Ford Fusion Hybrid vs Toyota Camry Hybrid - A Comparative Review
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Fusion Hybrid is the first truly competitive hybrid sedan from a domestic manufacturer. The Fusion finally represents a match for the best hybrid sedans from Toyota and Honda. While hybrids are known for their excellent mileage, they are also known for their compromises. Some are slow, less powerful, and drive with a disconnected feel to the road. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid promised not only a smoother, more carlike performance than others, but also that it would achieve significantly better fuel economy in city driving (41 mpg, according to the EPA) than the Camry Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid is available for spring 2009 and promises to be one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on sale in the U.S.
Driving Abilities
Based on the reworked 2010 version of the Fusion, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is probably the best driving hybrid sedan on the market. The basic Fusion chassis is a fine setup, offering good road isolation while delivering confidence-inspiring handling in conditions that would have a Camry at a total loss. Compared to a conventional Fusion, the Fusion Hybrid lugs around an additional 246 pounds, yet somehow it gets around with a decent level of performance. Despite their regenerative system, the Fusion's braking force feels reassuring. It stops from 60 mph in 126 feet, 8 feet shorter than the Camry Hybrid and with a notably smoother transition from regenerative braking to pure mechanical braking than the Camry.
Fuel Economy and Power
Ford estimates that the EPA will certify the Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. These figures are 8 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Camry Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The Fusion Hybrid's system differs from current competitors in a key way: While many hybrids are limited to electric-only operation to speeds around 25 mph, Ford says the Fusion Hybrid can travel on electric power alone up to 47 mph.
Fusion Features
The Fusion features a reconfigurable information screens on either side of the speedometer — called SmartGauge with EcoGuide by Ford. There is a lot of information here, and even a branching system to show you when you are getting maximum fuel efficiency; at the same time the screens can be distracting. The general appearance of the Fusion Hybrid's cabin is close to the regular model's. The seat fabric in the Fusion Hybrid is made from recycled materials; leather seats are optional. The 2010 hybrid can have an optional navigation system that features Sirius Travel Link technology. In addition to traffic information, Travel Link can show local gas prices and movie times. A backup camera is also offered, and the Fusion Hybrid comes standard with a 110-volt household power plug.
Fusion Design and Pricing
The battery steals a bit of space from the backseat room and the trunk. Compared to a standard new Fusion, second-row passengers in the hybrid will have about a half-inch less legroom, while the luggage capacity goes from a cavernous 16.5 cubic feet to a snug 11.8 cubic feet. The Fusion Hybrid will start at $27,995 (including destination charge). That's $8,000 more than the lowliest front-drive, four-cylinder 2010 Fusion. It's only about $500 shy of the top 3.5-liter-V6-powered all-wheel-drive Fusion Sport. The new Fusion Hybrid has the same tri-bar chrome grille as the gasoline Fusion, as well as a restyled hood, headlights and front bumper. It's a rather aggressive look overall, but not to the point that it is unlikable.
The Fusion Hybrid has badges on the front doors and trunklid, plus special 17-inch wheels.
2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a vehicle that has always been towards the top of its class. When it was first introduced there wasn’t quite as much competition. As the market for hybrid vehicles has grown every year, there is much more competition, but somehow the Camry Hybrid has stood up to the newcomers. For 2010, the Toyota Camry got a number of mechanical and styling updates.
Driving the Camry Hybrid
Compared to the Fusion Hybrid, the 187-hp Camry is quicker to 60 mph with an 8.3-second performance; the Fusion Hybrid's deficit probably has to do with the extra 215 pounds the Ford carries compared to the similarly sized Camry. The transitions between just the electric motor powering the car to full hybrid, with motor and engine together are smooth, and there is actually not that big a difference from driving the gasoline version of the Camry.
Fuel Economy and Power
The 2010 Camry Hybrid gets an EPA estimated 34 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg through the city. The drivetrain can run solely on electric power at low speeds. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder running on a more efficient Atkinson cycle couples with an electric motor to produce a combined 187 horsepower.
Camry Hybrid Features
The Camry Hybrid includes a gas mileage gauge. With the navigation system, the center display can show power flow between different drivetrain components. Due to the drivetrain's high-voltage battery pack, which sits behind the rear seats, overall cargo space is less than the regular Camry's. A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are optional. The cabin of the 2010 Camry hybrid is very similar to the previous years. Express up/down operation for all windows, a feature typically reserved for premium brands, is now standard. The car can have leather upholstery, heated power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a navigation system.
2010 Design and Pricing
The Camry Hybrid's face sports a rather aggressive look, with a large center air dam that dominates the lower bumper. Fog lights sit within vertically slotted outboard sections, and last year's bladed grille has been replaced with a single unit. Both the grille and bumper differ noticeably from the non-hybrid Camry's, which wasn't the case before. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. The 2010 Camry Hybrid is priced at a starting MSRP of $26,150.
Summary
Ford and Toyota have both come up with reliable and likeable hybrids for 2010. The Fusion Hybrid bases at $1,125 more than a Camry Hybrid, but supposedly it gets better mileage. The Fusion’s main selling point is that it has superior handling abilities compared to other hybrids. It also has a 700-mile range in city driving on one tank of gas. The Camry’s high points are it exceptional list of safety features (including seven airbags), its 100,000-mile warranty for hybrid components and its overall refinement.
