Prius v or Ford Fusion Hybrid?

Well, the v will give you far more people and luggage space than the FFH. Check Fuelly for the relative real-life fuel mileage difference.
I think you'll find that the Prius hatchback (normal Prius) also has more room than the Ford with better mileage than the v to boot.
People report that the v is somewhat more comfortable for high speed travel but is less peppy as it's carrying more weight and pushing around more air.
Lexus doesn't make a v car but they sell their version of the Camry (ES300h(?)) that would maybe work well for you.

 

I am looking for a car that has the gadgets

Not quite sure what you mean by "gadgets"..???
We like our "v" but it lacks some features/gadgets that our previous car had...ie: power seats, two level seat heaters w/auto off,DLR's, power lift hatch to mention a few......NOW if you opt for the AT upgrade you get loads of "gadgets/features" ......
What the "v" does well is get good fuel economy and the potential for GREAT fuel economy with a few driving techniques....The rear seating and load area offer lots of storage options....

 

Lexus has the CT, and of course the RX and all 3 of their sedan models are available in hybrid.

To me the comparison between the V and the Fusion is dead simple since they are so different - do you want a wagon or a sedan?

 

You look much younger...but not very happy

 

My focus was on cargo (must hold two big dogs in back), good MPG, lower maintenance costs (over ten years) and gadgets! The Prius v fit the bill after I ponied up the extra $5k for Adv. Tech. Pkg. for the gadgets ... but it is not in everybody's budget.

Only you can decide the right/best vehicle for you.

P.S. My 2012 prius v replaced 2000 Lexus RX300

 

I'm 70 and previous cars were Porsche Boxster and Honda CRV. Today I drove 100+ miles driving my granddaughter back to her house while her grandma sat in the back seat reading with her. I averaged 42+ driving mostly a cruise-controlled 65 with occasional bursts to 73 while passing. Earlier I took the 7 year old to her horseback riding lessons and sat reading in the car occasionally warming it with the gas engine while she rode for 2 hours in a windy 40 degrees. I'm sure it cost me MPG to do that but so it would with any car and the Prius probably less. I drive it like a normal car, trying for the last MPG isn't that important to me since I already get much better MPG than my previous cars. Though I could have done a consistent 70+, I wasn't in a hurry and enjoyed listening to the youngster read.

I bought a V 3 with leatherette (I have grandkids...enough said) added as a dealer installed option. I wish it had DRL (I'll add it), but it does have bluetooth and synchs perfectly with my Droid, voice calls are a cinch, the GPS is fairly easy to learn and program, there is a backup camera. It has Sat radio but I no longer subscribe. It does not have 16-skillion way adjustable seats. But I don't need them.I could have gotten more features but didn't feel it worth my money for the v 5's extras, your choice might be different.

If faced with a choice of taking the Avalon or the Prius, I choose the Prius, my wife prefers the Avalon for its seat heaters and relative quiet. I've gotten a 6ft Xmas tree inside and regularly 10 Xerox-sized boxes.

The utility and "trunk" size in addition to the mileage and reliability reputation of the Prius were what sold me. I'd have preferred a US made car but there isn't one of similar characteristics.

Good shopping.

 

Don't take me wrong, I am not trying to get you into debt over your head, but you may be punishing yourself unnecessarily by saving your money before you buy. Last I checked, banks are giving less than .25% interest on savings, and Toyota dealers were giving 0% interest loans. So, in these circumstances, why not get the car now, pay the loan, instead of the savings account, and enjoy a new car now.

 

My opinion-Toyota has been perfecting their hybrid for years so it was a clear choice for me. I love my V for the space, the ride, the sleek design, the gadgets, the great gas mileage and most of all the reliability of a Toyota product. I plan on enjoying it for years to come.

 

Is it the quietest car, no. I hear tire on concrete pavement noise that is different/louder than on smooth blacktop. Michelin 16" tires. Do I take it on 300 mile trips from NC to DC anyway, sure do. On the road I'm usually listening to recorded lectures. You give up soundproofing when you don't have double sealed doors, soundproofing in the doors, etc but save weight and cost. Coming from a convertible and a SUV, I didn't really notice the noise on my test drives as I was focusing on the driving differences, displays, etc. Would I like to have it quieter, sure. Is it really bad, heck no...not to me.

 

Our Prius v Five is the quietest and most comfortable cruising car we've ever owned. On the interstates, even at 75mph, low wind noise and low road/suspension noise.

 

If you want comfort, style, power, handling, toys, and look good while driving, Fusion, If you want great MPG, cargo space, and don't really care about the rest, Prius.

But dont take any ones advice on this, what YOU need to do is either road test a Prius and take it to a Ford dealer, or vise-versa and put them next to each other, and say to yourself, which car would I feel more comfortable in, which one will I be HAPPY in. Only You can decide that. The later Fusions coming off the line are starting to get some impressive MPG now, quite a few owners are now seeing EPA and above, so MPG shouldn't be much of a factor anymore.

Stay away from Cmax though!

 

I haven't read this thread carefully but for me, I'd also throw in the '12+ Camry Hybrid into the mix. I personally don't care about the Prius v. I'd rather take the slightly greater FE hit of the HyCam over the Prius v in return for a lot more power and better acceleration.

See below, keeping in mind these are CR's FE tests and NOTHING like the EPA tests.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars | Best Cars for Gas - Consumer Reports
Best Vehicles for City & Highway MPG | City and Highway Mileage - Consumer Reports
Fuel Economy vs. Performance | MPG vs. MPH - Consumer Reports

edit: If one wants the Lexus version of the HyCam, there is the Lexus ES hybrid. I personally wouldn't bother w/the Lexus CT as it's even slower than the Prius liftback (regular Prius), gets worse FE and I don't like its styling. The interior bits of the CT are far better than any Prius though.

 

Source? Compare Side-by-Side says regular.