27 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2017 Ford Fusion FWD 1.5L 4-cyl. It’s not going to win any hypermiling contests, and it certainly won’t challenge a Prius, but it’s a solid compromise for buyers who want a comfortable, spacious mid-size sedan more than top fuel efficiency. This engine aims to please buyers who like the Fusion’s styling and features but don’t need the extra power (or fuel consumption) of the larger engines, and are ready to accept a modest tradeoff at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine and front-wheel drive are realistically attainable, if not particularly exciting. The 23 MPG city rating reflects the engine’s tendency to work harder in stop-and-go traffic. The 1.5L engine, while turbocharged, needs to spool up to deliver its power, something noticeable when constantly accelerating from a standstill.

Out on the highway, the Fusion performs better, achieving a respectable 34 MPG. Owners who do a lot of highway commuting will find themselves near or even slightly above this figure, especially if they drive conservatively and avoid excessive speeding.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Fusion 1.5L at $1,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. It’s a useful benchmark for comparison, but your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive and the price of gasoline in your area. Someone driving only 10,000 miles per year will spend less, while someone constantly dealing with rush-hour traffic in an area with higher fuel prices will spend more. The $1,600 is an EPA estimate, so keep that in mind.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often changes depending on driving style, terrain, and even the season. A driver who frequently accelerates hard will see lower numbers than someone who drives in a smooth, more efficient way.

Hilly terrain and consistently strong headwinds can decrease fuel economy. Colder temperatures, due to denser air and the engine needing to work harder to reach operating temperature, typically result in lower MPG too. You need to make sure you are using the correct grade of fuel recommended by Ford. Experimenting to see if premium produces better fuel economy is a waste, and not worth the added cost.

How it compares

In the mid-size sedan segment, the 2017 Fusion 1.5L’s fuel economy is competitive, but not the best. For example, the Toyota Camry LE with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine boasts an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, just slightly below the Fusion’s highway number. A Honda Accord LX with its 2.4L 4-cylinder achieves 27 MPG city and 36 MPG highway; a small bump in city and highway when compared to the Fusion. These differences, while seemingly minor on paper, matter to buyers carefully weighing fuel costs.

Some buyers may even cross-shop to smaller cars, like the Honda Civic, which gets 32 MPG combined with its 1.5L turbo. The decision often comes down to a balance of size, comfort, and fuel efficiency, and the Fusion occupies a solid middle ground. Looking at all Ford fuel economy data is a good way to put the FUSION MPG in context, and comparing FUSION MPG across all years is also helpful.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are critical to maximizing fuel economy within the Fusion’s powertrain. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a more constant speed. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine is responsive, but it requires more fuel when pushed hard. Gradual changes in speed will produce better results than stomping the accelerator constantly.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is another simple way to improve your MPG. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reducing unnecessary weight in the vehicle can also have a small but noticeable impact. Removing items from the trunk that you don’t regularly need will lighten the load and improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Every pound counts, so decluttering your Fusion can lead to slight gains at the pump while also making the car feel less cramped.

Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel economy. The engine is able to operate more efficiently at a steady pace, especially on flat stretches of road. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the car may downshift frequently and burn more fuel in order to maintain a constant speed.