Looks the same, but better where it counts: 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid

At first blush, the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid doesn't look any different from the 2016 model.

Look closer and you may notice that the front and rear bumpers have been subtly redesigned.

Beneath the surface, the electrified portion of the hybrid system has been tweaked, yielding one to two extra mpg to its estimated efficiency.

I'd also swear that Ford has adjusted the handling and steering characteristics. This new Fusion Hybrid feels better on the road.

Straight line performance is hardly the point, but at just 188 horsepower, the new Fusion still feels a bit underpowered for this class.

The electric motor somewhat makes up for the power deficit at city speeds.

Its regenerative braking system has also been revised and is now able to recapture up to 94 percent of energy that would be lost to braking.

The Fusion's semi-automatic parking system gains reverse perpendicular parking and adds Park Out Assist to its bag of tricks.

The hybrid model's 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack occupies a bit of the trunk space.

Sync 3 joins the Fusion Hybrid's list of features and is a welcome addition, bringing with it Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The cabin sees a general improvement in materials and quality, but the most obvious change to the cabin is the use of a rotary gear selection knob rather than a traditional shift lever.