23 MPG combined is what you can expect from a 2017 Ford Fusion with all-wheel drive and the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. It’s not the best in its class, but many Fusion buyers accept it for the added confidence of AWD and the strong performance of the turbocharged four-cylinder.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L are 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Around town, the Fusion’s weight and stop-and-go driving reduce fuel consumption. The all-wheel-drive system, constantly monitoring and adjusting power distribution, adds a slight drag compared to front-wheel-drive models. However, the turbocharged engine provides enough torque for confident acceleration, making it easy to merge into traffic. On the open road, the Fusion’s fuel economy is better, and the 29 MPG highway rating is achievable, especially if you maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive driving. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, contributing to the highway mileage. This vehicle is for longer commutes, where the highway MPG helps boost the overall average.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L will be about $1,900. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year with a mix of city and highway conditions, using the national average fuel price when the calculation was made. Your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and the fuel prices in your area. This $1,900 is a benchmark for comparison to other vehicles’ fuel costs. Review FUSION MPG across all years to see if other models can help drive those costs down.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers reporting their own figures on fuel tracking apps suggest that the 23 MPG combined rating might be high for some. Expect anywhere from 21-25 MPG in combined driving, depending on your driving style. If you frequently engage the engine’s turbo boost, mileage will drop considerably. However, careful drivers sticking to lower speeds are more likely to match or exceed the EPA highway figure. The AWD system’s impact is also significant; if you rarely need all-wheel drive, a front-wheel-drive Fusion with the same 2.0L EcoBoost engine will likely deliver better fuel economy.

How it compares

In the mid-size sedan segment, the 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L faces competition in fuel economy. The Toyota Camry, especially the hybrid model, consistently achieves better mileage. A Camry Hybrid LE nets as high as 52 MPG combined. Even the non-hybrid Camry LE rivals the Fusion’s highway MPG, achieving close to 28 MPG combined. Honda’s Accord, with the 1.5L turbo engine, also proves more fuel-efficient, hovering around 33 MPG combined. If you are focused on fuel economy, it’s worth looking at all Ford fuel economy data as well. The Subaru Legacy, another popular AWD sedan, gets around 28 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing all-weather capability and turbocharged performance over fuel efficiency, the Fusion offers a combination that its more efficient rivals can’t quite match.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be mindful of how hard you press on the accelerator, as the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is responsive and encourages spirited driving. Avoid constantly accelerating hard, as this increases fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow can improve your MPG.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the trunk or cabin that you don’t need daily. Even small amounts of extra weight can add up.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. Cruise control can help prevent sudden bursts of acceleration or deceleration, which can waste fuel. By maintaining a steady speed, you can optimize your highway fuel economy.

Use the “Eco” mode, if equipped, to optimize fuel efficiency. This mode typically adjusts throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel economy over performance. While you may notice a slight decrease in responsiveness, the tradeoff in fuel savings can be significant.