New 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid SLE Interior, MPG, Release Date – Every manufacturer today prioritize offering hybrid vehicles in their most lucrative market categories in a world enamored with electricity. Despite Ford’s plans to discontinue production of some sedans in the United States in favor of crossovers, the third-generation Ford Fusion will have two hybrid siblings, one regular and one plug-in. The Fusion Hybrid has a 2.0-liter Ecoboost gasoline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work together to make 188 horsepower. The power belongs to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. This article focuses on the former, as it compromises less and is the more accessible mixed partner for day-to-day use.
Ford’s midsize hybrid car competes with younger, class-leading vehicles such as the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Kia Optima Hybrid. Does it bring anything to the table, or is it destined to occupy the halls of mediocrity until its final day? The 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid remains identical, except for a few front seat adjustments that Ford likely deemed superfluous. But the company has confirmed that all Fusion models will be taken off the market in 2024.
New 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Redesign.
The Ford Fusion has a traditional appearance for a midsize sedan, with a lengthy front overhang, a four-door interior, and a short back end. The SE and SEL have 17-inch aluminum wheels with a dazzling silver finish, while the Titanium has 18-inch alloy wheels with a premium finish. The LED headlights and signature illumination are exclusive to the SEL grade and higher, but all versions sport LED taillights. All models have a single exhaust tip and bumpers and door handles in body color, but the SEL and Titanium models have chrome inserts in the door handles. The Titanium includes a chrome mesh grille and a rear decklid spoiler that set it apart from lower models, which have a standard five-bar grille.
The only differences between the gas and hybrid Fusions are their height and curb weight. Both models have identical dimensions of 191.8 inches in length and 72.9 inches in width, minus the mirrors. While the hybrid measures 58 inches in length, the gasoline model is 0.2 inches taller at 59 inches. Its height and weight are the only differences between it and the GE gasoline variant. All hybrid models share a curb weight of 3,668 pounds, approximately 200 pounds heavier than the gasoline model’s curb weight of 3,472 pounds.
Interior
From fabric seats to quilted leather, the Fusion’s interior may be either primary or opulent. The car’s many interior trims appeal to what the rest of the class delivers, but drivers of the base model may feel cheated when they enter the luxurious Platinum variant. The gas-powered Fusion has the same cargo capacity as most rivals, but the hybrid and plug-in models sacrifice a significant amount of trunk space for their battery packs. The Fusion Energi we tested could only accommodate two carry-on bags, although the standard Fusion could accommodate six. Options for infotainment in the Fusion range from very 2000s to thoroughly modern. Ford’s Sync 3 system is available on different trims, and we found it user-friendly and reasonably responsive. However, we have never tried the base model. The Sync 3 system is easy to operate because it is designed to rely on touch inputs and voice commands. It’s a significant advance over Ford’s past efforts.
As both the hybrid electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid Fusion (HEV and PHEV) use an onboard battery pack, the HEV offers just 12 cubic feet of trunk space instead of the gasoline Fusion’s 16 cubic feet. That’s just enough space for a few backpacks, duffels, and perhaps a briefcase and a small shopping bag. The back seats remain folded in a 60/40 split, which increases space and versatility. However, storage versatility is still restricted by a massive step near the trunk’s rear due to odd battery placement. There are two cupholders in the show and two in the back. There are side pockets on all doors that can’t hold bottles, a medium-sized cubby in the center console, and an average-sized glove box on the passenger side.
Engine
The 2.0-liter inline-four Atkinson cycle engine in the Fusion Hybrid with 141 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque is paired with an 88 kW electric motor to produce a combined peak output of 188 horsepower. This output is exclusively transmitted to the front wheels using a continuously variable automatic transmission, a hybrid standard. The sprint from 0 – 60 miles per hour takes nine seconds, typical for the class but smoked by the Toyota Camry’s 7.5-second time. To get the hybrid moving, whether pulling out from a stop or passing at high speed, the accelerator pedal does require a significant amount of pressure. Overall, the Fusion Hybrid is simple to operate at low to moderate rates. The CVT also feels well-matched to the engine; it’s nothing remarkable but as seamless as it should be. However, avoid high-speed interstate excursions, as the power plant suffers at higher speeds.
At an EPA-estimated gas efficiency of 43/41/42 mpg, the Fusion Hybrid appears remarkably fuel-efficient, at least in comparison to the average gasoline-powered vehicle. In contrast, the Honda Insight and Toyota Camry hybrids are estimated to achieve a combined 52 mpg, making them somewhat inferior hybrids. With a 14-gallon fuel tank, the Fusion Hybrid can travel up to 588 miles on a single tank of gas. It has a 1.4 kWh battery pack that is automatically charged by the hybrid’s regenerative braking system and runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
New 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid Price and Release Date
The Fusion Hybrid SE is the base model, and its price of $28,000 is the starting point for the portfolio. The Fusion Hybrid SEL occupies the lineup’s mid-tier trim position and is the well-equipped option for $31,630 (MSRP). The Fusion Hybrid Titanium is the most expensive model, with a suggested retail price of $34,595. These prices exclude Ford’s $995 destination charge and $645 acquisition fee and all applicable taxes, registration, and license costs. Even though these prices are not particularly competitive, they are around average for the category, and dealer-specific discounts may also be available. The release date for the 2024 Ford Fusion Hybrid in the United States is expected for the summer of 2024.