Used 2020 Ford Fusion Plug-in Hybrid

#8 in Best Midsize Cars of 2020

The Ford Fusion soldiers on, though it likely will be discontinued in 2021. Meantime, appreciate this midsize Ford sedan for what it is: a comfortable and well-equipped 5-seater that’s both handsome and a pleasure to drive, and also available as a fuel-efficient hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. On top of that, this midsize Ford sedan benefits from an excellent standard safety suite. Competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Toyota Camry.

The 2020 Ford Fusion blends good ride comfort with surprisingly sporty manners. While the 2.5-liter base Fusion gets the job done, we prefer the 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder in the SE and SEL. It has more horsepower and torque than the 2.5, and it’s better by 2 mpg in EPA City, Highway and Combined ratings (23/34/27).

The turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 245 horsepower is optional in the SE and standard in the Fusion Titanium. It makes for a quick Fusion, one that merges with ease onto fast-moving freeways, aided by paddle shifters.

Both the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Plug-In Hybrid drive like typical midsize sedans equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps smooth the interplay between the gasoline and electric power sources. Like the standard Fusions, the hybrids feel more European or Asian than American.

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With its rotary shifter, logically placed controls and electronic parking brake, the interior of the 2020 Ford Fusion has a handsome if a bit dated look. Four adults fit with ease inside this Ford, or five in a pinch.

The SE model, with Sync 3 connectivity and an 8-inch touch screen, also has Sync Connect with Wi-Fi. SEL trims get upgraded seat fabric and heated front seats, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Titanium builds on that with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, inflatable rear belts, a moonroof and adaptive cruise control. Think of the Titanium as a Lincoln MKZ with a Ford badge.

There are no visual changes for the 2020 Ford Fusion, but the colors White Gold and Rich Copper have been discontinued. The 5-bar grille, which was new for the 2019 model year, continues in the SE, SE and SEL models, while chrome mesh continues to give the front of the Titanium model a rich look. If you want a sinister-looking Fusion, the SE can be ordered with an appearance package featuring black wheels and black bezels around the fog lights.

FORD CO-PILOT360 PROTECT
Standard on all 2020 Fusions, this suite of advanced safety technologies includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian protection), blind-spot information (with cross-traffic alert), lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers and auto high-beam lighting. The Co-Pilot360 Assist Package — available on the SE and SEL and standard on the Titanium — includes adaptive cruise control.

FORDPASS CONNECT
This app allows access to multiple features on your Fusion, items like start/stop, lock/unlock, remote start scheduling, even vehicle location and fuel level. The more you use the app, the more rewards points you earn, which can be used for discounts on vehicle service at your Ford dealer.

The Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect safety suite, which features a blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, is standard on all 2020 Ford Fusions. The SE model gets a power driver’s seat along with Sirius satellite radio, Sync 3, Ford Pass Connect and the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. SEL Fusions are equipped with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a special easy-to-clean interior fabric and a premium 11-speaker audio system.

The Titanium does it one better with a 12-speaker Sony audio system, along with the 245-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which is also an option on the SE. The Titanium also has a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, inflatable rear seatbelts, adaptive cruise control and voice-activated navigation. While all gas-powered Fusions are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Plug-In Hybrid have CVTs.

The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist package (standard on Titanium and Hybrid Fusions) supplements the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect package with adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go), voice-activated navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.

Also notable: The Fusion SE is available with an SE Appearance Package 151A ($1,095), which includes black 18-inch alloy wheels, black bezels on the fog lights, a rear spoiler and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. More significant: When you order the $2,590 All-Wheel-Drive Package on the SE, it comes with the 245-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant. For the record, all-wheel drive also is a stand-alone $2,000 option on the Titanium model.

The Fusion S continues to be a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but the 1.5-liter turbocharged-4 standard in the SE and SEL is more powerful and efficient. Ford’s turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 245 horsepower remains standard in the Titanium Fusion, and it’s also a part of the SE AWD Package.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard in all Fusions except the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models, which have a CVT automatic mated to the 2.0-liter gas engine and electric motor. The Fusion PHEV has 25 miles of electric-only EV range.

2.5-liter inline-4
173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
174 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
181 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
185 lb-ft of torque @ 4,320 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/34 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
245 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 3,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg (FWD), 20/29 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter inline-4 and permanent magnet AC synchronous motor (hybrid)
188 horsepower (total)
129 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/41 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 and permanent magnet AC synchronous motor (plug-in hybrid)
195 horsepower (total, with full battery charge)
129 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 104 MPGe, 97 MPGe combined