Ford Fusion Hybrid is available in four trims: S, SE, Titanium, and Platinum, the latter a new-for-2017 offering. The Platinum trim level gives this second-generation four-door hybrid sedan some extra zest, including ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, moonroof, blind spot monitoring, and Ford’s Sync 3 telematics system with 8-inch color LCD capacitive touch screen. The second-generation Fusion Hybrid debuted in the 2013 model year, so some “extra zest” is a good thing. During a week-long test drive, the hybrid sedan showcased crisp handling, even during travel over bumpy, uneven pavement.

The Fusion Hybrid’s power is provided by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine with permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric motor, and an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission. A new feature on this 112.2-inch wheelbase front wheel drive sedan is a rotary transmission dial on the floor console, replacing a gear selector in the center console. This transmission spin-dial is appropriately weighted for ease-of-use. The test driven Ford Fusion Hybrid Platinum carries a MSRP of $37,020 and collects estimated mpg of 43 city/41 highway.