Ford Fusion Hybrid MPG

By: Andy Hodges
07/15/2009 10:31 AM ET

It is known that drivers can increase the 2010 Ford Fusion mileage is well beyond the city and highway EPA ratings. Increasing the mileage and fuel economy on the Ford Hybrid isn’t too difficult. With the proper driving habits and fuel-efficient techniques, you could easily achieve 50 miles per gallon or more.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Driving Habits

There is a small learning curve for those making the switch from a conventional gasoline vehicle to the new 2010 Fusion. Those old driving habits that increase fuel consumption will be replaced with a set of new technologies to increase gas mileage to complete the same journey. Fuel-efficient cars are lighter in weight and will respond quickly to driver demands.

Last April, Ford Motor Company proved that its new fuel efficient automobile can drive more than 1,445 miles on one single gas tank. The automaker drove the car in different parts of the country, especially roads that were very demanding on fuel, and averaged 80 miles per gallon. This was done by following the Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide and coasting to stops instead of braking too fast.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide Provides Intuitive Feedback

The Ford vehicle is equipped with intuitive gauges that provide real-time feedback and can coach the driver to greater fuel economy. This is called SmartGauge with EcoGuide that resides on either side of the speedometer. EcoGuide can be run in four different modes including Inform, Enlighten, Engage and Empower.

SmartGauge is the dialog between car and driver that leads to better driving decisions. It represents a paradigm shift in auto design and a revolutionary new experience for drivers. Engineers also designed SmartGauge with EcoGuide to minimize distraction caused by multiple displays in the instrument cluster.

How To Increase MPG Ratings

Using the gauges, the car can draw leaves and vines as you begin making better fuel-efficient driving decisions. For example, if you brake too fast or too late, you will begin losing leaves on the gauge. If you accelerate too fast, you will begin losing vines. This graphical instrument panel provides a complete picture and rating on your driving habits.

The gauges are encouraging, and sometimes can be challenging, and is the easiest way for the fuel-efficient automobile to complement better driving that can save gas. New drivers pick up new learning habits right away when they first drive the car. Personally, I was learning new habits that guided me to better fuel economy within the first few minutes during my drive.

Smoother Electric To Gas Transition

I really liked this automobile for its smoother transition between electric to gas engine. Most of the other cars lost power or made noises during this transition. The Ford Fusion Hybrid MPG rating was around 45 when we test-drove the car.