches in width. Compared to the hybrid’s 58 inches, the gasoline model’s 59 inches give it a slight height advantage. The only distinction between this model and the GE gasoline variant is its stature and weight. The combined curb weight of all available hybrid models is 3,668 pounds or about 200 pounds more than that of the gasoline model (3,472 pounds).
Interior
The interior of the Fusion can be as simple or luxurious as you like, with options ranging from fabric seats to quilted leather. The car’s multiple interior trims are competitive with other vehicles in the class, but the entry-level model may leave its driver feeling shortchanged. While the gas-powered Fusion’s cargo capacity matches most competitors, the hybrid and plug-in versions have significantly less room in the trunk due to their battery packs. Although the regular Fusion can hold up to six bags, the Fusion Energi we tested could only hold two. The Fusion’s available infotainment features span the gamut from dated to cutting-edge. We found Ford’s Sync 3 system, available in various trims, to be intuitive and reasonably responsive. We haven’t tried the basic version yet. Touch controls and voice commands make the Sync 3 system user-friendly. It’s a significant improvement over what Ford had done before.
Despite sharing a battery pack with the plug-in hybrid Fusion (PHEV), the HEV’s trunk is significantly smaller at 12 cubic feet compared to the gasoline Fusion’s 16 cubic feet. Only a few suitcases, duffel bags, and maybe a briefcase and a small shopping bag will fit. If you require more room or want to convert the back seats to a bench, you can still fold them in a 60/40 split. However, the trunk’s versatility is still limited by a significant step near the trunk’s rear as a result of the battery’s unusual location. Cupholders can be seen in both the front and back of the vehicle. All doors have standard, bottle-sized side pockets, the center console has a cubby, and the passenger door has a glove box about the size of a shoebox.
Engine
The Fusion Hybrid’s peak output of 188 horsepower comes from a 2.0-liter inline-four Atkinson cycle engine (141 hp, 129 lb-ft of torque) and an 88-kilowatt electric motor. This power is only transferred to the front wheels through the hybrid-standard CVT. Nine seconds are needed to go from zero to sixty miles per hour, which is about average for the class but is blown away by the Toyota Camry’s 7.5-second time. It takes a lot of pressure on the accelerator pedal to get the hybrid moving, starting from a stop or passing at high speed. In general, the Fusion Hybrid’s low- to medium-speed operation is very user-friendly. Furthermore, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) seems perfectly matched to the engine, being neither remarkable nor clumsy. The power plant suffers at higher speeds, so it’s best to avoid long, high-speed highway trips if possible.
The Fusion Hybrid’s EPA-estimated gas efficiency of 43/41/42 mpg makes it appear remarkably fuel-efficient, at least in comparison to the typical gasoline-powered vehicle. However, the combined efficiency of the Honda Insight and Toyota Camry hybrids is only projected to be 52 mpg, making them the weaker of the two combinations. The Fusion Hybrid’s 14-gallon gas tank allows for a maximum range of 588 miles before refueling is required. It runs on standard unleaded gasoline and has a 1.4 kWh battery pack that is automatically charged by the hybrid’s regenerative braking system.
2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s Price and Release Date
The price of the Fusion Hybrid SE, the entry-level model, begins at $28,000. For $31,630, you can get your hands on the well-equipped Fusion Hybrid SEL, which sits in the middle of the lineup (MSRP). The suggested retail price of the top-tier Fusion Hybrid Titanium model is $34,595. All taxes, tags, and licenses are not included in these prices. Also not included are Ford’s $995 destination charge and $645 acquisition fee. These prices aren’t the best in the industry, but they’re not the worst, and some dealers may offer additional discounts. The 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid is scheduled for a U.S. summer 2024 release.