Given the ever-rising gas prices that have afflicted US buyers over the past weeks and months, you'd be forgiven for wanting to trade in your old gas guzzler for some form of hybrid. Having a standard internal combustion engine helped along by an electric motor helps save a ton of fuel, which will assist you in offsetting the cost of throwing a load of liquid gold into your fuel tank. Most will opt for a hybrid SUV in 2026, given that these sorts of cars are all the rage right now.They can get a little, well, samey though, and we can appreciate that not everybody wants a high-riding SUV staring back at them as they open the front door. Larger sedans are still practical in their own right, but they also have the distinction of being better to drive and featuring sleeker styling. Handily, you can enjoy these advantages, as well as the fuel economy of a hybrid, in a modern creation that won't cost the earth. Step forward, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Ford's Frugal Sedan Provides Mid-Size Space With Compact Efficiency FordThe Fusion was killed off in 2020, which means you can still pick up relatively new examples of its Hybrid variant. This was the standard hybrid version with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that used a single electric motor to help it gather momentum, whereas the Energi was a plug-in hybrid variant that could run purely on electrical power if needed. The beauty of the Fusion Hybrid's powertrain is that, despite the Fusion being a pretty sizable mid-size sedan, it enjoys excellent fuel economy. A combined figure of 42 MPG is achievable, which is a full 17 MPG better off than the standard Fusion ICE, which got a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. For those who needed the space of a mid-size sedan, but didn't want to deal with average fuel efficiency, the Fusion Hybrid was a tantalizing blend. The Electrified Fusion Didn't Have As Much Poke As Its ICE Sibling FordOne area you will have to compromise on is pure performance. Whereas the turbocharged Fusion has 245 horsepower to play with, the Fusion Hybrid's 2.0-liter-based powertrain has to make do with 188 combined hp. This power is sent to the front wheels through a single-speed CVT transmission, which limits the car to a rather leisurely nine-second 0-60 mph capability. Still, the machine retains the same independent suspension setup that provides a good balance between offering a comfortable ride along normal roads, but also a sporty and engaging feel if you're in a rush. Used Fusion Hybrids Are Worth A Fraction Of Their Original MSRP FordFor the most part, you're best off casting your net out to secure the range-topping Titanium version of the Fusion Hybrid. There isn't much of a difference between the three separate trims on the used market, and the Titanium is still ultra-cheap, especially given it retailed for a shade under $35,000 just six years ago. The CarBuzz Marketplace reports that the average used value for the model currently stands at just $14,913, less than half of its original MSRP.This sort of money will get you a tidy example with middling miles, so think around the 70,000 mark. If you're after a specimen with lower mileage on the odometer, increase your budget towards the $20k barrier, as this will get you a pristine car with closer to 30,000 miles under its belt. Cars at the higher end of the mileage spectrum can be found for as little as $12,000, which could provide amazing value as long as you've thoroughly checked it over to make sure it has been well-maintained throughout its life. The Standard Fusion Hybrid Provides A Better Compromise When It Comes To Space FordAnother key point to make with the Fusion Hybrid is that, of the entire Fusion range, it represents the best middle ground when it comes to combining space and fuel efficiency. While it lacks the advantage of being able to drive around on pure EV power alone, like its Fusion Energi sibling, it makes up for this by providing a larger trunk space. This is because the larger battery found in the Energi, which can travel around 21 miles on just battery power, is located in the rear of the car, which takes up critical trunk space.The Fusion Hybrid doesn't have to deal with such a limitation, and thus boasts 12 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, as opposed to the Energi's 8.2 cubic feet of room. The standard Fusion fares the best at 16 cubic feet due to the lack of any kind of bulky electric powertrain to house, but then you'll have to accept drastically worse fuel economy. Aside from this, the Fusion Hybrid features the same size cabin as the standard model, and offers comfortable seating for five. The Titanium Trim Is Afforded Some Useful Extra Equipment Ford It's well worth gunning for a Fusion Hybrid Titanium, especially given the extra goodies you get as part of the deal. You'll have an electric moonroof to enjoy, a heated leather steering wheel, as well as electrically-adjustable leather seats that boast heating and cooling functionality. Beyond this, you'll have access to soothing ambient lighting, and more upmarket exterior styling.This comes on top of additions found on the lower models, such as a ten-speaker premium sound system, as well as Climate and Cruise Control. The Fusion Hybrid Titanium is a proper upmarket sedan for considerably less than the cheapest new car currently on sale in the US. Make Sure Your Fusion Hybrid Won't Fall Foul Of These Issues FordWhile the 2020 Fusion Hybrid is solid for the most part, given that many of the issues that plagued early cars had been sorted out by then, there are some things you need to be mindful of before you start inspecting one. Arguably the most important one regards the CVT transmission, as it can be prone to stator bearing failure. This shows itself as shuddering under acceleration and when changing between park and drive, as well as potentially a transmission fluid leak. While the issue is primarily found in cars built between 2013 and 2017, there is a small chance that later cars could be affected too.A new transmission unit may be needed, which can cost upwards of $3,000 if so. The car's electric power steering system is also known to prove problematic every now and again, and this could cost hundreds to put right. Make sure to drive any used Fusion Hybrid you're looking to buy, as issues with either of these components are easy to diagnose simply by feeling them. If you find the car is shuddering or hesitating, the CVT could be having problems. Additionally, be wary of the steering being stiffer than what feels normal, as this suggests not everything is rosy with the power steering system.Find a tidy example in good mechanical order though, and you'll have a practical mid-size sedan that doesn't come with the penalty of rubbish fuel economy. This makes it the ideal compromize for those who would prefer the more flowing silhouette and superior driving dynamics of a sedan. You can thank us later.Sources: Ford.