2020 Ford Fusion Energi Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Fusion Energi is one of the most efficient cars in Ford’s lineup. A quiet, spacious cabin also helps make the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi a rewarding family sedan. Several great features come standard, including Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety package. How does this plug-in hybrid rank against the competition?

What’s New for 2020?

No huge changes were made to the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. Nevertheless, its passenger seat no longer provides adjustable lumbar.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Ford Fusion Energi – The Pros

1. An Efficient Vehicle

Like most plug-in hybrids, the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi is focused on saving gas. Although the Fusion Energi may not deliver class-leading fuel economy, it’s still more frugal than the average family car. Owners can expect to average a combined 42 mpg on regular unleaded. You can also benefit from the Fusion Energi’s all-electric driving mode. This feature allows the sedan to travel up to 26 miles on battery power. Drivers who regularly make short trips may not have to burn any gas.

2. Easy to Drive

The 2020 Ford Fusion Energi is an easy car to drive. Even teenagers will have no trouble guiding this sedan down the road. Its 188-horsepower output definitely won’t intimidate inexperienced drivers. A well-engineered transmission also helps the Fusion Energi to perform smoothly. This continuous variable transmission feels natural. When pulling away from a stop, there’s no delay in the sedan’s action. Although the Fusion Energi’s steering system isn’t sporty, it gives you a good amount of control.

3. Roomy, High-Quality Interior

Ford clearly designed the Fusion Energi to satisfy families. Its spacious interior allows passengers to hang loose. Both rows provide a fulfilling amount of legroom. You’ll enjoy a great driving position. Soft leather seats also enable the Fusion Energi to offer an elite level of comfort. Heated and ventilated seat functions come standard. In terms of overall interior quality, the 2020 Ford Energi punches above its weight class. There are a surprising number of soft-touch materials on the inside.

4. Styling Has Withstood Test of Time

While the Fusion Energi isn’t one of the newest models on the market, its exterior styling has aged quite well. A sleek body helps the Fusion Energi to favorably compare to the competition. Drivers are also drawn to the sedan’s Mustang-like front grille. LED signature lighting comes standard. A rear spoiler also helps the Fusion Energi to maintain a modern appearance. You’ll have 10 paint colors to choose from, including premium finishes like Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.

5. Excellent SYNC 3 Infotainment System

Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system has received a great deal of praise from the automotive community. Fortunately, it is included in the Fusion Energi’s list of standard equipment. Users love how quick SYNC 3 processes information. You’ll receive an 8.0-inch touch display with navigation. To make it easier for drivers to connect to their smartphone, Ford provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. After a few days of using the SYNC 3 interface, expect its operation to feel second nature.

6. Ford's Co-Pilot360 Protect Package

You don’t have to pay extra for Ford's Co-Pilot360 Protect package. It’s a standard feature. When traveling on today’s congested roadways, you’ll appreciate the extra peace of mind. This collection of accident-avoidance technologies includes Pre-Collision Assist. If you happen to suddenly encounter a pedestrian crossing the street or a stopped vehicle, the system can apply power to your brakes. Meanwhile, a blind-spot monitor spotlights unseen traffic. Parking sensors and lane-keep assist are also equipped on the Fusion Energi.

7. Teaches You How to Drive More Efficiently

While you’re on the road, the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi can actually teach you how to drive more efficiently. You’ll definitely grow to appreciate the sedan’s dual-screen SmartGauge. It’s designed with a Brake Coach, which helps maximize your fuel savings. When you brake effectively, more energy is returned to the car’s battery pack. This system also displays how much power is being used during acceleration. Of course, less pressure on the gas pedal tends to improve fuel economy.

8. The convenience of FordPass Connect

Many of today’s drivers keep their smartphones with them at all times. If you’re a technology lover, you’ll appreciate this sedan’s FordPass Connect system. It features a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows your family to surf the web at a high speed. Everyone can access the hotspot at once. With the use of your smartphone, FordPass Connect allows you to perform actions like starting the engine. You can also use FordPass Connect to check fuel and fluid levels.

9. Sony Sound System Thumps

Unlike many of its competitors, the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi comes standard with a premium audio system. This unit packs 390 watts of power. A total of 12 speakers help create a surround-sound experience. Meanwhile, Sony DSP processing helps minimize distortion. If you like deep bass, you will especially enjoy the system’s powerful subwoofer. It makes low-pitched notes sound more forceful.

10. Well-Equipped Sedan

Although the Fusion Energi is only offered as a single trim, it does boast an extensive amount of standard equipment. Aside from the previously mentioned features, you’ll also receive adaptive cruise control. This feature will help lower your anxiety levels on busy highways. Meanwhile, two-way lumbar for the driver’s seat helps keep pressure off your back. Other niceties include keyless start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and automatic high beams.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Ford Fusion Energi – The Cons

1. You May Desire More Performance

The 2020 Ford Fusion Energi delivers an average level of performance. However, it still may not have enough muscle for some people. When accelerating from a stop, this sedan takes around 8.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. Drivers who yearn for a stronger punch may find the conventional Fusion to be more appealing. Ford rates its available turbocharged engine to develop an entertaining 245 horsepower.

2. Strictly Front-Wheel Drive

You cannot get the Fusion Energi with all-wheel drive. This won’t be a big issue for most buyers. On the other hand, an AWD system is an important feature for folks living in areas like the Great Lakes region. If you don’t already own a winter vehicle, the Fusion Energi may not be a good choice. When traveling in the snow, traction will be a major concern.

3. One of the Smallest Trunks in the Class

There’s not very much space in the trunk. Because of this plug-in hybrid’s large battery back, it’s not able to provide as much storage room. When traveling out of town for the holidays, you’ll need to pack lightly. Although the Fusion Energi features a 60/40-folding back seat, don’t expect it to greatly enhance the sedan’s cargo-carrying capabilities.

4. More Expensive Than Some Competitors

Prices for the new 2020 Ford Fusion Energi begin at roughly $37,000. While you do get a lot of nice features for the money, some people may find the Fusion Energi to be just a bit too pricey. Both the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Camry Hybrid have a lower MSRP. Although the regular Fusion Hybrid does not have an electric driving mode, it’s cheaper and just as efficient.

5. Limited Electric Driving Range

The Fusion Energi’s electric driving range is a perk. However, other plug-in hybrids can travel further on battery power. For instance, Honda lists the Clarity with an electric driving range of 47 miles. This may prove to be a big deal for drivers who live in a metropolitan area.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

2020 Chevrolet Volt

The 2020 Chevrolet Volt has many impressive qualities. It has a much longer electric driving range. However, you’ll find the Fusion Energi’s cabin to be a bit nicer. There’s also more legroom in the Fusion Energi’s backseat, which is important for families.

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Great gas mileage makes the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid a true fuel-sipper. It also ranks high in the reliability department. Unfortunately, Toyota does not offer the Camry Hybrid with an electric driving mode. The base trim also doesn’t feel as luxurious.

2020 Honda Clarity

City dwellers will enjoy the Honda Clarity’s long electric driving range. However, the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi has a nicer cabin. Furthermore, some drivers may not like the Clarity’s styling. While the base Clarity is a bit less expensive, you’ll miss out on features like navigation and leather upholstery. Upgrades, like a premium sound system and ventilated seats, aren’t even offered on the Clarity.

Conclusion

When shopping for a plug-in hybrid, don’t rule out the 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. It’s fuel-efficient and pleasant to drive. If you don’t live far from your workplace, the sedan’s 26-mile electric driving range will come in handy. A single trim means plenty of luxurious features now come standard.

Before you spend your money on a new Fusion Energi, take a look at the Fusion Hybrid. Aside from the lack of an electric driving mode, it’s virtually the same. You’ll also notice the Fusion Hybrid’s lower starting MSRP.