Aug 4 2009
The new Ford Fusion Hybrid is now Consumer Reports' top-rated domestic sedan. Essentially tied with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Fusion Hybrid achieved an excellent 34 mpg overall in CR's fuel economy test and offers sportier driving.
The newly freshened four- and six-cylinder versions of the Ford Fusion family sedan are much improved and now compete with the best models in the category. All three versions were quieter and more refined than previous versions.
Consumer Reports also tested four- and six-cylinder versions of the freshened Kia Optima in its tests of family sedans in the September issue.
"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do. All have a comfortable ride, agile handling, and the innovative display on the Hybrid encourages frugal driving."
Prices ranged from $20,365 for the four-cylinder Optima to $32,360 for the Fusion Hybrid, which included a $5,000 package that added navigation, leather seats, a moonroof and other options. All of the cars in this group are Recommended based on test scores and the cars' previous reliability history. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The Audi Q5 was top in CR's test of compact luxury SUVs, also in the September issue. A combination of performance, comfort and refinement has made the Q5 one of the top-rated models in the growing compact luxury SUV market. (Note: The Audi Q5 was one of the top-rated cars ... Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited -- $28,860 is listed in first place.)
Full tests and ratings of family sedans and compact luxury SUVs appear in the August issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale August 4. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.