The 2018 Ford Fusion with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and front-wheel drive gets a combined 25 MPG. It isn’t a hybrid or marketed as a hyper-efficient commuter. The Fusion 2.0L is for buyers who want a mix of power, comfortable space, and modern features more than ultimate fuel efficiency. It’s for drivers who want a responsive engine for merging and passing, and accept slightly higher fuel costs as a result.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway are accurate for the Fusion 2.0L’s driving. The 21 MPG city figure indicates that stop-and-go driving will reduce fuel economy, as expected with a forced-induction engine needing to build boost. However, the 31 MPG highway rating is good, suggesting the six-speed automatic transmission shifts efficiently at higher speeds. These numbers show a car that is better on long highway drives than in cities where acceleration and deceleration are constant.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Fusion 2.0L FWD at $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and current average fuel prices. Therefore, individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits and gas prices, but $1,750 is a good benchmark for comparing the Fusion’s costs to other similar cars. You can see all Ford fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub.com.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world mileage often differs. Some drivers report getting slightly less than the EPA’s 25 MPG combined, especially with city driving or frequent hard acceleration. However, drivers who are mostly on the highway, keep consistent speeds, and drive efficiently report getting or exceeding the 31 MPG highway figure. Expect the actual MPG to be around 22-28 MPG combined, based on driving style and conditions. The FUSION MPG across all years can show past trends.

How it compares

When looking at the 2018 Ford Fusion 2.0L, it’s important to compare it to similar cars. For example, the 2018 Toyota Camry with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, a good improvement. The Honda Accord 1.5T gets around 30 MPG combined, again showing the Fusion’s slightly lower fuel efficiency. The Mazda 6 with its 2.5L engine gets similar mileage to the Fusion at 26 MPG combined. These fuel economy differences are important to buyers who want lower fuel costs, but those wanting a more powerful engine may accept the Fusion’s lower MPG for its performance over some competitors’ engines.

Tips to maximize efficiency

A gentle foot on the gas pedal is the first step to better mileage. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine has enough power, but quick acceleration will hurt fuel consumption. Smooth acceleration will reduce fuel, especially in city driving.

Regular maintenance is critical. Make sure your tires have the correct pressure, because low tires increase resistance and reduce fuel economy. Also, regular oil changes and air filter replacements keep the engine running well.

Don’t idle. Modern engines burn fuel even when stopped. If stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save gas. This is helpful in traffic or waiting in parking lots.

On the highway, cruise control helps. Maintaining a steady speed reduces acceleration and deceleration, improving mileage. Be aware of traffic and avoid cruise control on hills where the engine may work harder.