Gas Mileage Battle Ahead For Ford Fusion, Camry Hybrid

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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1 6,070 views Feb 15, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

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There’s an interesting situation brewing between two major automakers, Ford and Toyota, and their mid-size hybrid sedans over which will achieve the highest fuel economy ratings in real-world use.

At issue here is whether the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, with what the company projects will be 47 mpg city/44 mpg highway when the sedan goes on sale in the second half of this year, will be matched or exceeded by the Toyota Camry Hybrid, all-new for 2012 and with an EPA-rated 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway fuel economy.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

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As reported in Automotive News, Ford is saying its hybrid system in the Fusion gives it the edge over the competitive Toyota Camry. Not only that, but the new Ford Fusion is also the first sedan offered in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid coming out this fall anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, this is more than the Prius plug-in hybrid’s projected efficiency.

But savvy industry watchers, and family car buyers looking for the most fuel-efficient sedans, know that this is one battle that’s far from over. The two automakers have been competitors in the hybrid arena for years.

While it’s certainly true that Toyota is the biggest seller of hybrid vehicles, led, of course, by its 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined Prius, as well as Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, Ford and other automakers (General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and so on) are looking to attract more mainstream consumers into their own hybrid offerings.

From our view, consumers are the ones who win. As technology continues to advance, eking more fuel economy out of hybrid powertrains – and emitting fewer emissions – is a totally win-win situation.

When it comes to fuel economy, real-world numbers that translate to how we drive every day, higher is indeed better.

For more information about the 2013 Ford Fusion, see this preview in TheCarConnection during the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Also check out the review of the 2012 Toyota Camry here.

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