Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Showroom - Ford Fusion: Gunning for the Fuel Efficiency Triple Crown

The Fusion is looking smartest at the pump: The gas, gas/electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid are expected to lead their classes in fuel efficiency.

Tariq Kamal
Tariq KamalContributing Editor
Read Tariq's Posts
July 26, 2012
Showroom - Ford Fusion: Gunning for the Fuel Efficiency Triple Crown

2013-MY Ford Fusion

2 min to read


2013-MY Ford Fusion

Ford is advertising the third-generation Fusion as “America’s smartest midsize sedan.” To back that claim, the manufacturer is loading each unit with the MyFord Touch infotainment interface and a long list of advanced safety features — including blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assistance — that are rare for the segment. But the Fusion looks smartest at the pump: The gas, gas/electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid are expected to lead their classes in fuel efficiency.

The leanest gasoline engine is the 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo, an inline four that is projected to 26 mpg in traffic and 37 mpg on the highway. Buyers also can choose between two other four-bangers that offer fewer miles to the gallon but a significant boost in horsepower: The Fusion’s standard, 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated iVCT and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo are projected at 22/33 and 23/33, respectively.

Ad Loading...

The Fusion Hybrid pairs the 2.0-liter turbo with an electric motor and lithium-hybrid battery pack to earn a projected 47 mpg city and 44 on the highway. The Fusion Energi uses the same combination with a plug-in battery to achieve 100 miles per gallon equivalent or “MPGe,” which edges out the Chevrolet Volt’s 92 and the Toyota Prius plug-in’s 87.

The aforementioned safety features are joined by electric-assisted power steering, adaptive cruise control and a parking-assist system, and the slightly longer and wider body now rides on a stiffer platform.

The new Fusion’s appearance was overhauled with more curvaceous sheet metal and a yawning black grille and lower-fascia inlets to replace the heavy chrome face that distinguished the second-generation model. The interior was revamped as well, but retains a simple, elegant look with hard black plastics and brushed aluminum accents.

Other standard equipment on the base model includes navigation, Bluetooth and iPod compatibility. The SE edition adds satellite radio and pimp-approved, 18-inch gloss black wheels, and the Titanium trim level adds a rear spoiler and 19-inch polished alloy wheels.

Prices for the gasoline Fusions range from $21,700 for the base to $30,200 for the Titanium edition. The Fusion Hybrid lists for $27,200; MSRP for the plug-in hybrid, which should be available before the year is out, has yet to be determined.

Ad Loading...

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Vehicle Research

Johan Verbois, executive director of CARA, stands outdoors in a blue blazer with arms crossed, with blurred vehicles and greenery in the background.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

CARA Appoints Johan Verbois as Executive Director

CARA recently opened up a part-time executive director position and appointed Johan Verbois for the role.

Read More →
Subaru electric SUV driving along a coastal highway at sunset, representing the 2027 Getaway with three-row seating and all-electric performance.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

Subaru Unveils New Electric SUV, a Three-Row 2027 Subaru Getaway

Subaru introduces the all-electric 2027 Getaway, a three-row SUV with 420 hp, over 300 miles of range, and fast-charging capability, expanding its EV lineup.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 21, 2026

GM Envolve Changes Name to GM Fleet

The GM Fleet name aligns to how customers identify us and it also helps with discoverability, the company said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Electric vehicle charging in a home garage with wall-mounted charging and energy systems, illustrating WEX EV At-Home fraud protection and fleet charging verification technology.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WEX Launches Solution to Close EV At-Home Charging Visibility Gap

At NAFA I&E 2026, WEX debuted an EV solution that adds a layer of verification to help fleets track, validate, and trust every at-home charging dollar.

Read More →
Mechanic working under a car hood with diagnostic tool; overlay text reads “Fleet repair isn’t too expensive. It’s unpredictable.” highlighting cost uncertainty in fleet maintenance.
Vehicle ResearchApril 20, 2026

The Hidden Pain in Fleet Repair

BBM research insights reveal that budget headaches might be less about costs than fleet pros think.

Read More →
Silver Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV driving on a winding mountain road, showcasing updated exterior design and performance in a scenic landscape.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

The New Mercedes-Benz GLE Brings More Power and Intelligence

Mercedes-Benz updates the 2027 GLE with revised powertrains, expanded electrification, updated suspension systems, and a new software platform, while retaining its core SUV lineup and capabilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Art Kinsman, newly appointed NETS Chief Strategy Officer, smiling in a suit jacket against a neutral background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

NETS Appoints Art Kinsman as Chief Strategy Officer

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has tapped Art Kinsman for a new leadership role as Chief Strategy Officer.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 15, 2026

Agero Aquires Urgently

Agero is acquiring Urgently, combining two tech-driven roadside assistance providers. The deal expands AI-powered dispatch, data capabilities, and service scale across fleet and mobility markets.

Read More →
Teaser image of 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-POWER, a dark SUV with LED lighting, representing Nissan’s new series hybrid with dual-motor AWD and no plug-in charging.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e‑POWER's Technology Explained

Nissan's hybrid powertrain with dual-motor all-wheel drive adds refinement and updated driving characteristics in the Rogue.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Side profile of a dark Volkswagen Atlas SUV in a studio setting with blue lighting, highlighting updated design and exterior styling.

All-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Volkswagen revealed the redesigned 2027 Atlas, featuring updated styling, new in-cabin technology, and a more powerful turbocharged engine ahead of its launch later this year.

Read More →