The 2015 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid gets 38 MPG combined, making it appealing to commuters who want to save fuel without worrying about the limited range of electric vehicles. It’s designed for efficiency, maximizing miles per gallon using both gasoline and electric power, instead of a sports sedan. The Fusion Energi is best for drivers who prioritize fuel economy and those who drive short distances with access to charging.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Fusion Energi at 40 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Hybrid vehicles typically perform slightly better in urban settings because they use regenerative braking to recapture energy and use the electric motor more at lower speeds. Because highway driving relies more on the gasoline engine, the MPG is lower. The Energi performs best in stop-and-go traffic, making it good for densely populated areas. Its automatic variable gear ratio transmission blends electric and gasoline power without the shift shock of a conventional transmission.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that it will cost about $1,150 per year to fuel the 2015 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Because it is a plug-in hybrid, this cost can be much lower if you frequently charge the battery and drive mostly on electric power. You could potentially spend very little on gasoline if your daily commute is shorter than the car’s electric range. For all Ford fuel economy data check out our Ford model pages.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG can vary based on driving habits, climate, and terrain, though the EPA estimates offer a baseline. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and hilly routes can all reduce fuel economy. But gentle acceleration, maintaining a steady speed, and driving on flat terrain can improve MPG. The Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid, so how much you use its electric range will greatly affect your fuel costs. Regular charging is essential to achieving the advertised MPG and getting the most out of the hybrid powertrain. Be sure to compare FUSION MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2015 Ford Fusion Energi offered a good mix of efficiency and practicality compared to similar cars. The Toyota Prius Plug-in, for example, got a slightly higher MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating but often had less cabin space and less comfortable ride than the Fusion Energi. The Chevrolet Volt, another key competitor, had a longer electric-only range. However, the Fusion Energi was more appealing to those who liked its more traditional sedan style and driving. While the standard, non-plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Fusion is more affordable to buy, it can’t match the Energi’s potential for fuel savings when you consistently plug it in and drive on electric power.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the vehicle’s “EV Now” mode for short trips around town. This forces the car to run only on electric power, so the gasoline engine won’t start unless it has to. For longer journeys, use “Auto” mode, which lets the car switch between electric and gasoline power based on driving conditions and battery charge.

Precondition the cabin while the car is plugged in. That way, you can heat or cool the interior using electricity from the grid, instead of draining the battery or using the gasoline engine when you start driving. This is especially helpful in extreme weather.

Accelerate gently and anticipate traffic flow to brake less. The Fusion Energi’s regenerative braking system captures energy when you slow down. However, it’s more efficient to avoid braking by maintaining a consistent speed and anticipating stops.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level on the doorjamb sticker.