42 MPG combined makes the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl a good choice, especially if you want to drive gas-free for a portion of your daily commute. This isn’t a screaming-fast sports sedan, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a comfortable, practical, and efficient midsize car for drivers who want lower fuel costs alongside everyday usability. It’s best for suburban residents who can plug in at home, but sometimes need a gasoline engine for longer trips.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show an interesting attribute of the Fusion Energi: it does slightly better in city driving than on the highway, with ratings of 43 and 40 MPG respectively. This is mostly because of the Energi’s regenerative braking system and electric motor assist, which work well in stop-and-go urban environments. In the city, you can maximize the use of electric power, especially if you pre-charge and use “EV Now” mode to extend your all-electric range. On the open highway, the gasoline engine does more of the work, leading to a slight drop in overall fuel efficiency. Variable gear ratios provided by the automatic transmission also help optimize fuel consumption during different kinds of driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L 4-cyl’s annual fuel cost at $1,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a hypothetical fuel price that represents a national average. This number will vary depending on how much you drive in electric mode vs. gasoline mode, local electricity and fuel costs, and your individual driving style. If you mostly use the Energi for short commutes and errands within its electric range, and plug in frequently, your actual fuel cost could be much lower. If you consistently take long highway trips without charging, you’ll likely see a higher annual fuel expenditure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA ratings are a good benchmark, but expect some variation between those figures and what you experience. Factors like ambient temperature, driving habits (aggressive acceleration, frequent braking), terrain (hilly vs. flat), and the amount of time spent driving in electric-only mode will all matter. Owners who consistently prioritize smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic flow, and maximize regenerative braking will likely come closest to matching the EPA estimates. Colder temperatures reduce battery performance, which can dramatically cut your all-electric range and force the gasoline engine to work harder, reducing the car’s MPG.

How it compares

The Fusion Energi’s main competitors in 2019 included other plug-in hybrid sedans like the Toyota Prius Prime and the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. The Prius Prime had a higher MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating for electric driving, making it more efficient when running solely on battery power. The Fusion Energi offers a more conventional driving experience and potentially longer overall range when factoring in both gasoline and electric capabilities. The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offered a larger all-electric range in some model years, and some buyers may have preferred that. Looking at FUSION MPG across all years can provide helpful context. Even all of the all Ford fuel economy data as a whole may surprise you.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Energi’s “EV Now” mode to prioritize electric driving, especially during short trips and in stop-and-go traffic. Pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in helps preserve charge and extends your all-electric range, especially in colder or hotter weather.

Use the Energi’s regenerative braking feature to recapture energy and recharge the battery while decelerating. Anticipate traffic flow and ease off the accelerator early, allowing the regenerative braking to slow the car down instead of relying solely on the conventional brakes.

Plugging in whenever the vehicle is parked is critical for maximizing efficiency and minimizing fuel consumption. Develop a charging routine at home or work to keep the battery topped off, so you can use electric power for most of your daily driving.

Keep the tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as this reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy. Make sure that the vehicle is properly maintained, including regular oil changes and filter replacements, to keep the engine running efficiently.