2018 Ford Fusion

2018 Ford Fusion model features a base 2.5-liter Duratec I-4, with more engine options like a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-4, a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, and the Sport model’s twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. 2018 Fusion is also available in hybrid trims, namely, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 with an electric motor along with an E-CVT. Ford Fusion competes with prominent cars like Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, and Hyundai Sonata.

Ford Fusion comes with five trims: S, SE, Titanium, Sport, and Platinum. The S and SE trim come fitted with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under a front-wheel-drive configuration. The SE trim is available in two engine options: 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

While the Titanium and Platinum models come powered by the standard 2.0-liter engine. The performance-oriented, Fusion Sport comes with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine. You can avail the all-wheel-drive configuration with the SE, Titanium, and Platinum trims.

The carmaker has added convenient features like satellite radio and power front seats in the Fusion SE. The optional fitments include a touch-screen infotainment system, leather seats, a moonroof, and a whole host of advanced safety and driver assistance features, depending on needs and budget.

Trims	S	SE	Titanium	Energi SE	Energi Titanium	Sport	Platinum	Energi Platinum
MSRP	$ 22,120	$ 23,395	$ 30,995	$ 31,305	$ 32,305	$ 33,750	$ 36,895	$ 39,305
Features	2.5l Duratec I-4 engine. SYNC. Advance Trac with esc and brake traction control.	SiriusXM Radio. SecuriCode Keyless entry keypad. 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumber.	18’’ machine-faced aluminum wheels with painted pockets. SYNC 3. Sony audio system with 12 speakers and HD radio.	SiriusXM Radio. Leather seats with heated front seats. SYNC.	Ambient lighting. Rear Spoiler. Sony audio system with 12 speakers and HD radio.	2.7l Ecoboost V6 engine. Sport seats with Leather seating surfaces. 19’’ premium painted dark tarnished wheels.	SYNC connect. 19’’ polished aluminum wheels. Adaptive cruise control with Stop and go.	Cooled driver and passenger seats. Premium Leather-Wrapped steering wheels. Premium sport grille with unique paint.

Ford Fusion is available in hybrid and a plug-in hybrid trims, known as Fusion Energi. Both sedans are front-wheel drive. The hybrid trim is powered by a 2.0-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a small electric motor, a Lithium-ion battery pack. The engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

Trims	S Hybrid	SE Hybrid	Titanium Hybrid	Hybrid Platinum
MSRP	$ 25,995	$ 26,245	$ 30,775	$ 37,275
Features	2.0l Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine. 17’’ sparkle silver painted wheels. Nine speakers.	10-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power passenger seats. siriusXM radio. LED signature lights.	18’’ machine-faced aluminum wheels with painted pockets. SYNC 3. Sony audio system with 12 speakers and HD radio.	Cooled driver and passenger seats. Premium Leather-Wrapped steering wheels. Premium sport grille with unique paint.

Ford Fusion offers a performance that is expected from a car in this segment. The base engine is quite disappointing but the optional turbocharged engine is a better performer for sure. The handling turns out to be sporty and the ride quality somehow is decent on normal roads.

 “The Fusion isn't as dynamically impressive as it once was, but it's still a likable car that puts up some solid numbers in braking and handling. Not many cars in this segment are focused on driving enjoyment, but the Fusion remains entertaining despite lackluster acceleration. “—Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, Ford Fusion is gifted with four engine options. The base engine comprises of a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is quite underperforming. There are two turbocharged EcoBoost engines: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that is capable of delivering a maximum power of 181 hp and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 245 horses.

For extra performance delivery, we have the Ford Fusion Sport that comes with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine that propels exemplary 325 horses. This model offers a thrilling driving experience. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard over all models.

Models	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
MSRP	$ 22,120	$ 23,495	$22,500	$ 22,485
Engine	2.5 L Inline 4	2.5-l Inline 4	2.4l Inline 4	2.0 L Inline 4
Fuel type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Power	175 hp @ 6000 rpm	203 hp@ 6600 rpm	185 hp @ 6,000 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	175 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm	184 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm	178 Ib.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm	260 ft-lbs. @ 1350 rpm

Acceleration

The acceleration from the base engine available with the 2018 Fusion S is  unpleasing. It takes 8.9 seconds to go 0-60 MPH while other rivals like Sonata and Optima do it in 6.8 seconds. Comparatively, the emissions of the 2018 Fusion is also higher than the rivals.

Models	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
0-60 MPH	8.9 sec	8.5 sec	6.8 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter mile	15.2 sec	16.4 sec	15.2 sec	15.8 sec
Engine	2.0 L	2.5l	2.4l	2.0 L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	7.1	5.2	6.1	6.8

Braking and Handling

Since 2018 Fusion comes with standard front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive, it offers a balanced and composed handling.  Ride the sedan with confidence and make easy turns on uneven terrains. The braking distance is also similar to the competitors, which is 122 feet for 60-0 MPH.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Brake pads-front(in)	11.8	12.0	12	12.6
Brake pads Rear(in)	11.9	11.0	11.2	11.2
Curb weight(lbs)	3431	3241	3219	3589
60-0 MPH (ft.)	122	122	123	113

The EPA has not tested the 2018 Fusion for the latest fuel economy yet. But, since the engine and other specs remain unchanged, we are providing the mileage figures taken from the previous year. The base model offered 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is lowest figures in the segment.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Mpg city	21	24	25	23
Mpg highway	32	33	36	32
Mpg combined	25	34	29	26

We didn’t get much from the EcoBoost engines either, as the 1.5-liter engine returned 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter engine delivered 21/31 mpg. The standard mileage offered by the Toyota Camry is slightly better at 24/33 mpg. While, the Kia Optima returns even better, at 25/36 mpg.

The 2018 Fusion interior features latest design layout and upmarket features. The use of high-quality material makes the interior look appealing and pleasant. There is generous cabin space and cargo space. Car’s tech features are also user-friendly and easily accessible. The heated and cooled leather sport seats are ultimately comfortable and best suited for long drives.

Overall, the interior looks well-appointed and attractive. The build quality is excellent with the presence of controls and knobs at right places. The rotary shifter resembles the design used by Land Rover and Jaguar. However, it gives a luxury feel.

"Platinum models get lots of extra leather, with an antiqued Cocoa finish on the dashboard and a quilted pattern on the seats. Door panels feature both treatments for an upscale look the moment you prepare to enter the cabin. Matte finish wood trim and extra aluminum detailing also help to set the Platinum model apart." -- New York Daily News (2017)

Seating and Comfort

2018 Ford Fusion offers seating for five people. The seats come with a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and four-way manually adjustable rear seat. The seating upgrades include:

• Front sport seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat,
• Six- or 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat,
• Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel

Along with comfortable seating for all the occupants, Ford Fusion offers ample rear space with a good amount of leg- and headroom. Fusion has got two complete LATCH systems for connecting car seats.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	102.8	100.4	104.8	106.1
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.2/55/57.8/44.3	38.3/55.4/57.7/42.1	39.8/56.0/58.1/45.5	40.4/55.3/57.9/45.5
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.8/54.4/56.69/38.3	38/54.7/55.7/38	37.8/56.0/56.4/35.6	38/56.1/56.5/35.6

Infotainment

2018 Ford Fusion comes with a Ford SYNC 3 touch-screen infotainment system. The infotainment system comprises of an 8-inch display that offers clear graphics. The screen is easy to access from the driver’s seat. The system is very responsive to the gestures such as swiping to pinching.

SYNC 3 can be easily integrated with the smartphone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which allow you to access your phone’s media, apps, contacts, and messaging.

Cargo Space

There is ample cargo space in Ford Fusion and work very well. 2018 Fusion has got two front cupholders with nighttime lighting. The rear cupholders are integrated with the center fold-down armrest. With the available 16 cubic feet of cargo space, the cargo volume is average for its class. For accommodating large items, a 60/40 split folding rear seat is available as standard equipment.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Trunk volume (ft.cube)	16	14.1	15.9	16.3

Dimension wise, the 2018 Fusion remains unchanged and shares similarity among its close competitors. 2018 Ford Fusion is available in nine exterior color options.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Curb weight(lbs)	3431	3241	3219	3589
Length(in)	191.7	192.1	191.1	191.1
Width(in)	72.9	72.4	73.2	73.4
Height(in)	58.1	56.9	57.7	58.1
Ground clearance(in)	5.7	5.3	5.3
Wheelbase(in)	112.2	111.2	110.4	110.4
Track width(in) F/R	62.7/62.4	63.0/63.2	63.5/63.8	62.9/63.1

 Design and Styling

Ford Fusion’s body is beautifully crafted and the carmaker has given a lean attire to the exterior. The cockpit, however, looks a bit outdated in comparison to other cars available in the segment. The design flow resembles to the Mazda 6 and the shape looks inspired from the Audi A7. Ford revisited a few years back, and introduced the Fusion with revised taillights and front grille. The rear LED lights are bisected along the chrome strip outline.

Wheels

The wheel size offered by Fusion is decent. The wheel is wide enough to offer good handling and ride quality. Just like the close rivals, the wheels are made up of aluminum.

Model	Fusion S	Toyota Camry	Kia Optima	Hyundai Sonata
Size F/R (in.)	17*7.5/17*7.5	16*6.5/16*6.5	16*6.5/16*6.5	18*7.5/18*7.5
Quality	Aluminum	Steel	Silver finish	Aluminum
Wheel type	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy	Alloy

Ford Fusion has considerably done well in the crash tests. It has received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Fusion also gets a four-star rating in frontal collision test. IIHS has designated 2018 Fusion under Top Safety Pick, which is impressive.

The IIHS has given “Good” scores on crash test and “Superior” score for front crash prevention. Tanks to the high driver seat, slim roof pillars, and big glass areas that offer a great outward vision.

NHTSA Crash test results

Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating	-
Side Barrier Rating Driver	-
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	-
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	-
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	-
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	-
Rollover Rating	4 Star

IIHS Reports

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Poor
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use	Marginal

Safety Features

Ford Fusion comes equipped with some standard safety features such as rearview camera and Ford’s MyKey safety feature, which allows you to set speed limits and prevent audio from playing until passengers get buckled up. Other advanced safety tech includes rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The top trims get more advanced safety features such as rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, an automatic parking function, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

• AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Mykey System -inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes and Beltminder w/Audio Mute

Ford Fusion vs. Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry is undoubtedly one of the best-selling sedan cars in the United States. The 2018 Camry offers well in reliability rating while the 2018 Fusion offers better performance. Unlike the Fusion, Camry comes with hefty standard equipment’s but misses out on the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford Fusion offers smartphone integration and easy access.

Ford Fusion vs. Kia Optima

Kia Optima comes with excellent styling and is worth considering. While Fusion holds impressive interior space and advanced tech features.

Ford Fusion vs. Hyundai Sonata

Sonata and 2018 Fusion are both available in front-wheel drive configuration, but Fusion also offers all-wheel drive. Fusion has added features this year after a redesign in 2013 while Sonata got redesigned in 2015. Sonata ranks seconds among the mid-size sedan cars while the fusion can be spotted at 11^th position. Though there might not be many differences between the two models as it seems.

The Fusion base model lacks power, but the turbocharged model can be a better bet. The Fusion can be fun to drive for everyday commuting. The sports trim is performance oriented and it will keep you thrilled wherever you take the car. The interior and cargo offer plenty of space.

On the safety front also the sedan has scored well. If you are considering a decent family sedan to buy that is equipped with latest tech features then 2018 Ford Fusion can be a smart choice. However, for better base models consideration, you should look upon alternatives like Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata.