Chevy Volt vs. Ford Fusion Energi Titanium (2013)
Last week I test drove a Ford Fusion Energi. I've been drooling over the ample headroom and legroom and options list of the Titanium model, and wanted to see one for myself. I love my Volt but I'm 6'7", and it's the smallest car I've ever owned. It's a bit cramped inside for me- Of course I knew that when I got it, and I chose to lease a Volt anyway. My plan is to stick with the Volt until a more roomy EREV/PHEV-ish thing comes along. I now realize that the Voltec's performance and range has spoiled me. I wanted to love the Fusion Energi, but its performance as in EV-only mode is sappy. The Fusion Energi needs to use the gasoline engine as a crutch to get decent acceleration and maneuverability, especially on the freeway and only has a 20 mile range. I liked the rest of the Fusion, but its EV-only performance is a show-stopper for me. I left the test drive even more happy with my Volt. I wish GM would hurry up and produce a wider selection of Voltec vehicles.
Steverino started an excellent discussion thread this week, Unbelievable! Why doesn't the $40k Volt have this? He addresses the question of why does the Volt lack several popular features. After driving the Fusion Energi, I totally get it. For around the same price-point, GM has built a decent car with a superior electric drivetrain. Ford produces a more elaborate car, but puts it on top of a mediocre drivetrain. It will be interesting to see which strategy prevails in the market.
Some random observations about the Energi:
- Moonroof on the Fusion reduces headroom by about 2 inches. I don't fit in one with a moonroof (at least when it's closed).
- The fuel filler has no gas cap, but the tank is pressurized- there's a fancy one way valve that the gas nozzle sticks in to add fuel.
- The charge port door is a press to release and it pops out and swivels- no inside button to press.
- Drive modes cross-walk: L=L, EV-Only=Normal, EV-Later=Hold, Auto mode allows parallel gas & electric for increased power. There's a grade assist button that I'm not sure what it does and I forgot to ask.
- The battery is in the trunk and takes up a lot of room- but 2 or 3 suitcases can fit in there if cleverly arranged.
- Ford's salesman was not pushy, very knowledgeable and excited about the car. He explained that at least one "Energi" expert salesman is at each dealership and they go through extensive training, and that the service department when through a similar extensive training program.
- There is a 110V outlet located at the bottom of the base of the center console, so rear seat passengers can blow-dry their hair.
- Rectangular A-Pillars are cleverly rotated 90 degrees compared to the Volt- so the wide side of the pillars angle away from the driver, allowing for better visibility.
- Gas filler and charge port are both on the left side, no more short line at Costo.
- Trunk can be popped from inside, for smoother curb-side airport pickups/dropoffs.
- The Energi also has a low air-dam in front that scrapes driveways.
- Spare tire is not available- just a compressor and goop machine like the Volt.
- Turn signal lever has only momentary positions like some German cars.
I put together a comparison chart, below. Before ripping me to pieces over my comparison- please note that I am only interested in comparing the cars fully equipped, with every option right down to the cargo nets. The Volt wins in all "meat and potatoes" categories, while the Fusion offers much more robust list of features and technology gadgetry:
Last week I test drove a Ford Fusion Energi. I've been drooling over the ample headroom and legroom and options list of the Titanium model, and wanted to see one for myself. I love my Volt but I'm 6'7", and it's the smallest car I've ever owned. It's a bit cramped inside for me- Of course I knew that when I got it, and I chose to lease a Volt anyway. My plan is to stick with the Volt until a more roomy EREV/PHEV-ish thing comes along. I now realize that the Voltec's performance and range has spoiled me. I wanted to love the Fusion Energi, but its performance as in EV-only mode is sappy. The Fusion Energi needs to use the gasoline engine as a crutch to get decent acceleration and maneuverability, especially on the freeway and only has a 20 mile range. I liked the rest of the Fusion, but its EV-only performance is a show-stopper for me. I left the test drive even more happy with my Volt. I wish GM would hurry up and produce a wider selection of Voltec vehicles.
Steverino started an excellent discussion thread this week, Unbelievable! Why doesn't the $40k Volt have this? He addresses the question of why does the Volt lack several popular features. After driving the Fusion Energi, I totally get it. For around the same price-point, GM has built a decent car with a superior electric drivetrain. Ford produces a more elaborate car, but puts it on top of a mediocre drivetrain. It will be interesting to see which strategy prevails in the market.
Some random observations about the Energi:
- Moonroof on the Fusion reduces headroom by about 2 inches. I don't fit in one with a moonroof (at least when it's closed).
- The fuel filler has no gas cap, but the tank is pressurized- there's a fancy one way valve that the gas nozzle sticks in to add fuel.
- The charge port door is a press to release and it pops out and swivels- no inside button to press.
- Drive modes cross-walk: L=L, EV-Only=Normal, EV-Later=Hold, Auto mode allows parallel gas & electric for increased power. There's a grade assist button that I'm not sure what it does and I forgot to ask.
- The battery is in the trunk and takes up a lot of room- but 2 or 3 suitcases can fit in there if cleverly arranged.
- Ford's salesman was not pushy, very knowledgeable and excited about the car. He explained that at least one "Energi" expert salesman is at each dealership and they go through extensive training, and that the service department when through a similar extensive training program.
- There is a 110V outlet located at the bottom of the base of the center console, so rear seat passengers can blow-dry their hair.
- Rectangular A-Pillars are cleverly rotated 90 degrees compared to the Volt- so the wide side of the pillars angle away from the driver, allowing for better visibility.
- Gas filler and charge port are both on the left side, no more short line at Costo.
- Trunk can be popped from inside, for smoother curb-side airport pickups/dropoffs.
- The Energi also has a low air-dam in front that scrapes driveways.
- Spare tire is not available- just a compressor and goop machine like the Volt.
- Turn signal lever has only momentary positions like some German cars.
I put together a comparison chart, below. Before ripping me to pieces over my comparison- please note that I am only interested in comparing the cars fully equipped, with every option right down to the cargo nets. The Volt wins in all "meat and potatoes" categories, while the Fusion offers much more robust list of features and technology gadgetry: