20 MPG combined might raise eyebrows in today’s fuel-conscious market, but it reflects the compromise to enjoy the performance and all-weather capability of the 2017 Ford Fusion AWD with its strong 2.7L V6. This isn’t a car for hypermilers; it’s a sedan for drivers who prioritize confident acceleration and surefootedness, even if it means sacrificing a few MPGs. This Fusion caters to those who value a responsive powertrain and the reassurance of all-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway for this specific Fusion. Stop-and-go of urban streets will impact fuel consumption, with the V6 and AWD system working harder to get the car moving. However, the 26 MPG highway figure represents a reasonable return for longer commutes or road trips, indicating the drivetrain is relatively relaxed when cruising at consistent speeds. Your driving style will dramatically impact whether you achieve, exceed, or fall short of these numbers. Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking will reduce efficiency, while a more measured approach will yield better results.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.7L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the then-current national average fuel price. This standardized calculation allows buyers to directly compare the estimated running costs of different vehicles. Your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway miles you typically drive.

Real-world expectations

It’s critical to temper expectations based on the EPA estimates. While they provide a useful benchmark, they are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions that rarely replicate real-world driving. Factors like traffic congestion, weather conditions, and even tire pressure can all influence fuel economy. Owners of this Fusion often report numbers that are within a couple of MPG of the EPA estimates, but it’s not uncommon to see slightly lower figures, especially in areas with heavy stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain. Treat the EPA numbers as a guide, not a guarantee, and monitor your own fuel consumption to get a true picture of your vehicle’s efficiency. Many owners find their fuel economy is within 2 MPG of the EPA estimate.

How it compares

The 2017 Ford Fusion AWD 2.7L exists in a segment with a diverse range of fuel economy offerings. A comparable 2017 Toyota Camry XLE V6 offers a slightly better 24 MPG combined, but it lacks the all-weather capability of the Fusion’s AWD system. If AWD is a must-have, a 2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i with its standard AWD system achieves a combined 29 MPG, a significant improvement, but it comes with a less powerful four-cylinder engine. Even within the Fusion lineup, you’ll find significantly better MPG figures if you opt for a different engine, such as the 1.5L EcoBoost, which trades power for fuel efficiency. The buyer of the 2.7L AWD Fusion understands these trade-offs and consciously chooses performance and grip over maximizing fuel economy. Check out FUSION MPG across all years for more details.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.7L V6 wants to unleash its power, but rapid acceleration from a stop or frequent bursts of speed will dramatically increase fuel consumption. Focus on smooth, progressive acceleration to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range. This is important in city driving.

Monitor your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, which is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a small difference in pressure can affect fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Especially relevant in drive-throughs or during traffic delays, the 2.7L V6 isn’t the most frugal engine at idle, so avoiding unnecessary idling will make a noticeable difference.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can significantly improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps eliminate variations in speed caused by subtle changes in throttle input, keeping the engine operating at a more consistent and efficient level. Be mindful when using cruise control in hilly areas, where the transmission might downshift frequently, negating some of the benefits. FuelEconomyHub.com is your source for all Ford fuel economy data.