The Legacy of the Discontinued Ford Fusion Hybrid

A red 2020 Ford Fusion driving on a city street after leaving a used Ford dealer near Elk Grove.

There are many Ford hybrid options out there. In fact, hybrid options have increased exponentially over the years. Whether you are looking for a sedan that’s easy to maneuver and light on its tires or a truck to help you with the tough jobs, there is a Ford hybrid waiting for you here at Future Ford of Sacramento. As you look for a used Ford dealer near Elk Grove and consider what hybrid Ford model to choose, make sure you don’t count out the Ford Fusion.

The Fusion was launched in 2006 but didn’t become a hybrid until 2010. The earliest hybrid option was a product of its times, with a bold triple-slatted chrome grille that made it stand out in the crowd. The theme continues with a chrome insert in the front lower fascia. However, the inline-four gasoline engine and hybrid drivetrain are commendable, getting an estimated 41 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.

The Fusion Hybrid takes the concept of a hybrid to the next level, offering a quiet and comfortable drive. A more compact battery design is used, which means fewer bulky parts to fill up the interior. This results in a functioning back seat that folds down for additional trunk space. The interior was also given some updated features to reflect its new hybrid status. Included in the cluster is a SmartGauge with EcoGuide. This awesome feature allows you to monitor your driving and battery levels to get the most out of your hybrid.

Welcome the Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid

Not many changes occurred in the next few years, at least not until 2013, when the Fusion Hybrid underwent a redesign and gained a sibling. The 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid comes with a larger battery pack, making the interior more hybrid-like than the Fusion Hybrid. However, because of this more powerful battery assembly, the Energi can handle most of your daily driving on battery power alone, with an estimated 20 miles of all-electric range.

Overall, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi were both given a more updated look. The large chrome grille has been replaced with an oval slatted style grille with a much more sophisticated and upscale vibe. Subtle pleating on the hood and sides gives the sedan a muscular undertone.

A few trims were added over the following model years, and a gentle refresh occurred in 2017. Chrome accents and more dramatic hood pleating were used to create a more exciting style. The grille was narrowed a bit, and the interior received a few updates. Improved driver-assist and infotainment tech was also added, keeping up with more modern expectations.

Shortly before both hybrid versions were discontinued, they each received one more update in 2019. First, the plug-in version received a new grille, which changed the appearance dramatically. The slatted grille was replaced with a sophisticated mesh grille, while the grille insert in the lower fascia remained slatted. It elevated the overall look of the Fusion Energi. The fog lights were also revised to integrate better into the lower fascia.

A couple holding hands walks toward a blue 2020 Ford Fusion overlooking a city.

The Fantastic Ford Fusion Hybrid

The last few years of the Fusion Hybrid also saw several improvements and updates, with many new features being added that would make any driver happy. This included Ford making its Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite standard. Ford’s driver-assist technology includes a lane-keeping system, smart emergency braking, a rear-view camera, automatic high beams, and BLIS, which includes blind spot and cross-traffic monitoring. Adaptive cruise control is an available option that rounds out the safety features well.

The Platinum trim, introduced near the end of the Fusion’s run, offers luxury upgrades that make the car a pleasure to drive. A power sunroof opens up the sedan’s cabin, making it feel more roomy and airy. Leather-appointed seats and steering wheel provide a warm and sumptuous interior. Temperature-controlled seats heat and cool to keep you cozy, while power-adjustable seat positions and lumbar keep you comfortable.

Heated side mirrors and rain-detecting windshield wipers are excellent additions for cold and wet weather, improving safety and convenience. You can also use keyless entry or connect to the Ford app and control your vehicle remotely, with features like a remote start. Voice-activated navigation makes it easy to take to the road when you leave your Gold River Ford dealer.

The Fusion’s Big Bad Hybrid Brother

Granted, the Ford Fusion Hybrid seems to be the whole package, but it’s not the only amazing used hybrid in the Ford lineup. If you are looking for something a little different, we have rounded up a few of the other Ford hybrid options, just in case. One hybrid may even surprise you…the Ford F-150 Lightning.

That’s right, the big beastly Ford F-150 has been available as a hybrid since 2021. A twin-turbo V6 engine is paired with an electric motor to provide a boost in fuel efficiency. Which, let’s be honest, is incredible in a truck. Impressively, the engine produces 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This results in a rated fuel economy of 25 MPG, which is enough to make any truck owner giddy.

The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid sports everything we love about the Ford truck. A big meaty grille greets you, showcasing its lean, mean, and green power. Accented lower side rails, lower front fascia, and grille strip add further rugged appeal. The truck bed is enhanced by including electrical outlets powered by the battery pack, adding extra convenience.

Despite being badged as a hybrid, the F-150 hasn’t lost any of its bravado. It can tow up to 12,700 lbs and has a payload capacity of 2,120 lbs. The numbers have remained the same over the following years, meaning you get an awesome hybrid truck even if you buy a used model.

There’s a Hybrid SUV Too!

If you thought Ford’s hybrid lineup couldn’t get any better, you are wrong. With the addition of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid, there is a hybrid for everyone at our West Sacramento Ford dealership. Are you looking for something roomier than a sedan but don’t want to drive around in a beefy truck? Then the Escape is the perfect compromise without actually having to compromise.

The Escape received a complete makeover in 2020, adding the two hybrid options. Available as both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the Escape is a handsome-looking compact SUV. A sophisticated two-tone interior offers high-end leather appointments, while the spacious cargo area means plenty of room, despite being a hybrid.

Depending on the year and trim, the Escape has many options to improve comfort, safety, and convenience. Memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors adjust automatically to your preferred settings. A hands-free liftgate makes using the cargo hold easy, and an app allows you to connect to your vehicle for options like remote start and system analytics.

A grey 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum is shown from the rear driving past a lake.

A Used Hybrid for All

There is no shortage of hybrids these days. We are pushing into a new age for the automotive industry that involves new mechanics, engineering, and features, and Ford is proving it is still one of the top dogs. The Fusion is a prime example of everything that can be accomplished with a hybrid, and despite its discontinuation, it remains an excellent choice for a used Ford hybrid. Just in case the Fusion doesn’t check all the boxes, Ford has continued rolling out superior hybrid options, and you can explore them all when you visit Future Ford of Sacramento, just a short drive from Elk Grove.

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