2019 Ford Fusion ReviewThe 2019 Ford Fusion offers many powertrain and trim levels, offering something for everyone. Safety features and Sync 3 help make it a compelling option. More...
Autolist Editorial | September 28, 2020
Pros:
- Ford's Sync 3 infotainment is at its best.
- Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features.
- Top-tier trims are well-appointed.
Cons:
- Base cars are very spartan.
- Below-average gas mileage on non-Hybrids.
- Laughable trunk space in Hybrid models.
Would we buy one? Sure.
Vehicle Type: Four-door, 5-seat midsize sedan.
Price Range: MSRP for the Ford Fusion ranges from $23,835 for the base S model to $41,010 for the top-end Ford Fusion V6 Sport, including destination charges, but before optional equipment.
Powertrain: The Ford Fusion has a wide range of powertrain options available. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 175 horsepower, but this engine is only available with FWD. Two EcoBoost turbocharged midrange options are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 1.5 or 2.0-liter turbocharged engines make 181 and 245 horsepower, respectively.
The Ford Fusion Sport's top-range engine is Ford's excellent EcoBoost 325 horsepower, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, which comes standard with AWD. All non-hybrid Ford Fusions have 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Fusion powertrains consist of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder backed up by a continuously-variable transmission. The combined output of that engine and the electric motor is 195 horsepower.
Competitors: Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Chevy Malibu.
Overall Score: 6.9/10
Safety Features: 8/10
The Ford Fusion's standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and automatic high-beams, all part of Ford Co-Pilot360.
On Ford Fusion Titanium and Sport models, adaptive cruise control and active parking assist are available.
IIHS gave the 2019 Ford Fusion a good rating in crash tests. However, it did not earn a 'Top Safety Pick' designation. NHTSA awarded the Ford Fusion an overall rating of 5 stars.
Value: 7/10
Most reviewers found the Fusion SEL to be the value sweet spot, with heated front seats, 18" alloy wheels, and leatherette seating surfaces. The SEL trim has decent trappings for the money, without being too simple or pushing into the range of luxury car pricing.
The Ford Fusion Titanium is the most luxurious trim level. It offers many premium features, like a heated steering wheel, moonroof, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, LED fog lights, and leather seats.
Tech Features: 8/10
The base model S offers little in the way of tech features. The Ford Fusion SE comes with SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. Sync 3 is one of the best manufacturer user interfaces, with users finding it quick to learn and easy to navigate. The 8.0-inch touchscreen controls the dual-zone automatic climate control, audio system, and Bluetooth hands-free functionality. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are present in all models equipped with the Sync 3 system.
In the Titanium trim, you get the previously mentioned Sony audio system and ambient interior lighting. The Sport trim also receives active noise canceling in the cabin.
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Practicality: 6/10
The Ford Fusion is similar to most other options in the midsize sedan class when it comes to interior space. It comfortably seats four to five adults and has trunk space right in the middle of the segment at about 16 cubic feet. A folding rear bench seat makes room for larger items. There are a few nifty storage cubbies for the front seat occupants, but the back seat passenger will have to hang on to their stuff.
Hybrid versions yield a decent amount of the trunk to their mileage extending batteries, with the plug-in hybrid Energi's trunk space equaling just over half of the regular models.
Styling & Design: 7/10
Though mainly similar to when first introduced in 2013, the Fusion still looks like a new car and is an attractive choice in its class. The trapezoid grille has an upscale look, and enough has been done in a recent facelift to keep the Fusion fresh.
Inside and out, the base S trim is straightforward transportation. With cloth seats and steel wheels, it doesn't wow anyone. The SE adds 17" alloy wheels, which elevate its looks above the base model. In the SEL trim, 18" alloys are standard, fog lights give the front fascia a more upscale look, and upgraded upholstery adorns the interior. Upper trim levels add real leather seating, better interior accents, and 19" wheels. Sport V6 Fusions gets 19" grey painted alloys and sportier seats with suede inserts.
Driving Experience: 6/10
The Ford Fusion is generally a decent-driving sedan, agile enough for most everyday situations, and sporty enough for occasional spirited driving. With its powerful V6 and sportier active suspension, the Ford Fusion Sport delivers the most engaging driving experience.
The Fusion Hybrid and plug-in Energi variants do not deliver an exciting experience but offer good comfort and excellent fuel economy.
Fuel Efficiency: 6/10
With so many different drivetrain options, there is a Ford Fusion for every level of eco-consciousness. From worst to first, the Fusion Sport with AWD and the 325 horsepower, twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 receives EPA-estimated mileage of 17/26/20 mpg city/highway/overall. Fusions equipped with AWD and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder get 23 mpg combined. The same engine with FWD sees a slight increase to 25 combined mpg, and the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder Ford Fusion matches that number. The 1.5-liter engine receives EPA estimates of 27 combined mpg.
Ford Fusion Hybrid variants have estimates of 43/41/42 mpg city/highway/combined. The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid rates at 42 mpg combined and 103 mpge.
