2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Redesign, Engine, Cost – In today’s electric-obsessed world, every automaker prioritizes offering hybrid vehicles in their most profitable market segments. The third-generation Fusion will have both regular and plug-in hybrid siblings, despite Ford’s plans to halt sedan production in the U.S. in favor crossover vehicles. With 188 horsepower, the Fusion Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter Ecoboost gasoline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) sends power to the front wheels. Rather than focusing on the latter, this article highlights the former’s advantages.
Midsize hybrid cars like the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid compete with Ford’s midsize hybrid automobiles. Aside from occasional minor tweaks to the driver’s seat, there are no significant changes to the 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Are there any redeeming rates to it, or is it doomed to a life of mediocrity?
2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Redesign
The Ford Fusion looks like any other for a midsize sedan, with a long front overhang, a four-door cabin, and a short back end. This model comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels in the SE/SEL and 18-inch alloy wheels with a premium finish in Titanium. The trademark illumination and LED headlights are only available on the SEL and higher trim levels. However, LED taillights are standard on every model. Exhaust tips are the same on all models except those with SEL and Titanium trim levels, including chrome inserts in the door handles. With a chrome mesh grille and a back decklid spoiler, the Titanium model stands out from the rest of the lineup.
The height and curb weight are the only features that differentiate the gas and hybrid Fusion models. Both models are 191.8 inches long and 72.9 inches wide, excluding the mirrors, making them the same size. A 0.2-inch difference separates the Hybrid from the gas model in height. Only its height and weight distinguish it from the G.E. gasoline model. Hybrid vehicles have a combined curb weight of 3,668 pounds, approximately 200 more pounds than the weight of a gasoline model.
Interior
The interior of the Fusion can be as basic or as luxurious as you like, thanks to options like cloth or quilted leather seats. However, drivers of the base model may feel misled when they upgrade to the more luxurious Platinum version of the vehicle. The gas-powered Fusion offers the same cargo room as most of its competitors, but the battery packs in the Hybrid and plug-in Fusion models take up much of the trunk space. Although the ordinary Fusion could hold six carry-on bags, the Fusion Energi could only have two, whereas the standard Fusion could keep six. Fusion’s available infotainment systems span from the early 2000s to the present day. Our tests found Ford’s Sync 3 system easy to use and reasonably responsive. However, we haven’t had a chance to play around with the base model. To make it simple to use, the Sync 3 system relies on touch and voice input for all of its functionality. It’s a huge step up from Ford’s previous efforts.
Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid Fusions (HEV and PHEV) both use onboard battery packs, which reduces trunk room, but the gasoline Fusion has 16 cubic feet of trunk space. Because of an awkward battery placement, the trunk’s storage adaptability is severely limited. A few duffels, backpacks, a briefcase, and a shopping bag will do. The 60/40 split of the back seats allow for more storage and flexibility. Two cup holders are found in the front, while two more are located in the back. The vehicle’s interior storage options include a small cubby in the center console, a medium-sized cubby in the center console, and an average-sized glove box on the passenger side.
Engine
The 141 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque of the 2.0-liter inline-four Atkinson cycle engine in the Fusion Hybrid are combined with an 88 kW electric motor to generate a maximum output of 188 hp. A continuously variable automatic transmission, a feature of every Hybrid, is used to send this power solely to the front wheels. Nine seconds is average for the class, but Toyota’s Camry’s 7.5-second time blows it out of the water. The accelerator pedal must be pressed hard to get the Hybrid moving, starting from a standstill or making a fast pass. At low to moderate speeds, the Fusion Hybrid is a breeze to drive. The CVT also feels well-matched to the engine; it’s nothing exceptional but as seamless as it should be. On the other hand, the power plant takes a beating at higher speeds.
At an EPA-estimated gas efficiency of 43/41/42 mpg, the Fusion Hybrid appears incredibly fuel-efficient, at least in comparison to the average gasoline-powered vehicle. To put it another way, EPA estimates put the combined efficiency of the Honda Insight and Toyota Camry hybrids at 52 mpg. The Fusion Hybrid can drive 588 miles on a single gas tank using a 14-gallon fuel tank. The Hybrid’s regenerative braking system automatically recharges the 1.4 kWh battery pack and operates on ordinary unleaded gasoline.
2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Cost and Release Date
The Fusion Hybrid S.E. is the entry-level variant, priced at $28,000. The Fusion Hybrid SEL is the mid-level trim in the lineup, and it comes well-equipped, with a starting price of $31,630 (MSRP). With a suggested retail price of $34,595, the most costly variant is the Fusion Hybrid Titanium. Ford’s $995 destination and $645 purchase fees are not included in these prices. More dealer-specific reductions may be available, even though these prices may not appear highly competitive. A summer 2024 U.S. launch date for the 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected.