Ford Fusion Hybrid

The current-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid dates all the way back to 2013, but Ford's continuous tweaks to this versatile midsize sedan have kept it fresh long past a normal car's sell-by date. Even though all of its competitors are newer, the 2020 Fusion Hybrid's long

We've always lauded the Fusion Hybrid's adult-friendly cabin, spacious trunk and surprisingly capable handling dynamics. Last year's addition of standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning made newer models even more value-rich than previous versions. All the while, the Fusion Hybrid retained its characteristically affordable base price.

The 2020 Fusion Hybrid isn't a slam-dunk proposition, however. Newer competitors, such as the recently redesigned Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid, have powertrains that are more fuel-efficient and offer better performance than the Fusion. But even considering its age and lack of enhancements for 2020, the Ford Fusion Hybrid's highly practical interior and fun-to-drive character make it a strong competitor in its class.

Which Fusion Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

Unless you live in colder climates and need the heated mirrors and seats afforded by the SEL, we recommend sticking with the base SE. It has a reasonable sticker price and comes with a ton of features, including all the advanced safety equipment the Fusion Hybrid offers. We also like its cloth seats, which are a bit cushier than the available leather upholstery.

The 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a midsize sedan powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched to an electric motor (188 total system horsepower). Front-wheel drive is standard, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It is available in three trims: SE, SEL and Titanium. No packages or stand-alone options are offered except a sunroof for SE and SEL models.

Standard features on the SE model include push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a power driver's seat. You also get a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a nine-speaker audio system, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Safety features include Ford's Co-Pilot360 Protect package, which bundles together automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and mitigation, and a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection.

Upgrading to the SEL adds LED headlights, remote engine start, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery and an 11-speaker audio system.

The range-topping Titanium comes with everything above, plus subtle styling tweaks, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front sport seats, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.