At that time Ford announced that the hybrid version was scheduled to be introduced in early 2009 for the 2010 model year, with a suggested retail price of US$27,270.

[19] The Fusion Hybrid was manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant, located in Sonora, Mexico.

[20] Ford set a modest sales target of about 25,000 vehicles a year for the Fusion Hybrid and the similar Mercury Milan.

[citation needed] gasoline engine with intake variable cam timing(iVCT), have substantial power ratings and either can be used alone to propel the vehicle.

[30] The following table compares fuel economy, carbon footprint, and petroleum consumption between the hybrid version and other drivetrains of the Fusion family as estimated by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy: Motor Trend found that their Fusion Hybrid delivered only 33.5 mpg‑US (7.0 L/100 km; 40.2 mpg‑imp) in 500 miles (800 km) of mixed driving, 5 mpg off the EPA combined rating.

"If our early numbers hold up, the Fusion Hybrid would be a rare instance of the EPA relapsing into the world of mileage make-believe."

[39] In December 2008, Autoblog Green staff reported they had obtained in-city mileage of 43.1 mpg on the streets of Los Angeles.

[40] In addition, a Los Angeles Times reporter informed in December 2008 that he had obtained 52 mpg in mixed city-highway driving with little difficulty.

EPA estimates are based on 45% highway and 55% city driving, over 15,000 annual miles, and gasoline price of US$3.72 per gallon, the national average as of February 2012.

[45] The Fusion Hybrid comes with a SmartGauge with the EcoGuide which features two 4.3-inch high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the vehicle's analog speedometer.

The objective of these panel displays is to coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid by keeping track of their eco driving improvements.

When set in tutorial mode, the instrument panel in the right side "grows" leaves and vines on-screen to reward fuel-efficient driving.

[22][23] In 2012, with the introduction of the second generation Fusion, Ford redesigned its SmartGauge with EcoGuide system giving it a newer look and new customizable MyView features.

[51] Imported from Mexico, the Fusion Hybrid engine performance and fuel system durability was tested with the Brazilian mandatory E20 to E25 ethanol blends.

[52] A complete redesign of the Ford Fusion lineup for the model year 2013 was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

Total output is estimated at 185 hp (138 kW) and 130 ft⋅lb (180 N⋅m), running to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

[56] The 2013 Fusion Hybrid includes driver assistance and technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position (Lane Keeping System); adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions through adaptive cruise control; active park assist to help identify suitable parking spaces and help park; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, which consists of sensors in both rear quarter-panels that are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic unseen by the driver is detected.

BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.

[56][61] During the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Ford also unveiled the Lincoln MKZ concept model.

The consumer magazine said that their overall fuel economy results are usually close to the EPA's combined-mpg estimate, and among current models tested, more than 80% fall within 2 mpg margin.

[69][71] A few days later the Environmental Protection Agency said it will review claims that two new Ford hybrid vehicles were not delivering the advertised 47 mpg.

[73][74] In July 2013, Ford issued a voluntary software update for the 2013 model year Fusion, C-Max, and MKZ Hybrid to improve on the lower-than-expected MPG claims.

[77] The Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show,[57] and retail sales in the U.S. began in February 2013.

[81][82] Due to the capacity of its battery pack, the Energi qualified for a federal tax credit up to US$3,750 and any applicable state and local incentives.

A breakdown of these figures shows an average daily commute of 42 mi (68 km) for Ford Energi plug-in hybrid drivers.

[90] Later, due to complaints from owners not achieving the sticker fuel economy, and following a technical review, the official EPA rating in EV mode was downgraded to 88 MPG-e (2.7 L/100 km).

[10] The Milan Hybrid sold 1,416 units in 2010 and its production was discontinued as part of Ford's decision to phase out the entire Mercury brand.

[10][104] Purchases by the US Government at the behest of the Obama administration accounted for almost a third of the Ford Fusion Hybrids produced between 2009 and late 2010.

[14] The American plug-in hybrid market in 2014 was up 13.1% from 2013, while combined sales of both of Ford's Energi models (Fusion and C-Max) increased by 50.9% despite the reduction of their fuel economy ratings.