Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, yet sportier
2010 Ford Fusion hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery
Ford's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid has earned plenty of accolades since it debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and the latest praise comes from Consumer Reports. In its most recent round of testing, the entire Fusion lineup did well, but CR singled out the hybrid model and declared it "essentially tied" with long-time favorite, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Fusion racked up 34 mpg, beating out the Kia Optima in a test of mid-size family sedans.
Compared to the Camry, CR agreed with most other reviewers that the Fusion felt sportier:
"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do."
Although we've disagreed with some of Consumer Reports' previous assessments, this is one case where we're of the same mind. Check out the official press release after the jump for more of CR's thoughts.Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Photos Copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Consumer Reports]
PRESS RELEASE:
Hybrid Ford Fusion Gets Excellent Rating in Consumer Reports, Now on Par With Toyota Camry Hybrid
Four and six-cylinder versions much improved, Audi Q5 tops tests of compact luxury SUVs
YONKERS, N.Y., Aug. 3, 2009; The new Ford Fusion Hybrid is now Consumer Reports' top-rated domestic sedan. Essentially tied with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Fusion Hybrid achieved an excellent 34 mpg overall in CR's fuel economy test and offers sportier driving.
The newly freshened four- and six-cylinder versions of the Ford Fusion family sedan are much improved and now compete with the best models in the category. All three versions were quieter and more refined than previous versions.
Consumer Reports also tested four- and six-cylinder versions of the freshened Kia Optima in its tests of family sedans in the September issue.
"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do. All have a comfortable ride, agile handling, and the innovative display on the Hybrid encourages frugal driving."
Prices ranged from $20,365 for the four-cylinder Optima to $32,360 for the Fusion Hybrid, which included a $5,000 package that added navigation, leather seats, a moonroof and other options. All of the cars in this group are Recommended based on test scores and the cars' previous reliability history. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The Audi Q5 was top in CR's test of compact luxury SUVs, also in the September issue. A combination of performance, comfort and refinement has made the Q5 one of the top-rated models in the growing compact luxury SUV market. (Note: The Audi Q5 was one of the top-rated cars ... Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited -- $28,860 is listed in first place.)
Full tests and ratings of family sedans and compact luxury SUVs appear in the August issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale August 4. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
Family Sedans
The Ford Fusion Hybrid's ride is supple and controlled, with good isolation from bumps. The Fusion Hybrid, ($32,360 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested, base hybrids start at about $28,000), is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor that combine for 191 hp and delivers 34 mpg overall and can be propelled up to 47 mpg on electricity alone in CR's own fuel economy tests. The CVT transmission performs smoothly. Braking is Very Good. The interior is well-finished. Due to the battery pack, the Hybrid's trunk is smaller than the non-Hybrid's and its seats do not fold down.
The Kia Optima is a sensible, well-rounded sedan that's competitively priced. It might not be an exciting drive, but it's roomy, rides well, and handles securely. The Optima LX, ($20,365, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 175-hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that accelerates smoothly and gets 25 mpg overall. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is Very Good. The Optima has a nicely-finished interior. Cargo space is Excellent.
Compact luxury SUVs
The Audi Q5 is quiet, agile, and fun to drive. It has a composed ride and a meticulously finished interior. The Q5 Premium Plus, ($42,800, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V6 engine that delivers very strong and smooth performance and gets 19 mpg overall on premium fuel in CR's own fuel economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively and very smoothly. Braking is Excellent. The Q5 has a well-finished and luxurious interior with wood and chrome detailing, lined storage compartments, and padded trim. Trade-offs include confusing controls and modest rear-seat and cargo space.
The Volvo XC60 is quick and civilized, and it benefits from Volvo's safety advances. Handling is sound, but the car is not as sporty to drive as its competitors. The XC60 T6 AWD, ($42,245, MSRP as tested), is powered by a turbocharged 281-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that is lively but gets an unimpressive 17 mpg overall. Braking is Very Good. Many interior panels are soft to the touch, and the satin-look metal trim is well done. Cabin storage is moderate.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 certainly has its virtues, but it trails most of the competition in this class. It's quick, quiet, agile and nimble in routine driving. The GLK350, (41,760, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers excellent performance but gets only 18 mpg overall on premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Very Good. The interior is nicely finished, with padded surfaces and imitation leather covering the seats. Cabin space is similar to others in this group.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
why not the LS2LS7? 12:11PM (8/04/2009)
34mpg? I think they've un-sold me on the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It's rated at 39/44/36!
The comment "47mpg on electricity alone" is nearly nonsensical. If it's running on electricity alone, it's not using gas at all, how can it have a meaningful mpg? And this vehicle cannot run on electricity continuously for any period of time, as the batteries run down the ICE turns on and drives the wheels as it charges, making it not pure EV in that mode.
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mapoftazifosho 12:20PM (8/04/2009)
Read carefully. They switch in the copy to mentioning the standard Ford Fusion, which achieves an EPA estimated 34 mpg highway.
Gordio 12:22PM (8/04/2009)
why would that unsell you? 34 mpg is good. it's not even that much lower than the EPA mixed of 36 as you said. for reference my significantly smaller honda fit gets around 32-35 mpg
bc 12:35PM (8/04/2009)
It's a typo, which can be discerned from context or if you have seen the specs elsewhere; it can be propelled up to 47 *mph* on electricity alone.
All hybrids' fuel economy is going to be even more sensitive than the average car to driving style and the type of test cycle selected. The EPA mileage tests are fairly short--they're testing other things besides mileage, and there are thousands of vehicles to test each year--and the Fusion hybrid will be on battery for most of the urban cycle and a significant portion of the highway cycle. 34 mpg overall is still quite good for CR's longer test drive.
why not the LS2LS7? 12:57PM (8/04/2009)
Here's the sentence
'The Fusion Hybrid, ($32,360 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested, base hybrids start at about $28,000), is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor that combine for 191 hp and delivers 34 mpg overall and can be propelled up to 47 mpg on electricity alone in CR's own fuel economy tests.'
No, it's not talking about the standard Ford Fusion. I do agree the "47 mpg" might be a typo in place of "47 mph".
And no, the EPA combined isn't 36mpg, it's 39mpg combined. It's 36 highway, 41 city, 39 combined. On top of this, ABG said the car got 43mpg!
Ian 1:19PM (8/04/2009)
It is a typo.
In other materials I have read they Fusion hybrid is noted for being able to accelerate up to 47 miles per hour on battery power alone. Of course if you stamp ones foot on the throttle the engine will kick in so one would have to be light on the pedals. But this beats out any of the other hybrids.
IMHO the Fusion hybrid is way the most sensible and best of its kind on the market. Size, power, handling anf low mpg. Terrific effort Ford. Well done. The ONLY thing this Ford has NOT going for it is the fact that byers do not get recognized as driving a "green" car and this is why some by the Prius.
Chris M 4:35PM (8/04/2009)
Consumers Union has developed their own testing regimen, different than what the EPA uses, which typically results in lower but more "realistic real world" mileage figures. So, that 24 mpg figure is not the official EPA estimate, it is what Consumers Union figures the average driver would get. Mind you, careful driving can get much higher mileage, even sometimes exceeding the EPA figures, or very bad driving can result in much lower mileage.
Chris M 4:37PM (8/04/2009)
Geez, this blog needs a typo correction function! I meant to say 34 mpg.
ShaunneyCakes 12:15PM (8/04/2009)
I agree with the report, the Fusion Hybrid blows the Camry Hybrid out of the water.
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216 12:32PM (8/04/2009)
From my own personal experience in retail, this is HUGE for Ford. I've found that the consumer in general relys heeeavily on consumer reports to guide them with their purchases, so a nod over Toyota is great for Ford
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augustus 4:28PM (8/04/2009)
You are quite correct, I won't think of a car that CR doesn't rate highly. The drawback for Ford is that they have a long way to go to show that their cars will last for 180k-200k miles. I still view Ford as a gamble (but as a gamble that I might one day take). In the meantime i'll look at Japanese cars and think that they are the only cars worth buying.
spw 1:43PM (8/04/2009)
so Fusion Hybrid gets 34 mpg instead of 39, in real world tests and it ties with TCH instead of beating it as Ford advertises, and everyone should applaud Ford doing such great job? :-)
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kristospencer 1:41PM (8/04/2009)
I wouldn't sweat the mpg figures too much -- those are ballparks at best given different driving styles and conditions. Having driven the Fusion and Camry back to back myself I can vouch for the "sportier" assessment. The Fusion is simply more fun to drive than the Camry, and the interior styling is less vanilla. Kudos to Ford for upping their game.
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tomW 2:19PM (8/04/2009)
we all need to relax :)
Fusion hybrid can be in electric mode up to 47 mph (small typo in article).
The reported 34 mpg is "CR's own testing," which is lower than EPA for all cars because they have strict test conditions--compare to other CR results. EPA combined is 39, and ABG got 43 mpg--all possible numbers depending on how you drive.
All three numbers are within +/-11% of EPA result, which is pretty good.
To me, the key is that it's a REALLY NICE CAR that also gets GREAT FUEL ECONOMY.
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Snowdog 2:29PM (8/04/2009)
I like CR MPG testing, because they actually perform it. Some EPA testing isn't even done, manufacturers can just submit what they think it is. Also manufacturers don't set up their shift points to "game" the CR test like they do the EPA test (1st to 4th shift lockout on GM manuals).
From what I have seen CR city test is tough, everything scores lower on this test than EPA city.
But their highway test is not so tough many cars score higher on CR highway than EPA highway.
It would have been interesting to see the CR city/highway breakdown of both Camry/Fusion hybrids. But it makes sense that both bigger cars with similar hybrid systems have similar MPG.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:18PM (8/04/2009)
I'm not buying a hybrid in order to get 34mpg! I was led to believe the Ford Fusion Hybrid got 40mpg for reals. And why shouldn't it if it gets 43 city and I drive more than half city?
What shift points? It doesn't even have gears.
augustus 4:36PM (8/04/2009)
LS2LS7 put down your sippy cup and read what other people are writing. CR has their OWN MPG test that they run and it is more rigorous than what the EPA does. It probably has hills. It probably simulates emergency braking, etc.
GK 3:23PM (8/04/2009)
CR's mpg tests are much more rigorous and usually they report an average lower than EPA figures (ie previous gen Prius rated 44 mpg average).
I find if you blend CR results with user averages posted on fueleconomy.gov (paying attention to hwy/city percentage breakdowns) you can get an excellent idea of what to expect from your car.
CR also does a 150 mile 'all-around' trip on all full tests, which yields some interesting numbers too (generally higher than their official average).
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Rick 5:22PM (8/04/2009)
I wish I had the coinage for a Q5.
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kristospencer 9:49AM (8/05/2009)
Let's not forget that Wayne Gerdes and the Fusion Hybrid team averaged better than 81 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid a few months ago in D.C, driving 1445 miles on one tank of gas. Again, it's all about driving style. CR might have been lead footing it in their tests and only got 34 mpg. Given the opportunity to test it yourselves, you hypermilers would probably do a lot better than the epa-rated 41 mpg. When it comes to fuel economy, the driver matters as much as the car. You know it, I know it. Let's stop quibbling about one freakin' test.
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