Competitors
Starting at $29,999, the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s main competitors are the Toyota Camry Hybrid ($27,710) and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ($28,999) but buyers may also cross-shop Ford’s own C-Max Hybrid wagon ($27,199), Toyota Prius ($26,100), Kia Optima Hybrid ($29,995), Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid ($30,175), Buick Regal e-Assist ($36,845), and Chevrolet Malibu Eco ($27,940). Then there are the plug-in hybrids like the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid ($38,899), Chevrolet Volt ($42,000), and Toyota Prius PHV ($35,700). However, aside from being more expensive, my guess is that regular hybrid buyers don’t want the bother of plugging in their hybrid car every night, even if it saves some fuel.
   2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE. Click image to enlarge |
Canadian Green Car Award winner
The new Ford Fusion Hybrid gained some instant credibility recently when it was proclaimed the winner of the first annual Canadian Green Car Award. This award, organized by Green Living Magazine, is selected by a panel of experts from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada who consider such factors such as fuel economy and low emissions as well as the use of natural or recycled materials, build quality, features, price, consumer appeal, and the driving experience. Significantly, the Fusion Hybrid was chosen from a varied list of 15 ‘green’ vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, pure electric cars, diesel-powered vehicles and normally-aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engine vehicles. Conspicuously absent from the contest though were any ‘green’ vehicles from Toyota and Honda.
Verdict
With both improved fuel economy and an improved driving experience, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid manages to be exceptionally frugal while still being a reasonably pleasant car to drive – increasing its appeal to drivers wary of the hybrid driving experience.
Pricing: 2013 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
Base price: $29,999
Options: $6,100 (Luxury Group: leather seats, heated front seats $2,100; MyFord Touch with rearview camera $700; Navigation system $700; Driver Assistance Package with Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keeping System $1,500; Reverse Sensing System $400; Active Park Assist $600; engine block heater $100)
Freight and PDI: $1,550
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $37,749
Competitors:
Buick Regal e-Assist
Chevrolet Malibu Eco
Ford C-Max Hybrid
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Kia Optima Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
