2017 Ford Fusion

Overview

The Ford Fusion has so many available configurations that it practically defies classification. Is it a budget family car? A sports sedan in disguise? An entry-luxury competitor? An efficient hybrid? The answer is all four—and none of the above. By offering so many variations, the Fusion falls short of excellence. Competitors from Honda and Mazda are dynamically superior, and dedicated hybrid models such as the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt demand fewer compromises. The Fusion is a handsome and competent family sedan, but savvy buyers will want to do some comparison shopping.

What's New for 2017?

Adaptive cruise control, a rotary shifter, and automatic stop/start are new to the Fusion this year, and Ford has revised the front and rear ends. Also new are two trim levels, Sport and Platinum. The 325-hp Sport is the quick, while the top Platinum trim is built for comfort, not speed. It features quilted leather seating surfaces, a leather-trimmed dash, and other luxury amenities, begging the question: With a car like this, who needs a Lincoln?

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• S: $22,995
• SE: $24,125
• Titanium: $31,125
• Sport: $34,480
• Platinum: $37,625

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Powertrain offerings in the Fusion start with a lackluster 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a competent six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. The six-speed carries over throughout the Fusion’s gas-only models. A 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter or a 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, both four-cylinders, are available in upper trim levels. The 2.0-liter engine can be mated to all-wheel drive, if desired. The new Sport model has a powerful 325-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive. The Fusion is also available as a hybrid. That model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and an electric motor that together make 195 horsepower, or as a plug-in hybrid, with the same powertrain equipped with a larger battery pack. Despite being sure-footed in nearly every incarnation and downright fast in Sport trim, the Fusion is not the best in its class when it comes to driving dynamics. In some guises, it combines a comfortable ride with agile handling for an engaging experience. The Fusion Sport can feel more like a sports sedan than a family car when pushed hard, thanks to its standard adaptive dampers—though its ride and handling still aren't sharp enough to be thoroughly convincing.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

From cloth seats to quilted leather, from a small audio screen to an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a Fusion can be spartan or luxurious. Overall, its multiple interior trims are attractive and in step with the rest of the class, but base-model drivers might feel they’ve gotten a raw deal if they get a look at a richly appointed Platinum model. The universe of available interior fittings for the Fusion is expansive. The Sport that visited our office was attractive and cushy—and beyond the Sport is the Platinum model, which is as luxurious as a Lincoln. The gas-only Fusion holds as much cargo as most competitors, but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models suffer mightily for their battery packs, which take up trunk space.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment options in the Fusion range from so last decade to totally of the moment. Ford’s Sync 3 system is feature-heavy, intuitive, and reasonably quick. It's outfitted with every feature we report on except for Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity, and there are enough power points for a full complement of passengers.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Ford Fusion’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.