25 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but in the 2016 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L 4-cyl, it’s a reasonable trade-off. This Fusion isn’t bought by hypermilers seeking maximum efficiency. It’s chosen by drivers who want confident all-weather traction and a touch of sporty performance in a stylish and well-equipped sedan. For them, the fuel economy is an acceptable price for the added capability. This particular configuration appeals to those living in regions where snow and ice are realities, but who still desire something more engaging than a bare-bones commuter car.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L achieves 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the energy required to repeatedly accelerate and decelerate a mid-size sedan with all-wheel drive, which inherently adds weight and drivetrain loss. Stop-and-go traffic will always impact fuel economy negatively.

The 31 MPG highway rating is more respectable and shows what the Fusion 2.0L AWD can do during steady-state cruising. This is where the six-speed automatic transmission can hold gears for extended periods, aided by the engine’s broad torque curve. Don’t expect to hit 31 MPG if you’re constantly passing other cars or driving well above the speed limit, but sustained freeway driving should come close to the EPA estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L 4-cyl at $1,750. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assuming national average fuel prices.

Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how many miles you drive annually and where you live, as fuel prices fluctuate significantly across different regions. If you drive fewer miles or live in an area with cheaper gas, your annual fuel expenses will be lower. Conversely, high mileage drivers in areas with expensive fuel will undoubtedly pay more than the $1,750 estimate. It’s a useful benchmark, but remember that it’s just an average.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many 2016 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L drivers report MPG figures that are slightly lower than the official EPA estimates, particularly in areas with dense traffic or hilly terrain. Aggressive driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration, will also decrease observed fuel economy.

However, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic flow, and make use of cruise control on the highway often report figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA numbers. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can all subtly influence fuel consumption. Keep these factors in mind when evaluating your own Fusion’s fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Fusion AWD 2.0L is in a competitive segment, battling rivals with different ways to save gas. The Toyota Camry AWD (available starting in 2024) is a newer competitor to the Fusion AWD. Comparing the Fusion to other similar AWD vehicles sold in 2016, the Subaru Legacy 2.5i, a perennial all-wheel-drive sedan, earns a slightly better EPA combined rating of 29 MPG. However, the Legacy 2.5i trades away some performance for that improved fuel economy.

The Mazda6, known for its sporty driving dynamics but only available with front-wheel drive, achieves a combined EPA rating of 29 MPG with its 2.5L engine, highlighting the fuel economy penalty incurred by the Fusion’s AWD system. A Honda Accord with its 2.4L and CVT is a similar number. These comparisons matter because Fusion AWD buyers are choosing all-weather capability over potentially superior fuel economy in a comparable front-wheel-drive sedan.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize aggressive acceleration. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in the 2016 Fusion AWD responds readily to throttle input, but each burst of acceleration requires extra fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration helps keep the turbocharger from spooling up unnecessarily and reduces fuel consumption. Imagine there’s an egg between your foot and the gas pedal: smooth acceleration, like trying not to crack the egg, is key.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consequently reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly (ideally every month) and inflate them to the pressure indicated on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb, rather than the maximum pressure listed on the tire itself. A common recommendation is to check your tire pressure when your tires are ‘cold’, because driving heats them up.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive weight in the trunk or passenger compartment puts extra strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need on a regular basis, such as sports equipment, infrequently used tools, or heavy objects. If you want to see all Ford fuel economy data, this is particularly relevant.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can lead to significant fuel savings on long highway drives, especially on relatively flat terrain. Make sure to deactivate cruise control when driving in hilly areas or heavy traffic; in these situations, it may actually reduce fuel economy. Research FUSION MPG across all years to check for consistient savings.

Anticipate traffic flow. By looking ahead and anticipating traffic patterns, you can avoid sudden braking and acceleration. Maintaining a steady speed reduces the need to constantly adjust your throttle input, leading to smoother and more fuel-efficient driving.