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2012 Ford Fusion

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Rating8.2

Ranked #2 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$20,705 - $29,175
Starting Price 

Year

Body Style

SedanHybrid Sedan
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious interiors

Average fuel economy from the V6

No significant changes made

High tech features

Audio and climate controls have a lot of switches

Comfortable ride

Expensive hybrid model

Optional all-wheel-drive

Specs & Features

$20,705

price

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

172 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Blue Oval is the most recognized and beloved brand across the U.S. and one of the most significant reasons for such appreciation is their critically appreciated mid-size sedan, the 2012 Ford Fusion. The current model began production in the year 2006 and has been going on since with significant growth in sales over time. You get a choice of powertrains, with a gas or hybrid engine to choose from, with manual or automatic transmission. The design is still modern and accentuates the no-nonsense character of the car quite well.

Buying Advice

The SEL makes the best recommendation because it offers more comfort and features and comes with a bigger engine and optional all-wheel drive. It also boasts of a more premium cabin which makes that trim a no-brainer. 

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Ford Fusion has been one of the hard-hitters in the segment with respectable figures backing up its claims. That said, these numbers also make it a very solid rival to the 2012 Nissan Altima, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, and the 2012 Kia Optima. Let’s see how the Ford stacks up against the others, and how well it performs as a value offering in the segment. 

Features
8.5/10

The 2012 Ford Fusion is offered in four trim levels, that start off at the S trim priced at $20,705 which brings in pretty basic features like keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, integrated blind-spot monitor, and cruise control. The SE adds bigger alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with a slightly better sound system.

Next up is the ‘SEL’ trim that gets an optional all-wheel-drive system and adds in more premium materials along with more amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and ambient interior lighting. The range-topping Sport trim comes with a more powerful engine and is filled to the brim with features that justify its $27,225 price tag. 

Trim

S

SE

SEL

Sport

MSRP (FWD)

$20,705

$22,975

$25,425

$27,225

MSRP (AWD)

N/A

N/A

$28,970

$29,175

Key Features

16-inch alloy wheels

Add/replacing the features of S trim:

Add/replacing the features of SE trim:

Add/replacing the features of SEL trim:
 

Full power accessories

Automatic headlights

Numerical keyless entry pad

Unique leather-trimmed seats
 

Tilt and telescopic steering

17-inch alloys

Ambient lighting

Four-way power-adjustable passenger seat
 

60/40 split-folding rear seats

Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat

Leather upholstery

18-inch alloy wheel
 

Integrated blind-spot monitor

Six-speaker audio system with steering controls

Automatic dual-zone climate control

Bigger V6 engine
 

Keyless entry

  

3.0L Flex-fuel V6 engine

Sport-tuned suspension

We Recommend

The SEL makes the best recommendation because it offers more comfort and features and comes with a bigger engine and optional all-wheel drive. It also boasts of a more premium cabin which makes that trim a no-brainer. 

Engine and Performance
8.6/10

There are a lot of engine options you can choose from when it comes to the 2012 Ford Fusion, with the standard one being a 2.5L inline-4 which produces 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission in a FWD configuration. The SEL trim upgrades the powerplant to a 3.0L Flex fuel engine which offers more power but is less refined than the 3.5L V6 that the range-topping trim comes equipped with. 

This 3.5L V6 is the most powerful and produces 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque and comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be had with both the FWD and the AWD drivetrains. The AWD drivetrain does feel punchier and has better dynamics than the other. 

Models

2012 Ford Fusion

2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Kia Optima

MSRP

$20,705

$20,550

$20,795

$23,200

Engine

2.5L inline-4

2.5L inline-4

2.4L inline-4

2.4L inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

6-speed manual 

CVT

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

Power

175 HP @ 6,000 RPM

175 HP @ 5,600 RPM

200 HP @ 6,300 RPM

200 HP @ 6,300 RPM

Torque

172 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM

180 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM

186 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM

186 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM

0-60 MPH (seconds)

8.0

7.5

8.1

7.9

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

16.1

15.8

N/A

16.1

Top-Speed (MPH)

125

115

131

120

All the cars have very similar engines, with the Altima being the only one equipped with a CVT. This CVT is sluggish off-the-line but proves to be the fastest than the others in the group. The Ford’s manual transmission is ideal for the city but can’t be used to put down power effectively to the ground. 

Fuel Economy
8.6/10

The 2012 Fusion offers decent gas mileage for the segment from the 2.5L engine offered as the base engine. The EPA estimates for this engine are at 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, for a combined 24 MPG. Opting for the V6 will further dip the MPG figures to 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. 

Models

2012 Ford Fusion

2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Kia Optima

MPG (City)

22

23

24

24

MPG (Highway)

29

32

35

35

MPG (Combined)

24

27

28

28

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

17.5

20

18.5

18.5

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

385/560/437

460/640/540

444/648/518

444/648/518

Both Hyundai and Kia are mechanically the same, and while they are different on the performance front, they offer the most fuel-efficient engines in the comparo. The Altima takes the lead here with the biggest tank in the segment that ensures the most range and the least fuel stops.

Interior
8.6/10

There are hardly any cons to talk about for the interior of the 2012 Ford Fusion as it has one of the roomiest cabins. Ford has made good use of the space and the cabin feels the roomiest despite the Fusion actually being a midsize sedan. The overall build quality of the cabin is also quite good as there are hardly any panel gaps, squeaks, or rattles that one would hear in the car. The outward visibility is good, even though the driving position is slightly lower than what one would find in the other cars of the segment. The front seats offer good support and are well-bolstered making them comfortable. The rear seats mimic the comfort of the front seats with soft upholstery and comfortable bench angle. 

Models

2012 Ford Fusion

2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Kia Optima

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

38.7/57.4/42.3

40.6/55.7/44.1

40/57.9/45.5

40/57.3/45.5

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.8/56.5/37.1

36.8/55.5/35.8

37.8/56.7/34.6

37.6/55.7/34.7

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

16.5

15.3

16.4

15.4

The Fusion is the roomiest of all with impressive shoulder room and a lot of legroom for the rear passengers. The headroom might feel a bit lacking on paper, but the real-world scenarios prove otherwise. That said, the impressive quality and feel of the cabin is further enhanced by:

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Leather-wrapped gear shifter
  • Heated and power-adjustable front seats
  • Power-adjustable driver lumbar
  • Automatic dual-zone climate control
  • Ambient interior lighting

How intuitive is the 2012 Ford Fusion’s Infotainment unit?

The standard player in the 2012 Ford Fusion is pretty basic and consists of a four-speaker sound system with audio input in the form of AM/FM, an auxiliary jack, and a CD player. On the higher trims, you get Ford’s SYNC infotainment system that adds Bluetooth connectivity, a premium six-speaker sound system, or an available premium Sony sound system which helps enhance the music experience in the car. Some of the highlighting features include:

  • 6-speaker audio sound system
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • SYNC Voice commands
  • Built-in navigation
  • HD radio

Exterior
8.6/10

Sharing most of its design cues from Ford’s concept 427, the design of the 2012 Ford Fusion might be something that has been there for a while, but it still does not look old. It comes with a crisp and sharp style resulting from the squat tail lights and a big barred grille. The arched-out fenders and the slightly bulky body design offer more of a sports sedan feel to the car, rather than a traditional mid-size sedan. 

Models

2012 Ford Fusion

2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Hyundai Sonata

2012 Kia Optima

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,285

3,180

3,316

3,223

Length (inches)

191

191

190

191

Width (inches)

72.1

71

72

72

Height (inches)

57

58

58

57

Ground Clearance (inches)

6.0

5.0

6.0

5.0

Wheelbase (inches)

107.4

109

110.3

110

The cars are very similar in proportions with the Fusion edging a bit more width than the others, which also translates to better cabin room inside. It also has good ground clearance that helps go over the undulations on the road while also maintaining the handling. That said, the Fusion’s design is highlighted by:

  • 16-/17/18-inch alloy wheels
  • Deck-lid spoiler
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Fog lights
  • Heated mirrors
  • Security code keyless entry pad

Safety
8.6/10

While the result from the NHTSA is not mind-blowing, the 2012 Ford Fusion offers quite good passenger protections and fares well in the safety ratings given to it by the IIHS, which also awards it with the title of their ‘Top Safety Pick’. The NHTSA gives it an overall rating of four stars which is expected to improve with the next-generation. 

The list of safety features includes standard safety features like dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, with traction and stability control offered as standard. ABS is also standard in the Ford Fusion, other safety features include:

  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Cruise control
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Active headrests

Final Verdict

The high sales figure is a self-explanatory reason more than any critic review about how good of a car the 2012 Ford Fusion actually is. The extensive cabin space, availability of a lot of features, refined four-cylinder engine, and an engaging driving experience, and a lot of other traits about the car and the high sales figure are a solid proof of whether you should buy the car or not.

Trims

    S
    $20,705 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    SE
    $22,975 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    SEL
    $25,425 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    Sport
    $27,225 onwards
    • 18-inch painted aluminum Wheels
    • Front manual air conditioning

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Engine

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Horsepower

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

Torque

207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

Capacity

4

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2012 Toyota Corolla

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2012 Kia Optima

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2012 Buick LaCrosse

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303 hp @ 6800 rpm

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2012 Hyundai Sonata

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2012 Chevrolet Impala

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2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		8 sec16.1 sec-
    		5.5 sec--
    		5.9 sec14.5 sec-
    		6.2 sec--
    		6.3 sec14.8 sec-
    		6.4 sec14.8 sec-
    Read More

    2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		22 mpg29 mpg24 mpg17.5 gal.385/560 mi.
      		28 mpg38 mpg32 mpg12.8 gal.358.4/486.4 mi.
      		28 mpg36 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.
      		27 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/448.8 mi.
      		22 mpg36 mpg29 mpg15.6 gal.390/561.6 mi.
      		25 mpg35 mpg28 mpg17 gal.425/595 mi.

      2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		190.6 in.72.2 in.56.9 in.6 in.107.4 in.
        		200 in.73 in.58.7 in.7 in.110.5 in.
        		196.9 in.73.1 in.59.2 in.7 in.111.7 in.
        		196.3 in.74.4 in.58.1 in.5.2 in.115.6 in.
        		194.9 in.72.7 in.58.1 in.6 in.110.2 in.
        2012 Mazda 6

        Ranked #5

        		193.7 in.72.4 in.57.9 in.5.1 in.109.8 in.

        2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          		16.5 cu.ft.100.3 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.
          		14.7 cu.ft.106 cu.ft.85.5 cu.ft.
          		15.4 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.
          		13.3 cu.ft.100 cu.ft.83.2 cu.ft.
          		13.5 cu.ft.100.2 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.
          		15.5 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.81 cu.ft.

          2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		83.1 cu.ft.16.5 cu.ft.18.7 cu.ft.-
            		23 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.23 cu.ft.-
            2012 Mazda 3

            Ranked #3

            		59.5 cu.ft.11.8 cu.ft.59.5 cu.ft.-
            		11.5 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.11.5 cu.ft.-
            		-15.4 cu.ft.--
            2012 Mazda 6

            Ranked #6

            		73 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.-

            2012 Ford Fusion vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		--3285 lbs.
              		1500 lbs.-2734 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.1211 lbs.3403 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.1200 lbs.3400 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.-4026 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.

              2012 Ford Fusion Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              6

              Recalls

              5

              Investigations

              2591

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              #10

              2012 Ford Fusion User Reviews

              1.6

              [6 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [33.0%] [2 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              maintain
              fusion
              lK

              Leeowena King

              2012 Ford Fusion

              S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 29, 2024

              Fors fusion

              Pros - ["Good on gas", "Cruise control", "Spokes rims"]

              Cons - ["High maintenance", "Breaks down often", "High part costs"]

              Full tank will last someone 3 days when using Cruise control. Will take ypu long distances no problem. Trunk can hold a good amount of items. Enou to hold up to five people in the entire car. Had carswat bars to lock in all models

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              AW

              Ashley Whaley

              2012 Ford Fusion

              S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 6, 2024

              2012 Ford Fusion :)

              Pros - ["Floorboard color changing LEDs!! And the dashboard lighting :)", "SiriusXM built-in!!"]

              Cons - ["Tire pressure sensors always going off no matter what :(", "Can't think of another thing I dislike about my car!"]

              Ford Fusion for me and the other night I have a lot to do i have a good day at work and I love you too and I love you too and I love you too and I love you to do it for you to get it done and I will be there in five minutes.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Lc

              Lyndsey clausen

              2013 Ford Fusion

              S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              It's great for a car.

              Pros - ["Look of the exterior", "Features internally at the time"]

              Cons - ["Gas mileage", "Seat belt beeping"]

              This vehicle gets about 25 miles to the gallon was expecting a little better when I purchased it. The interior dirties really easy and the side panels started to come off a year after owning on the interior. It definitely needs a transmission recall but overall it's been a decent car.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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