The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that offers an appealing mix of practicality, sporty driving dynamics and value. Though getting on in years, the Fusion (which is also available in frugal hybrid form) has aged gracefully thanks to a competent chassis and a host of mid-cycle revisions that have helped to keep the car fresh.
On the surface, the Fusion got new front- and rear-end styling -- enough of a facelift that, from most angles, it looks like a whole new model. The edgy grille continues Ford's "three-bar" chrome design cue in what's bound to be a polarizing expansion of the theme.
Under the hood, the Fusion features three powertrain options. The top two models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate, while entry-level four-cylinder version comes standard with a six-speed manual.
For this latest generation, the base four is upgraded to a 2.5-liter unit pumping out 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque with variable intake variable cam timing, new exhaust manifolds, and electronic throttle control. Ford says efficiency is up over 10 percent compared to the previous Fusion's four-cylinder, now rated at 23/33 city/highway mpg.
The next step up is a modified 3.0-liter V6 that puts out 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. A new air induction system and torque-actuated variable cam timing help boost power. The new cam design uses torsional energy instead of pressurized oil to phase the camshaft, which Ford says will helps save a bit of fuel, as well as improve response time.
The 3.0 V6 is also E85-capable. Ford says fuel economy is up to 20 city, 28 highway on the front-wheel drive model.
New for the latest generation is a 3.5-liter V6 -- standard on the 'Sport' model. With 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque on tap, it is essentially the same V6 used in the Flex, Edge and a handful of other Ford vehicles.
The 2.5- and 3.0-liter Fusions come with available electronic power steering. What's more, the 3.0 features an extra-aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff that Ford says will also come on 2.5-liter models eventually.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Fusion is offered in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport.
The 2.5-liter Fusion S includes basic features like air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, capless refueling, traction control, ABS, and 16-inch wheels.
The next level up is the SE model, which has the same features as the S, but larger 17-inch wheels, a six-speaker stereo with Sirius Satellite Radio, and the choice of the larger 3.0-liter V6. Ford Sync 2.0 is also an option on the SE.
The SEL model adds the Sync 2.0 as standard, the seven-color lighting system, leather seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, and, again, the option of the larger 3.0-liter motor. Other options include a reverse-sensing system, all-wheel-drive, GPS, and a Sony sound system.
Lastly, the Sport model has the 3.5-liter V6 as standard, red-, blue, or black-accented leather, chrome trimming inside, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust, optional AWD, optional GPS, and the option of Sony audio.
Key Competitors
The Fusion is aimed right at the heart of the mid-size sedan segment, counting perennial top-ten bestsellers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord as its main rivals. Its strongest domestic competition comes in the form of the Chevrolet Malibu, while the commodious Volkswagen Passat could also be considered an American offering due to its assembly at a VW plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.