Ford Fusion offered excellent fuel economy options across its 14-year run, putting pre-owned Fusions in many different budget ranges.
The model year 2020 brought an end to Ford’s flagship midsize sedan, the Fusion. However, the first model year the Fusion became available was back in 2006.
Over the 14-year run of the namesake, many engine developments were made. The Fusion lineup offers everything from quick performance fun to hybrids that make for incredible fuel efficiency. Due to the length of the Fusion’s life, one can be found in just about any used-car shopper’s price range.
The Fusion’s run is split into two generations. The first generation ran from 2006 to 2012, and the second generation ran from 2013 to 2020. Each generation has varying engine options. Although the earlier models weren’t the most efficient sedans out there, the Fusion became a staple of efficiency in a five-passenger car. Let’s take a look.
Ford Fusion First Generation (2006-2012)
Initially, the Ford Fusion only came with two engine options. Early on, the Fusion was not especially fuel-efficient by today’s standards. However, given the timeframe of its availability, it wasn’t all that bad. The first generation, pre-updated Fusion ran from model years 2006 to 2009.
The first engine option is the Duratec 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine is not exactly the most exciting one around, but it will get you from A to B. With power figures of 160 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s certain not to inspire any sort of racing dreams.
However, it does manage an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg highway and 20 mpg city for a combined average of 23 mpg. If you manage to find a manual transmission example, the highway’s EPA rating goes up to 29 mpg. However, the combined rating stays the same. Again, while it may not be up to today’s standard for a midsize sedan, it is not too bad at all.
The second engine option is the Duratec 3.0-liter V6. As you might expect, more cylinders and displacement equate to a bit more power and a bit less fuel economy. The V6 has a respectable 221 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque.
Fuel economy ratings for a Fusion equipt with this engine come in at 25 mpg highway and 17 mpg city for a combined 20 mpg. The manual version of the V6 variant also bumps it up a bit for a combined 21 mpg.While the first run Fusions were marginal on fuel economy, the lineup’s progression only goes up from here.
2010 Ford Fusion Changes
The 2010 model year Fusion did away with the Duratec 2.3. While it retained the Duratec 3.0-liter V6, it also gained a couple of options. Unfortunately, the first new addition to the lineup is the least fuel-efficient Fusion to date- the Fusion Sport.
However, 2010 also brought a game-changer to the Fusion lineup- the Fusion Hybrid. Also added to the Fusion were the new six-speed automatic transmission and AWD options.
The Duratec 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that replaced the 2.3 variant of the 2006-2009 model years comes with just a little extra grunt. It produces 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.
With the new six-speed automatic transmission, this Fusion became the first gas-only variant to crack the 30 mpg mark with a highway rating of 31 mpg. Its 22 mpg city rating nets it a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg. A surprisingly substantial leap from the previous four-cylinder offering.
The Duratec 3.0-liter V6 makes a triumphant return with upgrades in both power and efficiency. The power figures saw an increase to 240 horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque. Though the six-speed auto did increase fuel efficiency, the previous rating of 25 mpg highway stays the same. The city rating saw an increase to 18 mpg, bringing the combined total to 21 mpg.
The Fusion Sport’s introduction brought unique 18-inch wheels, side skirts, and a sport-tuned suspension setup. Under the hood of the first-generation Fusion Sport is a Duratec 3.5-liter V6 making 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque.
While it did manage an impressive 6.5-second zero to sixty, its fuel economy ratings are less than stellar, as you might imagine. This generation Fusion Sport received a rating of just 24 mpg highway and 17 mpg city for a combined 19 mpg highway.
First-generation Fusion Hybrid
The biggest leap toward efficiency throughout the first generation Ford Fusion is undoubtedly the Fusion Hybrid. It features the Duratec 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder found in other 2010+ Fusions with the addition of a hybrid motor system. The Fusion Hybrid also came with an electroluminescent gauge cluster and an Eco driving mode to inform the driver how economically they are driving.
The 2010 to 2012 Fusion Hybrid is said to be capable of up to 700 miles on a single gas tank when in city driving conditions. The official EPA ratings are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for a combined average of 39 mpg. This was a monumental leap in the efficiency of the Fusion.
First-generation Fusions, including Sport and Hybrid models, can regularly be found in the $5,000 to $10,000 range in good shape. As always, it is best to run a vehicle’s VIN through a recall check, as the 2010 to 2012 Fusions had a recall for floor mats causing accelerator pedals to stick. Additionally, many also have recalls for faulty airbag systems.
Second-generation Ford Fusion (2013-2020)
The second-generation Ford Fusion saw a massive change in the overall design. Inside and out, it became a different car, with substantial chassis upgrades, including modernized suspension to improve handling.
However, the second-gen. Fusion also saw big upgrades in fuel economy thanks to the introduction of the Ford Ecoboost family of engines. While these Fusions have seen several facelifts over the years, the engine options have remained largely the same since 2013.
The Duratec 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder remains throughout the lifespan of the second generation. Horsepower and torque both come in at the 175 marks, and fuel efficiency saw little change from the first-gen. examples with a combined EPA rating of 25 mpg.
First in the lineup of the Ecoboost family is the adorable 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder. While it may not sound all that exciting, this little brute actually outshines the Duratex counterpart with an impressive 181 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. That isn’t the only place it outdoes the Duratec option, either.
The Ecoboost 1.5 manages a remarkable 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg city for a combined 27 mpg. Though this engine was not available for 2013, model years 2014 and newer have this option.
Another Ecoboost option for the second-gen. Fusion is the 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder. However, this engine was only available for the 2013 and 2014 model years.
At 179 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, the Ecoboost 1.6 offers slightly less kick than its three-cylinder counterpart. It saw an impressive 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. This engine was also the only one offered with a manual transmission in the second-gen. Fusion.
Second-gen. Engine Options
Last but not least in the smaller Ecoboost lineup is the mighty 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that is also found in the Ford Focus ST hot hatchback. While it is a bit tuned down in the Fusion, it still produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ecoboost 2.0-liter Fusion was available in either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) layouts with fuel economy varying between them.
- FWD Ecoboost 2.0 Models: 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
- AWD Ecoboost 2.0 Models: 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
Finally, the model year 2017 saw the reintroduction of the Ford Fusion Sport. This time, it came back as a very heavy hitter. Equipt with the Ecoboost 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and AWD as standard; this Fusion is not your grandpa’s midsize sedan. It puts out a whopping 325 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.
While it can sprint from zero to sixty in just 5.3 seconds, you can imagine that it isn’t the most fuel-efficient Fusion there ever was. Its EPA ratings set it at 17 mpg City and 26 mpg highway for a combined 20 mpg overall.
Any of the Ecoboost variants of the Fusion are excellent cars. These engines make for great fun in daily use without causing you too much pain at the gas pumps. There are many modifications available for them, as well. Everything from air-intakes, exhausts, and even tunes to generate more power allow these cars to become your own.
However, if you are looking for the absolute most fuel-efficient variant of the Fusion, consider the second-generation Hybrid and Fusion Energi.
Ford Fusion Hybrid and Energi
The second-generation Fusion lineup carries on the first-gen. legacy by way of hybrid variations. In fact, Ford even took it a step further by creating the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
The standard Fusion Hybrid features an electric-assisted Duratec 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. The system’s peak power figures are 188 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The EPA ratings for this hybrid variant are very impressive 43 mpg city, 41 highway for a combined 42 mpg.
However, Ford initially advertised the 2013 model year (along with the C-Max of the same year) at 47 mpg, leading to a class-action lawsuit for falsely stating the fuel economy. The lawsuit is currently ongoing at the time of this writing.
The biggest leap forward in efficiency to come with the second generation is the Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid. Unlike the standard hybrid, this variant needs to be charged much like a fully electric car. It sports the same power output as the standard hybrid version.
However, the addition of an externally rechargeable battery system bumped the Fusion Energi to massive fuel economy ratings. The EPA estimates an astonishing combined 103 mpg equivalent (MPGe) when using both gasoline and the electric system. This allows an estimated 610 miles on a single 14-gallon tank.
Second-generation Fusions span such a large amount of years that prices can vary greatly. That being said, a budget of $15,000 will land you in a pretty well-maintained later model example with just about any of the engine options.
Generally, the plug-in hybrid variants are slightly higher but can still be found for under $20,000.
Ford Fusion: Overall Fuel Efficiency Rating
The Ford Fusion is a remarkable example of a line of cars that grew along with the rapid evolution of technology and electric cars throughout the last two decades. They started life as typical gasoline-sipping midsize sedans and evolved into an array of turbocharged and partial electric modern automobiles. The first-generation models aren’t what you’d call bad on fuel, but the second-generation really takes it to the next step.
If you are in the market for an efficient midsize sedan, any of the lineup of Ecoboost options (excluding the Sport) will likely leave you satisfied. If you’re looking for spectacular numbers, either the first-gen. or second-gen. hybrids are sure to meet your standards.
Finally, the most efficient way to own a Ford Fusion is undoubtedly the plug-in hybrid variants. The best part about the Fusion’s lifespan is the ability to get one at just about any budget ranging from $5,000 to $20,000+. Whatever model you may choose, you’re likely to enjoy it!
Photos: Ford
