The 2019 Fusion is Ford’s most versatile offering with so many different combinations of powertrains ranging from the basic to the more powerful to the economic hybrid. Their hybrid offering, the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi comes in both regular and plug-in versions and both deliver an exceptional balance between driveability and fuel economy.
ENGINE AND DRIVE
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is powered by a hybrid engine outputting 188hp from a 2.0L four cylinder gas engine combined with an electric motor. The bank of lithium-ion batteries is recharged when cruising and braking ensuring minimal losses of power and maximum efficiency. The hybrid engine is perfect for those who want to do their bit for the environment, by cutting down significantly on the amount of harmful emissions and using much less gas than traditional cars. If you are used to a regular internal combustion engine then getting used to the feel of driving a hybrid engine vehicle can take some time. The 2019 Fusion Energi is no different, but once you get used to it, you will come to appreciate how linear the power delivery is and how smooth the braking is compared to other hybrids.
The 2019 Fusion Energi plug-in goes one step further and offers the option to charge the batteries by plugging in overnight, while at the office or any other decent block of time. The advantage is the option to drive the car in fully EV mode, using only the electric motor and battery power. If you use the 2019 Fusion Energi plug-in for your daily commute, which is relatively short, you could theoretically use only electric power and never have to tap into the gas engine!
The 2019 Fusion Energi delivers a smooth, quiet and pleasant drive. The sensitive braking apparent in most other hybrids has been refined over the years to allow the Fusion Energi to deliver a braking experience closer to that of a traditional gas powered vehicle.
Enhanced Active Park Assist automates parallel and reverse parking by taking the guess work out of steering and only requiring the driver to apply gas and brakes. This feature works like a charm every time and saves accidental rim curbing.
Despite the lower number of 188hp, the engine still delivers enough power in most situations and the trade-off for the fuel efficiency is well worth it. The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi delivered a very impressive fuel economy over our driving test which included both city and highway driving and a plug-in or two overnight. Since the EV mode was enabled whenever feasible, the total fuel consumption over our approximately 150km test was 2.9L/100km.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi showcases an elegant and refined design with a low and wide stance, accent lines on hood, a chrome mesh grille, LED headlights and side accent lines to create a pleasing and understated exterior. The rear end ties the entire design together nicely with a spoiler, sleek lines and a hidden exhaust. While the exterior may not be as impressive as the Ford Fusion Sport, the Energi’s body is more refined and traditional to go with its driving experience.
The spacious and well laid out interior of the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi uses many high quality soft touch materials. I found the customizable driver displays and ambient lighting really sets the 2019 Fusion apart from its competition and delivers some welcomed customization. The driver can choose what to display on the left or right side of the speedometer as well as the main touch screen on the dash and the ambient lighting color choice is a great feature bringing the interior to another level at night.
A small difference for the 2019 Fusion Energi vs the other Fusion models is the SmartGuage on the dash, which helps guide the driver on best practices for braking, cruising and accelerating. Hybrids are usually the toughest cars to drive optimally, but the SmartGuage makes it easier to help you figure out the little things you have to do drive a hybrid the most efficiently. It tells you after braking how much of that energy was recycled into charging the batteries (the harder and faster you brake the more energy is lost).
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi and Energi plug-in model are breaking ground on a new style of driving which ties in electric vehicle theory but also has the traditional gas engine counterpart when needed. The Fusion Energi is very well equipped on the interior comfort side of things and works great as a daily driver.
