Ford Fusion

The Fusion is a midsize sedan with room for up to five passengers. Positioned as Ford's primary midsize four-door, it competed against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord until the automaker discontinued the model after the 2020 model year. The Fusion shares some underpinnings and powertrain components with the Lincoln MKZ from Ford's luxury division.

The Fusion has been available in several trims in recent years, including the S, SE, SEL, and the range-topping Titanium. The SE is a popular choice, as it adds more standard features and a better engine compared to the base S trim. The SEL brings even more luxury and convenience features, while the Titanium trim comes with the highest level of standard equipment and a more powerful engine. The performance-oriented Fusion Sport was also available from 2017 through 2019.

In terms of powertrains, the Fusion has offered a range of options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on higher trims. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on the Titanium trim, while the Fusion Sport features a 2.7-liter V6. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive optional on the Titanium and standard on the Sport. Ford also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the Fusion Energi, which is reviewed separately.

Over the years, the Fusion evolved to offer more and improved tech and safety features. The second-generation Fusion, launched in 2013, initially offered the MyFord Touch infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice commands, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation. It was replaced in 2016 with the SYNC 3 system, which brought significant improvements in terms of responsiveness, ease of use, and graphical interface. In 2017, it gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Several advanced safety features have also been available since 2013, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. All of these but adaptive cruise control became standard equipment in 2019.

If you’re shopping for a used Fusion, we recommend the 2017-2020 model years, which offer a good balance of technology, safety features, and powertrain options. Specifically, the SE trim with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides a good mix of performance and efficiency.