Ford offers a version of the Fusion to meet the needs of almost any mid-size-sedan buyer. For the fuel-conscious consumer, the Hybrid is the obvious choice. Featuring essentially the same powertrain as the one in the Ford Escape Hybrid, it can operate in electric mode at speeds of up to 47 mph. You can really connect with the hybrid experience with the Fusion's unique instrument cluster that can be configured to give instant fuel-economy readouts. For a more dynamic driving experience, the Fusion Sport has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, upgraded suspension tuning, and eighteen-inch wheels. Of course, with the Sport you also sacrifice fuel economy, as it delivers just 17/24 city/highway mpg with all-wheel drive. The Fusion is also offered in S, SE, and SEL Trim Levels. Engine choices are a 175-hp four-cylinder and a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models, and all-wheel drive is optional on V-6-engined Fusions. The handsome but anodyne exterior features the marque's trademark three-bar grille and wraparound headlamps, and the interior has a contemporary instrument panel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfortable seats. Ford's Sync multimedia system is standard on SEL, Sport, and Hybrid models and optional on the SE. If you go for the base S model, you'll have to do without Sync, which might not be so bad since we've found that it can be confusing and distracting to use while on the road.
The Range
Drive: Front-wheel, 4-wheel
Trim Levels: S, SE, SEL, Sport, Hybrid
Body Style: Sedan, 5-passenger
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 175 hp, 172 lb-ft
2.5L I-4/electric hybrid, 175 hp, 172 lb-ft
3.0L V-6, 240 hp, 223 lb-ft (E85 capable)
3.5L V-6, 263 hp, 249 lb-ft
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, continuously variable
Passenger Volume: (Hybrid/Fusion) 99.8/100.3 cu ft
Cargo Space: (Hybrid/Fusion) 11.8/16.5 cu ft
What's New
The Fusion sees no significant changes for the 2012 model year. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are now standard on the SE, and there are four new exterior colors: black, cinnamon, red candy tinted clearcoat metallic, and ginger ale (available only on the Hybrid).
Safety
Front, side, and side curtain air bags are standard, as are ABS, traction and stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, programmable MyKey, and integrated blind-spot mirrors. The SOS Post-Crash Alert System sounds the horn if the air bags have deployed.
EPA Fuel Economy
All: 17-41 mpg city/24-36 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Available all-wheel drive
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Hybrid economy
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Roomy interior
You Won't Like
- Middling fuel economy with the V-6
Sum Up
A version to please everybody.
If You Like This Vehicle
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Honda Accord
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Nissan Altima
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Toyota Camry