• The 2010 Ford Fusion has a more powerful and fuel efficient standard four-cylinder engine that has 15 more horsepower and 16 more lb.-ft. of torque, gets 6 mpg better highway fuel efficiency, and is one second faster to 60 mph.

• Ford claims that the 2010 Fusion Hybrid delivers the best fuel economy of any mid-size sedan on the market.

• Ford says that the 2010 Fusion Hybrid can travel 700 miles in the city on a single tank of gas.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a regenerative braking system that boasts a 94-percent energy recovery rate during braking, energy that is used to recharge the battery pack.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide instrumentation uses two configurable LCD display screens to display a variety of driver-selected information, and even has a tutorial on how to maximize fuel economy.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion has a retuned suspension for better handling, ride quality, and steering feel, according to Ford, as well as improved brake pedal feel.

• Ford tightened the 2010 Fusion’s turning radius by one foot, helping to address a criticism of the previous model.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion has a much quieter interior, measuring up to three sones quieter than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in terms of wind noise, according to Ford.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion can be equipped with SYNC technology, which includes a 911 Assist safety system. In the event of a collision and airbag deployment, the Fusion’s 911 Assist system places a call directly to 9-1-1 operators, who can immediately send rescue personnel to the Fusion’s location.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) includes Cross-Traffic Alert, which can detect traffic moving toward the Fusion when reversing out of a parking space or backing into a street.

• When a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone is paired to the 2010 Ford Fusion’s optional SYNC technology and the Fusion is equipped with its optional navigation system, incoming text messages are read aloud by the navigation system’s text-to-voice system, which could cause an awkward moment amongst passengers depending on circumstances. We’re just sayin’.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion’s optional navigation system includes a 10-gig hard drive that can store 2,400 songs – about 150 hours of music. The screen can also be customized to display personal photos.

• When equipped with Sirius TravelLink service, the 2010 Ford Fusion can provide real-time traffic and weather reports, gas prices, sports scores and schedules, movie reviews and times, and other features.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion does not require a navigation system screen to receive images from the optional reversing camera. On cars without navigation, the display is embedded into the rearview mirror.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion’s available ambient interior lighting system illuminates the cupholders and each foot well. It offers seven colors to choose from, depending on your mood.

• A 390-watt, 12-speaker Sony audio system is optional on the 2010 Ford Fusion.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion is equipped with Ford’s Easy-Fuel capless fuel filler system. This saves time when refueling, and doesn’t require replacement of lost caps.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion has a 16.5 cubic foot trunk in S, SE, SEL, and Sport trim. The Fusion Hybrid’s trunk is smaller at 11.8 cubic feet to make space for the battery pack.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion weighs between 3,285 pounds and 3,803 pounds, depending on trim level, powertrain, and equipment.

• The performance-oriented 2010 Ford Fusion Sport has a 61/39 front/rear weight distribution, slightly more nose-heavy than the 60/40 front/rear distribution of other Fusions.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion is built in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Note: This review was published on October 2, 2009. It may not reflect data that has become available for this vehicle since that date.