Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid (2014)

Pros
Good fuel efficiency. EPA estimates 38 mpg overall when using a combination of plug-in power and gasoline.
500+ mile cruising range with combined plug-in and gasoline power.
Good package of safety features, including blind spot monitoring and back up camera.
Pretty good room. Back seat is especially comfortable.
Ride is comfortable and quiet.
Nicely appointed, with all the accoutrements one would want.
Good interior fit and finish.
Sharp styling.
Plug-in Energi version of the Fusion is great for people who have a place to plug in, and who have reasonably short commutes. You plug it in at night and/or at work, and you operate almost exclusively on electricity for its 15-20 mile range, which is cheaper than gasoline. And when you need to go further, you have the gasoline engine at the ready for long trips so there’s no range anxiety.
Features inflatable seat belts for 2015. We’ll see what the real world data show about how much they add to occupant safety, but it bears watching.

Cons
The Fusion we test drove was absolutely terrible in the snow, so approach with extreme caution if you live in the snow belt. Probably due to electric motor and its high torque, the traction control kicked in on the slightest grade during slippery conditions, bringing the car to a stand-still. To be fair to Ford, the high-low-rolling-resistance tires on the model we drove almost certainly contributed to this issue. But we can’t endorse this car for anyone who drives in snow until we’ve tested it with all-weather or snow tires to see if we can get it to move when it’s snowing out.
Very little room in the rear trunk, as a result of the space needed for the Energi battery pack.
The plug-in hybrid does require a weather-proof electrical outlet within reasonable range of your driveway. That’ll cost $500 or so, by the time you include parts and installation. So, factor in that additional cost.
For 2015, touch-screen controls have been added to the dashboard. And we’ve pretty much hated those in every other car we’ve tested. They’re hard to operate, slow to respond, and a general pain in tuchus. Knobs! We need knobs, Ford!