2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid Pros vs Cons

Hybrids are still a relatively new concept but are becoming increasingly popular among automakers, which can make shopping for your first hybrid vehicle a bit burdensome. The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid takes a lot of the guesswork out of buying a hybrid car. This mid-sized sedan hybrid variant is quite similar to the gas-only Fusion and offers many of the same safety and technological features. Therefore, it really has a sedan feel. Despite a few drawbacks, the Fusion Hybrid is nothing short of predictable and comfortable.

What's New for 2018?

There were no significant changes made, so everything carries over from the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid model.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid – The Pros

1. Folding Rear Seats

Cargo space is a modest 12 cubic feet on the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Since the battery pack is mounted extremely low, folding rear seats are able to maximize cargo space and allow for more storage.

2. The Sync 3 Infotainment System

As far as infotainment systems go, Ford has gone above and beyond to refine the Sync 3 infotainment system. Sync 3 includes onboard navigation, smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth capabilities, and superb voice controls.

3. Quiet Interior

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a remarkably quiet powertrain that only gets loud when you take it to full throttle. Otherwise, it is quiet in both EV mode and while idling. Also, the gas-powered engine is pretty tranquil until you max out its acceleration. Overall, the interior is well-insulated from road and wind noise, so you won't have to worry about not being able to hear your music or someone speaking to you from the back seat while driving on the highway.

4. High-Quality Interior, Especially On the Platinum Trim

The interior looks way more upscale than what you might expect to find on a mid-sized sedan hybrid variant. The Platinum trim's interior is especially gorgeous with its leather upholstery and leather covers along the dash. The stitching looks absolutely flawless.

5. Seat Comfort

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid has cloth seats that are extremely well-cushioned and provide plenty of support. The leather is, as you might expect, a bit more firm. However, the leather seats are still relatively comfortable and provide ample width.

6. Excellent Climate Control

The Fusion Hybrid's dual-zone climate control keeps air pumping throughout the entire cabin so that all occupants can remain cool on hot days or warm on frigid days. If you opt for the Platinum trim, you will get a ventilated front seat and a heated steering wheel.

7. Easy to Find a Driving Position

The driver's seat is easy to adjust, especially on the power-adjustable cloth seats. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows drivers an optimal amount of flexibility for finding the most comfortable driving position. Overall, there is a wide range of adjustment up front.

8. Spacious Cabin

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid shares the spacious cabin of its gas-only version, making it more spacious than many hybrid competitors. Up front, there is a generous amount of head, shoulder, and legroom, which is above the class average. Rear headroom is slightly limited due to the sloping roof and is more limited with the addition of the optional sunroof. However, those who are less than 6 feet tall won't be able to notice.

9. Tons of Small Item Storage Areas

Small item storage areas are located throughout the cabin. The bin underneath the front armrest is huge. In addition to the two cupholders on both center armrests, there are also smaller cupholders in the door pockets that can hold small drinking bottles.

10. Driver Aids Work Well

Whereas many automakers have driver aids that are either too touchy or rather unresponsive, the driver aids on the Fusion Hybrid work almost seamlessly. All of the most high-tech active safety features you could want (such as adaptive cruise control) come as options on the mid-level SE trim and standard on the higher-level Platinum and Titanium trims.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid – The Cons

1. Lower Fuel Economy Than Some Competitors

Unfortunately, the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid isn't at the top of the pack when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Honda's Accord Hybrid outperforms the Fusion by about 6 combined mpg. Although its fuel economy is decent, it just cannot compete with some competitors.

2. Lurches While Switching to Gas

There is a noticeable lurching motion that occurs while the powertrain is switching from electric to gas. The vehicle actually performs much more smoothly when going from stop to start in EV mode.

3. Low Visibility

The sloping roof and chunky front and rear pillars negatively impact front and rear visibility. Although it isn't detrimental, the massive rear roof pillar does enlarge the rear blind spot. Thankfully, the standard rearview camera helps you know when another vehicle is in your blind spot.

4. Steering Feels Questionable

Steering on the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid feels very lacking. There is not much feedback from the vehicle to the driver, and the steering feels way too light regardless of what speed you are driving. Drivers will have to do a lot of guesswork to know how the tires are performing.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid is a top contender for the model year. This hybrid incorporates all of the elements drivers love about the gas-powered Accord and amps it up with a strong powertrain that generates one of the best fuel economies you can find on the market today. The biggest drawback is that its infotainment system is somewhat confusing and touchy.

2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid is another contender for this year. Its fuel economy tops even the Accord Hybrid by a few combined mpg, and the Camry has a whopping 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space thanks to the relocation of its battery pack.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid doesn't give the best fuel efficiency, and it has a few exterior design and mechanical elements that need improvements. However, the vehicle has a fantastic interior design, an infotainment system that is user-friendly, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride at slow or high speeds. Overall, the Fusion Hybrid is driver-friendly and cozy for passengers.