The 2020 Ford Fusion FWD 2.5L 4-cyl gets 24 MPG combined, which is acceptable fuel economy. This Fusion isn’t trying to get Prius-level efficiency, and its owners probably aren’t either. It’s a comfortable, spacious sedan for buyers who want value and ease of use more than new technology or hybrid engines. They accept this MPG because the Fusion offers a straightforward driving experience, a comfortable ride, and a price that’s lower than many of its competitors that get better mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Ford Fusion with the 2.5L engine gets 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure is okay for typical stop-and-go driving. But the highway MPG is more respectable, allowing for comfortable and relatively efficient long trips. The six-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine at its best on the open road. Real-world city performance depends a lot on how you drive. Hard acceleration and braking will lower that 21 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Fusion FWD 2.5L 4-cyl is $1,800. This is figured by driving 15,000 miles a year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on how much you drive and where you live. If you drive much more than 15,000 miles a year, or if fuel prices are higher where you live, expect to pay more. Less driving and lower fuel costs will save you money. This number is a good point of comparison for other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good start, real-world fuel economy often changes. Getting the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating is possible if you keep consistent speeds and avoid aggressive driving. But things like heavy loads, hilly roads, or strong winds can all change how well the car uses fuel. Many drivers report results close to the EPA estimates when they drive carefully. The 2.5L engine is reliable, but requires a careful approach to get the best mileage.

How it compares

The 2020 Ford Fusion’s fuel economy compares to its competitors in different ways. The Toyota Camry LE, with its 2.5L engine, gets a combined 32 MPG, a clear improvement over the Fusion. But the Camry’s XSE trim with a similar engine drops fuel economy to 28 combined. The Honda Accord LX, another competitor, gets 33 MPG combined with its 1.5T engine. These differences are important. Buyers with a limited budget who need a reliable vehicle might give up a few MPG for features or comfort.

Comparing data across several years can provide a better picture of the FUSION MPG across all years. Examining all Ford fuel economy data can reveal insights on efficiency improvements across the entire lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for keeping good fuel economy. Make sure your tires have the right amount of air, which is on the sticker on the door. Low tires increase rolling resistance and lower MPG. Regular oil changes with the right kind of oil also help the engine run well.

Accelerating and braking gently can really improve fuel use. Avoid hard starts and stops. Watch the traffic and keep a smooth, consistent speed when you can. The Fusion’s six-speed automatic will shift better if you drive lightly.

Remove things you don’t need from the car. Extra weight puts stress on the engine and lowers fuel efficiency. Even a full tank of gas adds weight, so only fill up when you need to.

Don’t let the car idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling wastes fuel. Modern cars restart quickly, so there’s no need to idle.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Don’t use cruise control on hilly roads, as it can make the transmission shift too much and hurt MPG.