Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid 2020 Review

The 2020 Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid is a classic example of a car that doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. Despite its advanced age, the standard Fusion is one of our favorite midsize sedans. A lot of its strengths — a roomy cabin, solid materials quality and intuitive infotainment system — carry over to the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Plug-In Hybrid as well. But a few drawbacks unique to the Plug-In Hybrid make it difficult to recommend over other Fusion variants as well as the Plug-In Hybrid's direct competitors.

The battery pack in the gas-only Fusion Hybrid takes up some of the trunk space, but the cargo area is still fairly usable. The Plug-In Hybrid's larger pack consumes even more real estate, to the point that its trunk is smaller than a Mustang convertible's. The suspension doesn't feel like it was retuned to deal with the pack's extra weight either, resulting in a body that shakes and bobs over bumps. And while the regenerative braking in the Hybrid feels well-sorted, the Plug-In Hybrid is either grabby or not forceful enough — it varies from braking event to braking event.

While the Fusion itself is a great midsize sedan, the Plug-In Hybrid model needs a rethink. The Fusion Hybrid is less expensive and feels natural to drive around town. If you must have a plug-in midsize sedan, the Honda Clarity is a better choice, offering more EV range and costing less.

Which Fusion Plug-In Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

The Fusion Plug-In Hybrid comes in just one trim — Titanium — so the only real decisions you'll have to make are which color you like and if you want to add the optional sunroof. While there aren't many choices, the Titanium comes loaded with lots of luxury and safety features.

The 2020 Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid is one of the only midsize plug-in hybrid sedans on the market. Ford offers just one trim: Titanium. Don't worry, though. The Plug-In Hybrid Titanium is loaded with all of the latest technology, safety and luxury features.

It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and a 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 188 horsepower. This front-wheel-drive sedan can travel up to 26 miles on electric power alone, and charging an empty battery using a Level 2 charger should take about 2.6 hours.

Standard features on the Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Titanium include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights and foglights), remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (with two-way lumbar), a six-way power passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, driver-seat memory functions and leather upholstery.

For entertainment, there's an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with a CD player, HD and satellite radio, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and Ford's Co-Pilot360 package, which brings automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning and mitigation, a blind-spot monitor, and a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection.

A sunroof is the only stand-alone option.