The 2016 Ford Fusion with front-wheel-drive and a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets a combined 26 MPG, which places it in the middle of the midsize sedan category. It’s not the best in its class, but it’s good enough for buyers who value features, style, and good handling over saving gas. This Fusion is attractive to drivers who want a comfortable and well-equipped car for commuting that also feels sporty. They understand that the turbocharged engine delivers satisfying performance, and they’re willing to accept that it’s slightly less fuel-efficient than hybrid or more economy-focused models.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Fusion with the 2.0L engine show different numbers for city and highway driving: 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city number shows what happens in stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger is constantly used to give extra acceleration. On the highway, the Fusion settles into a more economical speed, using its six-speed automatic transmission to keep the engine running efficiently. The difference between city and highway numbers shows how much driving style and conditions affect actual gas mileage. Drivers who often commute on the highway will find the Fusion more economical than drivers who mainly drive in the city.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Fusion FWD 2.0L 4-cyl is $1,700. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This number is a starting point, but individual fuel costs will change a lot depending on local gas prices and how someone drives. For example, driving aggressively and taking many short trips can easily make the annual cost higher. On the other hand, careful highway driving and regular maintenance can help keep fuel bills closer to the EPA estimate. Understanding this $1,700 number is important for buyers who care about the cost of owning a car.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard way to measure fuel economy, but real-world gas mileage often varies. If the car is well-maintained and driven responsibly, expect the 2016 Fusion 2.0L to get MPG numbers close to the EPA estimates. Many owners report averaging between 24 and 28 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Driving aggressively will lower the average, while smooth acceleration and keeping a steady speed can push MPG closer to, or even above, the EPA estimates. Also, tire pressure, outside temperature, and even using accessories like air conditioning can affect how much gas is used. Regularly checking the car and making changes to how it’s driven is important for getting the best fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Fusion’s 26 MPG combined rating is competitive with other midsize sedans from that time. For example, the 2016 Honda Accord 2.4L with an automatic transmission gets a slightly better 27 MPG combined. However, some drivers thought the Fusion’s turbocharged engine and responsive handling were worth the tradeoff. The Toyota Camry, another popular choice, also gets around 28 MPG combined in its non-hybrid version. The Mazda 6, known for its SKYACTIV technology, can achieve up to 29 MPG combined, which could be a consideration for those looking for even greater fuel efficiency. For buyers, understanding these fuel economy differences, while also considering price, features, and driving experience, is key when deciding what is the best fit. Review FUSION MPG across all years for more comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine works best with smooth and gradual acceleration. Avoid hard starts and sudden bursts of speed, especially in city traffic, because these actions make the turbocharger work harder and use more fuel. If you anticipate how traffic will flow and keep a steady speed, you can greatly improve your miles per gallon.

Make sure your tires are always properly inflated. Tires with low air pressure increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes, and inflate them to the level recommended on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a small difference in tire pressure can affect fuel economy.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you think you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines, like the 2.0L EcoBoost, are made to restart easily and won’t be damaged by doing this.

Follow the recommended maintenance schedule, paying close attention to when to replace the air filter. A clogged air filter reduces airflow to the engine, which reduces performance and fuel efficiency. Replacing the air filter when recommended ensures the engine can breathe easily and run as it should. Be sure to view all Ford fuel economy data for more insight.