2019 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Over the last decade or so, Ford has created a deep lineup of electrified cars that include plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and conventional gas-electric models, all of which have helped establish the brand as an industry leader in battery-powered vehicles. It’s a reputation the company has earned despite its offering just one purely battery-powered car, the Focus Electric.

For 2019, Ford has made a few changes to the Hybrid version of its Fusion mid-size sedan, which sees its lineup trimmed with the elimination of its base and top-end models. Those are the S and Platinum variants, which leaves the SE, SEL and Titanium variants.

The conventional gas-powered Fusion and the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid are still available, too, and are each covered in their own buyer’s guide entries.

There are some cosmetic changes too, in new front and rear fascia, trunk lid, fog lights and grille designs (SE and SEL share one grille, while Titanium gets a unique treatment), and Fusion Hybrid Titanium gains a standard sunroof.

Inside, all Fusion Hybrid models get a new gauge cluster with a configurable 4.2-inch display, while Titanium trim now comes standard with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

What hasn’t changed are this car’s fundamentals. Motive power once again comes from a combination of a 2.0L four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor, which together make a maximum of 195 hp and an unspecified amount of torque (all Ford tells us is that the gas motor generates 129 lb-ft on its own).

That power goes to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.

Ford’s key competition with this car is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, itself a powerhouse in mainstream mixed-propulsion cars that was redesigned for 2018, and Honda has reinserted itself in this field for 2019 with a new model called Insight, which effectively replaces the Accord Hybrid. In other words, competition is strong considering the Fusion’s current design has been around since 2013.

These days, the spotlight may be on the burgeoning electric vehicle field, but cars like the Fusion Hybrid continue to provide a less expensive way to get a feel for whether electricity is the power source to suit your driving needs.

Ford’s fuel consumption estimates for the 2019 Fusion Hybrid are 5.5/5.6 L/100 km (city/highway).