2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review

First Impressions

Finally, a hybrid everyone can get behind. Including the panel of journalists at the 2010 North American International Auto Show that extended the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (view photos) one of the grandest nods of approval in the auto world: the North American Car of the Year award.

The Fusion Hybrid has a 91 percent buy-again factor, according to Consumer Reports. It is named a Car and Driver "Top 10 Best for 2010." And the new 2.5-liter hybrid engine that achieves a tested average of 37-miles per gallon is on Wards Automotive "Wards' 10 Best Engines" list for 2010.

Aside from proven performance, the Fusion also stands apart from your typical mid-size 4-door sedan lineup by possessing a sportier exterior design along with a tech-filled interior.

Pricing, Trims and Options

The Ford Fusion Hybrid includes many of the upscale standards found on the non-hybrid SEL trim, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, entry keypad and Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System. Entry-level price is $27,270. Tack on several hot options, such as the Driver's Vision and the Moon & Tune packages, and the price touches $30,780.

Additions to the Hybrid version include eco-friendly cloth seating, SmartGauge with EcoGuide (a fuel conservation guidance system) and of course the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson cycle.

The Fusion is also available with a regular V6 engine in SEL and Sport trims, which garners 18/27-mpg (FWD) and 17/24-mpg (AWD). A smaller I-4 engine that powers the more basic S and SE trims gets 22/30-mpg.

Interior Features

The interior dimensions are more generous than a 2010 Toyota Camry. As I stated in the 2010 Ford Fusion SEL review, I had a 6-foot 5-inch passenger in the second row liking the 37.1-inches of rear legroom despite a full house of five passengers. It was the "I-would-buy-this-car" kind of comfort confidence.

The refined cabin experience helps seal the deal. Upgrade to the optional heated leather seating ($1,190) and combine with the high-quality center console cluster, even luxury model sedans may start to feel intimidated. That cluster, by the way, presents every command imaginable into the form of a button. Climate control dials would have been preferred since they are much easier to find and work when driving.

The Fusion Hybrid's Driver's Vision package includes a very practical Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Support. Like Mazda's system, you get fair warning of approaching cars through an illuminated image in your side mirrors, accompanied by an audio alert.

Ford's optional SYNC system integrates phone and audio commands with a voice-recognition software so you can actually talk to your iPod. Usability factor is high, and recent experimentation with the SYNC system at participating Best Buys in the Dallas area showed that 70 percent  of consumers having a better outlook on Ford vehicles because of it.

Safety, Quality and Reliability

Ford provides a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for the Fusion Hybrid. A separate warranty covering hybrid components lasts 8-years/100,000 miles. Rear Park Assist is standard on the Hybrid. A couple of Ford-created optional safety features include SYNC with 911 Assist and the BLIS with a Rearview Camera.

Additional standard safety features on the Fusion Hybrid:

• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• Anti-Lock Brakes
• High-strength steel structure exterior
• Personal Safety System
• AdvanceTrac ESC
• LATCH child safety system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System