The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 42 MPG combined, making it economical. It’s not as focused on fuel savings as a Prius, but it’s a spacious, comfortable sedan that uses less gas than many smaller cars. Its main goal is to offer good space and features for families without costing too much at the pump. It focuses on being efficient and practical rather than sporty or luxurious.

City and highway performance

The Fusion Hybrid’s EPA estimates are 43 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is very good, showing that the hybrid system works well in stop-and-go traffic where regenerative braking can recover a lot of energy. The car switches between electric and gasoline power to give acceleration around town, which is good for commuters. The highway MPG, while a little lower, is still good for a mid-size sedan. You can expect easy cruising and fewer gas station stops on long drives.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid at $1,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive and the price of gas in your area. However, $1,050 is a good reason to choose the hybrid over a normal gasoline sedan. If you plan to keep the car for a while, the long-term savings are significant. Considering the yearly costs includes factoring in fuel savings over time, and compared to other non-hybrid vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures give a standard comparison point, but actual fuel economy always changes. Expect to see numbers a little lower or higher than the EPA estimates depending on how you drive and the conditions. If you accelerate hard, brake often, and idle a lot, your fuel economy will go down. But if you drive smoothly, plan your route carefully to avoid traffic, and accelerate gently, you might get better MPG. Watch the Fusion Hybrid’s energy flow display to see how the hybrid system is working and change your driving as needed. Also, the terrain you drive on matters; hills may decrease the MPG just like off-roading.

How it compares

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid is in a competitive class. The Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, for example, gets an EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined, making it a direct competitor in fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers similar space and fuel savings, with EPA ratings around 42 MPG combined. Some buyers might prefer the Fusion’s traditional style and driving feel compared to the more obvious “hybrid” feel of the Prius or Camry Hybrid. Someone wanting Ford fuel economy data might consider the C-Max Hybrid from this time, which had a similar MPG in a smaller body. Ultimately, that search might even lead to checking FUSION MPG across all years to uncover other viable options for fuel-efficient Ford sedans.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2018 Fusion Hybrid does well with a smooth, gentle driving style. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and try to keep a steady speed by anticipating traffic flow. Each time you jam the brake pedal you lose an opportunity for recovery by way of regenerative braking. Use gradual throttle whether you are using cruise control or manual driving.

In stop-and-go traffic, use the “L” (Low) gear selector position to increase regenerative braking. This setting recovers more energy when you slow down, which helps keep the battery charged and saves fuel in the city. This type of vehicle is ideal for this situation.

Tire pressure is critical for fuel economy. Keep your tires inflated to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker. If tires are low on air, they increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check and adjust tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

If possible, use accessories less. The air conditioning, heater, and other electrical parts use power from the engine, so fuel economy goes down. Only use these things when you need to, especially on short trips, to save fuel. For normal users, this can prove a difficult concept to adopt.

Remove extra weight from the car. Too much stuff in the trunk or passenger area makes the car heavier, which reduces fuel efficiency. Take unnecessary items out of your car and only carry what you need to save fuel.