A combined 38 MPG makes the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi a good choice for drivers who want modern technology and decent fuel savings in a mid-size sedan. It’s not as fuel-efficient as a Prius, but it’s a mainstream sedan with a plug, geared toward buyers who want to try an electric car without going fully EV. This car will appeal to buyers who want to impress the neighbors without giving up a comfy back seat and a reasonably sized trunk.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Fusion Energi gets 40 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. This difference shows why a plug-in hybrid is appealing: it can maximize efficiency in stop-and-go traffic where the electric motor works best. City drivers who spend a lot of time commuting on busy streets will probably see numbers close to 40 MPG, especially if they plug in regularly. However, highway driving depends more on the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, bringing the numbers closer to a regular hybrid. The automatic transmission with variable gear ratios is programmed to optimize the interaction between the electric motor and gasoline engine, switching between power sources as needed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi is $1,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using the national average fuel prices when the calculation was made. Your actual fuel cost will change depending on your driving habits, the price of gasoline in your area, and how often you plug in the car to use its electric range. Someone who charges the car consistently and mostly uses it for short, local trips could see much lower fuel costs, while someone who rarely plugs in and mostly drives on the highway will likely spend closer to the $1,150 estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful starting point, real-world MPG can vary a lot. The shorter your daily trips, the more benefit owners will see from the Energi. Regular charging is very important to the car’s value. Owners who plug in consistently and use the car’s electric range will save the most fuel, possibly exceeding the EPA estimates. Keep in mind that aggressive driving, cold weather, and frequent use of heating or air conditioning can all hurt fuel economy. Check out FUSION MPG across all years to see how other model years compare.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2016 Fusion Energi is a good mix of attainable efficiency. The Toyota Prius Prime, for example, achieves a combined 54 MPG and offers more electric range, but it’s a hatchback and some buyers don’t like that design. The standard Toyota Camry Hybrid, without a plug, offers around 52 MPG combined, making it a strong competitor. It lacks the all-electric driving capability of the Energi though. The Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, another rival, offers similar plug-in capability with MPG figures in the same area as the Fusion Energi. The choice comes down to individual preferences in terms of styling, features, and driving experience. The ability to plug in sets the Energi apart, especially for drivers with short commutes and easy access to charging. For comparison, check all Ford fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

First, get in the habit of plugging in the car whenever it’s parked at home or at work. Even a partial charge can help you travel more on electricity alone and use less gas. Think of it like charging your smartphone, consistent charging helps maximize the battery.

Make good decisions when you choose which driving mode to use. The Energi usually has an “EV Now” mode that uses electric driving first, an “Auto” mode that mixes electric and gasoline power, and an “EV Later” mode that saves the battery’s charge for later. Use “EV Now” for city driving and shorter trips to save money. But, if you’re driving on the highway, think about using “EV Later” to save electric range for when you get to the city.

Pay attention to your driving. Smooth acceleration and gentle braking are important for maximizing efficiency in any car, particularly in a hybrid. Don’t accelerate too quickly or brake too hard, because these actions use up the electric motor quickly and force the gasoline engine to work harder. Look ahead and anticipate traffic to maintain a consistent speed and brake less.

Tire inflation is another factor that’s often forgotten. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which you can find on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. A simple tire pressure check can make a difference, especially on longer trips.

Minimize extra weight by removing unnecessary items from the trunk and rear seats, as extra weight reduces fuel economy. A lighter car requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, which means better MPG.