2013 Fusion Gas SE vs Fusion Hybrid SE

[GrySql]

My 2013 FFH SE was in for warranty work and I was given a gas only 2013 Fusion SE for a loaner.

The driving experience between the two cars was rather different, they didn't seem like related vehicles so I thought I'd mention my 2 cent evaluation.

I am a confirmed eco driver now and try to get the best mpg's from anything I drive.

My anecdotal comparison was easy because I drove each car back to back on the 70 mile drive to/from my Dealer, the same course on the same day.

 

The gas only Fusion was an EcoBoost 2.0L with 6-speed auto, SE optional leather seating, no MFT/Nav with the optional 18" wheels and GY LS2 tires.

My hybrid has the same leather seating, has MFT/Nav and the same 18" wheels and tires.

I checked the tire pressure on both cars, they were nearly the same 42psi.

Both cars had similar mileage on the odometer (25k+).

 

My first impression upon driving home on Monday was that the highly touted 2.0L EB engine was not as powerful as I expected, but I was eco driving.

I finally used the full pedal and it was quick to accelerate but nothing special, it was faster than my FFH when you do the same thing but not so much as I'd expected.

I left it parked all week until today, this morning my wife and I drove the gas only SE to pick up our FFH.

 

Today the first thing my wife mentioned about the gas-only Fusion was "why is it so jerky?" I said it has a 6-speed transmission, not an eCVT.

Then she said, "why it it so loud inside, our car is not this loud", I said it doesn't have ANC and the motor sounds different. She said "no, it's just loud going down the freeway', I agreed.

To me it felt balanced differently, was not as stable on the road and was noiser overall. But I wasn't quite sure why, it just felt lightweight and sort of cheap.

When we arrived at the Dealer I was tired of driving it, a odd thing to notice in a car that is so closely related to my car.

 

We picked up our FFH and got on the freeway for home, it was quiet inside, we looked at each other and said 'this is nice'.

The car felt stable and solid on the road. Maybe the HVB's in the trunk and the two engines forward do change the cars balance, it was subtle.

Maybe the cars have different suspension tuning, something is sure different between them.

 

The eCVT and braking are things I've come to love, the car tracks on the road and unlike the other car it absorbed the tar strips and had a smoother ride.

My wife said "it's so nice to be back in this car, it feels luxurious compared that that loaner".

After about 40 miles I was nice and relaxed and comfortable, it was quiet, the A/C worked better than the other car and the ride was smoother and pleasant.

We arrived home just like we've always arrived after driving the FFH, relaxed, with the mileage over 10 mpg higher. We are both so glad we had purchased this car.

 

(About the MFT, there are a lot of complaints about it but the other car did not have one and I now realize I'd order it just because the console and center stack are so nice looking with the MFT, smooth.

The other car's center stack was busy with a million buttons, it had a little screen and made the interior look like a much cheaper car, too busy.)

[corncobs]

If I would in the market and torn between the gas and hybrid Fusion I would for sure pick the FFH after this review :)

 

Very nice and it sounds like they put the car back together just how it was originally actually better since the mold smell should be gone now.

[gf2020]

I test drove two 2014 gas 2.0 Fusions while shopping this Spring: a well equipped SE and a base Titanium. I can't say I noticed any of the negatives that you observed. I agree that the EcoBoost 2.0 isn't as quick as you would think - or hope. A V6 Accord, Altima, Camry or Malibu will eat it for lunch.

 

I decided to get a Fusion SE Hybrid but if I wanted a conventional gas engine, I would certainly choose the EcoBoost 2.0 over the standard 2.5 or the EcoBoost 1.5 or 1.6.

[GrySql]

I test drove two 2014 gas 2.0 Fusions while shopping this Spring: a well equipped SE and a base Titanium. I can't say I noticed any of the negatives that you observed. I agree that the EcoBoost 2.0 isn't as quick as you would think - or hope. A V6 Accord, Altima, Camry or Malibu will eat it for lunch.

 

I decided to get a Fusion SE Hybrid but if I wanted a conventional gas engine, I would certainly choose the EcoBoost 2.0 over the standard 2.5 or the EcoBoost 1.5 or 1.6.

It was a well used rental, so maybe a new model would show better but my car and it have almost the same miles.

The 6-speed trans shifted more than I thought it should, we were in heavy Los Angeles traffic.

I have a Ford Flex with a 6-speed and it is very smooth, plus it has enough torque to pull in higher gears without downshifting.

 

Yes, I'd choose the 2.0L EB also, I did get 30 mpg with it by driving like I do in my FFH.

 

My wife's impressions were what struck me as interesting, she likes our FFH and thinks of it as very quiet and comfy and she didn't like this rental.

[B25Nut]

When ever I see a new Fusion on the road and I can see that it doesn't have "Hybrid" on the back or side, my first thought is "Oh, they'd be so much happier if they had chosen the FFH".

I've been amazed lately at the mileage I've been getting at speeds between 70-75 mph. I think it says a lot about how Ford got the aerodynamics close to optimum for a comfortable five-place vehicle, especially when you compare it to the C-Max that has the same drivetrain.

[higheroctave32]

I observed the exact same thing when I rented a Fusion SE in Vegas a few months ago before I purchased my FFH. It was a base SE with no MFT, leather or other options, but it felt insubstantial. Beautiful but lacking. It was a perfectly fine car to drive, but it left me thinking, "That's it"? I was more than a bit apprehensive when I finally scheduled a test of the FFH an hour from home to see the perfect one for me. Just the one option I wanted (MFT) in the right color and interior. Sterling Grey with Dune, AND Marked down $2500 with $1000 Ford Customer Cash. Same price now as the conventional gas version. Perfect.

 

Just sitting in the FFH for the first time was different. I can't explain why, but it just felt more solid. Backing out silently and starting away if felt like a completely different car. It was almost surreal. This car feels like a luxury space ship in comparison to the gas version I drove. My driving habits have changed overnight since purchasing this car 2 weeks ago. Road "irritation" and more than a few expletives were commonplace before. Not now. Suddenly a drive anywhere is a serene unhurried experience I have never encountered with any of the many cars I have driven before.

 

I simply love it beyond reason. I tell people who ask about it that I've already developed an unnatural attachment to it, lol.

 

And to the people who complained about gas mileage and being unable to achieve the claimed 47 combined, you are doing something wrong. 2 weeks in and my commute to work which is about 25 percent city, 20 miles away going 65-70 mph and not hyper miling yielded this today.

 

Edited September 10, 2014 by higheroctave32

[keith705]

We picked up our FFH and got on the freeway for home, it was quiet inside, we looked at each other and said 'this is nice'.

The car felt stable and solid on the road. Maybe the HVB's in the trunk and the two engines forward do change the cars balance, it was subtle.

Maybe the cars have different suspension tuning, something is sure different between them.

 

The eCVT and braking are things I've come to love, the car tracks on the road and unlike the other car it absorbed the tar strips and had a smoother ride.

My wife said "it's so nice to be back in this car, it feels luxurious compared that that loaner".

After about 40 miles I was nice and relaxed and comfortable, it was quiet, the A/C worked better than the other car and the ride was smoother and pleasant.

We arrived home just like we've always arrived after driving the FFH, relaxed, with the mileage over 10 mpg higher. We are both so glad we had purchased this car.

 

(About the MFT, there are a lot of complaints about it but the other car did not have one and I now realize I'd order it just because the console and center stack are so nice looking with the MFT, smooth.

The other car's center stack was busy with a million buttons, it had a little screen and made the interior look like a much cheaper car, too busy.)

 

The added weight does soften the ride, but it's really not a huge difference. What you felt was probably due to the way most people don't exactly baby a loaner, I've driven countless new and used Fusions and even the base S has a nice ride. The interior does look pretty bland without the bigger touch screen with the changes to the center stack and even though reviewers seem to love to bash MyFord Touch it's really nice to have and every customer I've spoken to likes it. When I bought mine the Tech Package was a must have and that plus the Luxury Package makes the SE a great alternative to the pricier titanium.

 

The 2.0 Ecoboost is pretty quick, it just doesn't force you back in your seat so it doesn't feel like you're picking up speed as quickly as you are. That's easily remedied with a quick TCM tune :)

 

And to the people who complained about gas mileage and being unable to achieve the claimed 47 combined, you are doing something wrong. 2 weeks in and my commute to work which is about 25 percent city, 20 miles away going 65-70 mph and not hyper miling yielded this today.

 

Most people who can't reach 47 MPG are driving shorter trips, once you get to 15+ mile trips it's pretty easy to get good mileage since you have more time to take advantage of cruising along using no gas at all. My commute is 21 miles one way and I've only had a handful of trips that fell below 50 MPG, I don't remember any under 47. The route is also important, so is luck with stoplights, this morning I stumbled upon a nice alternative route that bypassed a steep hill thanks to a construction detour (wow, never though I would say that) and I only stopped at two red lights so the computer showed 57 MPG (normally I see 51-55).

 

Traffic patterns, hills and even the spacing of intersections all impact your fuel economy as much as your driving habits can. Try some different routes and see what happens, I've changed my normal route since purchasing the hybrid after see the difference but not everybody has that luxury.

[GrySql]

Hi, what can you tell us about the 2015 MY FFH having a device called 'Energy Recapture Exhaust Manifold'?

It's been mentioned on the BOF and we haven't seen a reference to that in the 2013/2014 MY spec's.

Something new?

Edited September 27, 2014 by GrySql

[keith705]

I don't think I'd call it a device :)

 

Here's the official description:

 

Energy Recapture Exhaust Manifold
• Helps to quickly warm up the engine by circulating engine coolant through the exhaust manifold
– Helps the engine warm up faster than the previous Fusion Hybrid system with a conventional manifold
• Uses one inlet and one outlet tube that allows engine coolant to flow in and out, heating the coolant via the hot exhaust manifold runners, allowing the engine to shut down and the vehicle to promptly enter hybrid mode
• Heating the coolant using the exhaust manifold decreases the length of time the engine has to run to warm up
– The less time the engine runs, the less fuel is wasted, helping improve efficiency

From what I noticed driving a new 15 Hybrid today is that warm up at roughly 55 degrees this morning took about a half mile and the engine shut off while stopping at the first stoplight. On that same route in similar conditions (and we almost always catch that light red) my 13 will idle while stopped there but finish warming up when accelerating away from the stop. FYI I use the "gun it to kick the thing out of its annoying low emission mode trick" out of habit, so I'm running in what you guys seem to call stage 1b (I think) right from the start.

[GrySql]

Thanks for that quick explanation. Sounds like a great improvement, especially for the northern snow states.

[gkinla]

I don't think I'd call it a device :)

 

Here's the official description:

 

Energy Recapture Exhaust Manifold

Helps to quickly warm up the engine by circulating engine coolant through the exhaust manifold

Helps the engine warm up faster than the previous Fusion Hybrid system with a conventional manifold

Uses one inlet and one outlet tube that allows engine coolant to flow in and out, heating the coolant via the hot exhaust manifold runners, allowing the engine to shut down and the vehicle to promptly enter hybrid mode

Heating the coolant using the exhaust manifold decreases the length of time the engine has to run to warm up

The less time the engine runs, the less fuel is wasted, helping improve efficiency

 

From what I noticed driving a new 15 Hybrid today is that warm up at roughly 55 degrees this morning took about a half mile and the engine shut off while stopping at the first stoplight. On that same route in similar conditions (and we almost always catch that light red) my 13 will idle while stopped there but finish warming up when accelerating away from the stop. FYI I use the "gun it to kick the thing out of its annoying low emission mode trick" out of habit, so I'm running in what you guys seem to call stage 1b (I think) right from the start.

Our 2013 FFH's have the same technology. When I first got my 2013 FFH, I was wondering why the ICE seemed to heat up more rapidly than my 2010 FFH. I managed to find a document explaining the same EREM. I looked around but couldn't find it tonight. I know I have the document saved, I'll have more time tomorrow. I'll post that page.

Edited September 27, 2014 by gkinla

[gkinla]

I found the page describing the EREM for the 2013 FFH.

 

Edited September 27, 2014 by gkinla

[corncobs]

 

Our 2013 FFH's have the same technology. When I first got my 2013 FFH, I was wondering why the ICE seemed to heat up more rapidly than my 2010 FFH. I managed to find a document explaining the same EREM. I looked around but couldn't find it tonight. I know I have the document saved, I'll have more time tomorrow. I'll post that page.

Maybe it's an even better system more efficient.

Still doesn't help when you have the heat on it will still run the engine.

[gkinla]

Maybe it's an even better system more efficient.

Still doesn't help when you have the heat on it will still run the engine.

corncobs, you're correct in the engine is required when calling for heat. I found the page and posted it above. I don't think much has changed in the design from the 2013 through the 2015. The description is the same as kieth705's post.

[GrySql]

I found the page describing the EREM for the 2013 FFH.

 

While perusing the 2013/2014 Climate Control Workshop manual I found this info regarding the EREM.

'HEV is equipped with an Exhaust Manifold and Catalytic Converter Assembly with coolant passages to heat engine coolant more rapidly, speeding up passenger compartment heating in cold temperatures.'

 

Looks like this:

Edited September 28, 2014 by GrySql

[Waldo]

I didn't realize the hybrids had a separate "add-on" system like that, but all 4-cylinder Ecoboost engines have integrated cylinder/head exhaust manifolds that do the same thing.

[gkinla]

I didn't realize the hybrids had a separate "add-on" system like that, but all 4-cylinder Ecoboost engines have integrated cylinder/head exhaust manifolds that do the same thing.

Waldo, I don't think it is a separate "add-on" system. Hybrid buyers didn't have a choice, it comes stock with the Hybrid system.

[Waldo]

Waldo, I don't think it is a separate "add-on" system. Hybrid buyers didn't have a choice, it comes stock with the Hybrid system.

 

I meant "add-on" as in it's a couple of pipes attached to a conventional manifold as compared to the fully integrated one-piece design of the EB engines.

[gkinla]

I meant "add-on" as in it's a couple of pipes attached to a conventional manifold as compared to the fully integrated one-piece design of the EB engines.

waldo, I understand your meaning, gkinla

[jimbo33]

I have a 2013 FFH. I was loaned a 2014 Fusion with the 2.0 turbo for a couple of days while my car was in for repairs. The 2.0 turbo is a very nice car but I have been spoiled by the FFH. My wife and I both have hybrids so it has been a long time since I have driven a car where the ICE stays on when the car is stopped. It just feels crude but that would be true of any non-hybrid. There is also a very noticeable difference in the noise level when driving down the road especially at highway speeds. The FF 2.0T is quieter then my parents Buick but it is still nowhere near as quiet as either of my hybrids. In short the conventional Fusion is a great choice for people who are leery of hybrids, a better choice than Accord or Sonata or Camry but the FFH is just so much nicer for traveling due to the super quiet interior and smooth ride. One other plus for the hybrid over the conventional in that the adaptive cruise control is just a check the box option on the SE. That is a really big plus for highway driving. I will not buy another car without it.

Edited February 7, 2015 by jimbo33

[hybridbear]

My wife and I both have hybrids so it has been a long time since I have driven a car where the ICE stays on when the car is stopped. It just feels crude but that would be true of any non-hybrid.

And if you ever get a BEV you'll find the engine noise of the hybrid while accelerating to be cruse ;) that's how we are now after driving the Focus Electric. As long as we only run the ICE in the Energi on the highway it isn't noticeable, but I wouldn't want to drive even a hybrid around the city anymore.