Full disclosure: I'd never driven the Ford Fusion Hybrid for any length of time until last night, but I've logged a lot of miles in Priuses, Insights and RX 400/450hs over the years. And, you know, wow. I didn't realize hybrids could drive this way.
To start, there's the Fusion Hybrid's ride. It's comfortable yet controlled with barely a hint of float. Strapped into the driver seat on the freeway, I have the distinct sensation that I am driving a car, rather than sailing a large, water-logged recliner. I guess this is what happens when you start with a really good chassis; the shared genetics with our Mazda 6 are quite apparent.
I also like way the car accelerates. It's louder than I'd like in the cabin, but even on the Atkinson cycle, the Mazda-engineered 2.5-liter engine gets the Fusion Hybrid moving down the freeway with some authority (yeah, and the battery-driven electric motor helps, too). I may not get to rule Interstate 10, but I will not be a serf over in the right lane.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 5,443 miles
carguy622 says:
02:01 PM, 06/ 4/10
That's because Toyota's ride quality goal is the feeling of sailing a large, water-logged recliner, but it's a quiet recliner.
speed6er says:
05:11 PM, 06/ 4/10
The paint on that rear passenger door looks way off. Did you guys have body work done on that door?
hybris says:
07:41 PM, 06/ 4/10
I think Ford is aiming for the people who want a hybrid for the mileage but don't want the nagging image and beat you up ride that most hardened greenies either simply overlook or list under "self-sacrifice to Gaia."
Yes that last line has been used on me by real people.
louiswei says:
09:08 PM, 06/ 4/10
I think I spotted subytrojan's blue WRX in the background...
bc1960 says:
09:50 PM, 06/ 4/10
Actually the entire rear half and the shaded front bumper clip appear a darker color. I suspect that the nighttime ambient lighting was uneven. Although not billed as a "frost" or color changing paint, the Light Ice Blue is particularly prone to reflecting differently under different lighting conditions.
tenta20 says:
05:16 PM, 06/ 5/10
The Fusion Hybrid does it's job well: provide great fuel economy while minimizing (and it really minimizes) any sacrificial differences in ride quality, acceleration, and overall driving fun.
mheikka says:
10:05 AM, 06/ 6/10
Have you driven the Camry hybrid? That comparison would have been interesting and relevant. I would expect a midsize car - any midsize car - to have better highway manners than small hatchbacks, hybrid or not.
Most of the hybrid "defects" you attribute to Prius and Insight apply to all small hatchbacks.
Why can't Edmunds editors compare apples to apples? After all, most Hybrid buyers won't choose to buy a hybrid powertrain first and then decide to compare all vehicles that have that type of power train. They will choose the type of car for their needs and budget and then consider whether the hybrids in that class merit consideration.
I'm a hybrid owner, and I didn't even look at the Lexus offerings, as I needed a commuter hatchback, and won't spend $30-$50k on a second car. Nor did I consider the Ford, as it was too large, not a hatch, and overpriced relative to the mpg improvement the hybrid powertrain adds.
I can't wait to see what Edmunds will compare the Leaf to....Electric mopeds?
bodyblue says:
12:00 PM, 06/ 6/10
A lot of folks on this blog have a stick up their butt regarding hybrids. I really dont like driving my wifes Prius but that does not make it a bad car. It is roomy, quiet, reliable and gets awesome mpgs. Exciting to drive? Nope.....I much prefer my Dodge, but I dont look down on my wife for driving a hybrid like some do. Who cares what other people drive anyway?
gts09 says:
09:00 PM, 06/ 6/10
you guys need a WRX in the fleet.