The 2018 Ford Fusion AWD with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets 20 MPG combined. It’s no Prius, but it doesn’t try to be. This Fusion is for drivers who want confident all-weather traction and a strong turbocharged engine over top fuel efficiency, a trade-off many find acceptable given the Fusion’s other qualities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Ford Fusion AWD 2.7L at 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This difference reveals that the Fusion’s turbo V6 works best for highway driving, where the engine is more efficient. Stop-and-go city driving causes fuel economy to drop. Expect the turbo to activate often as you accelerate, rapidly using fuel. The all-wheel drive system also lowers city MPG. Drivers who mainly use open roads will see numbers closer to the 26 MPG highway estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Fusion AWD 2.7L is $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and how often you push the Fusion. Driving hard will increase fuel bills, with some possibly exceeding $2,200, but economical drivers might spend a little less.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give a starting point, but individual results vary. Factors like driving style, road conditions, and tire pressure all affect fuel consumption. Owners often report slightly lower real-world MPG than the EPA combined figure, typically between 18-21 MPG. People in hilly areas or those who take short trips with frequent cold starts might see even lower numbers. On the other hand, careful drivers with long highway commutes could get numbers near or even above the EPA highway estimate.

How it compares

Competitors like the Toyota Camry XLE V6 (22 MPG combined) and Honda Accord 2.0T (26 MPG combined) get better fuel economy than the Fusion AWD 2.7L. The Nissan Altima 2.5L (32 MPG combined) offers a significant fuel efficiency advantage. But these don’t have the same combination of all-wheel drive and powerful, turbocharged V6 offered in the Fusion. The Subaru Legacy 2.5i has standard all-wheel drive and gets 27 MPG combined, but its engine isn’t as strong as the Fusion’s. This is why buyers wanting all-weather driving and fast acceleration are willing to accept the Fusion’s gas mileage.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to lower fuel use in the Fusion 2.7L. Avoid sudden speed increases and look ahead to keep a steady pace. The turbocharged engine responds quickly to hard acceleration, which uses a lot of fuel.

Correct tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency. Regularly check your tires and keep the pressure at the level on the driver’s side doorjamb. Low tires cause more resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel.

Take out extra weight in the car. More weight makes the engine work harder, which lowers fuel economy. Get rid of things you don’t need from the trunk and inside the car.

Don’t idle the engine. If stopped for over a minute, shut it off. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, and idling uses fuel without going anywhere. See all Ford fuel economy data.

Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running well. A well-maintained engine will burn fuel more efficiently, improving fuel economy. Review FUSION MPG across all years.