| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Nimble handling and fun ride | Mediocre engine performance | Completely redesigned exterior and interior |
Impressive noise interior cancellation | Average fuel economy in segment | |
Abundance of Safety features | ||
Plush seating | ||
Sizeable trunk space |
$23,170
price175 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower174 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
torque6-Speed Automatic
transmission2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyClever wordplay there - Ford "Fusion" - a mix of practicality and comfort. The American manufacturer has made sure to keep the midsized sedan refreshed over the years. However, this has not really fared the sedan any better; its popularity has dipped over the years. While it may be one of the best performing vehicles in the segment, the competition has sure caught up. With the 2020 Ford Fusion, this rings truer than before.
The SEL configuration serves best for its extensive list of features that are unavailable for the base trims. Want a more powerful engine? Then step up to the highest trim, Sport, that crams a V6 under its hood, offers abundant technology and top-notch features.
Powering this midsized sedan is a substandard 2.5L inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The FWD Ford Fusion comes with the manufacturer's standard 4.2" SYNC voice recognition system and a suite of driving aids as standard. Competing against the sedan are the big guns - Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, alongside the Kia Optima. Where does the base trim of the Fusion stand? Let's find out.
Categorized in 5 different configurations namely – S, SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport – the midsized sedan starts at $22,840 and goes up to $40,015. With optional AWD on all trims, the only exceptions are S and Sport, where the S drives come standard with FWD and Sport with the AWD.
Standard powertrain on the S is a 2.5L inline 4 (173 hp and 174 lb.-ft.) while the SE and SEL are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged (181 hp and 185 lb.-ft.). Select the optional AWD and both these trims get a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine (240 hp and 270 lb.-ft), which the Titanium has standard under the hood. Coming to the highest trim, the Sport offers a V6 engine (325 hp and 350 lb.-ft.). All trims subsequently add features and offer exclusively more over the previous configuration.
|
Trim |
S |
SE |
SEL |
Titanium |
Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$22,840 |
$24,120 |
$28,580 |
$34,340 |
- |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
- |
$27,775 |
$32,065 |
$36,340 |
$40,015 |
|
Key Features |
6-way manual driver's seat (for/aft, up/down with recline) and 4-way manual passenger seat (fore/aft with recline) with 4-way adjustable front head restraints and 2-way adjustable rear-seat head restraints |
10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar (fore/aft, up/down, tilt, recline, 2-way power lumbar) and 6-way power passenger seat (fore/aft, up/down with recline) |
Heated Front Seats |
Sport Seats with Leather Seating Surfaces |
2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine |
|
Fold-down split rear seat-back (60/40) |
Fold-down split rear seat-back (60/40) |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
Heated Front Seats |
Continuously controlled damping |
|
|
2.5L iVCT Engine |
1.5L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology |
18-Inch Premium-Painted Aluminum Wheel |
Cooled Front Seats |
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) |
|
|
6-speed automatic transmission |
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shifters with SelectShift |
Rear View Camera |
FordPass Connect |
Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) |
|
|
SYNC - Enhanced voice recognition communication and entertainment system |
SYNC 3 Infotainment System |
1st- and 2nd-row side curtain airbags |
Audio System from Sony with 12 Speakers and HD Radio™ Technology |
19-Inch Premium Dark Tarnish-Painted Aluminum Wheels |
|
|
Lane-Keeping System |
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel |
LATCH (lower anchor and tethers anchors for children) system |
Power Moonroof |
10-way power driver's seat with 2 memory settings (fore/aft, up/down, tilt, recline, 2-way power lumbar), ActiveX™ seating surfaces and heated front seats, and 6-way power passenger seat (fore/aft, up/down with recline) |
|
|
Automatic halogen headlamps with headlamp courtesy delay |
Rain-sensing wipers |
Reverse Sensing System |
Quad-tip dual exhaust |
||
|
Hill Start Assist |
Configurable daytime running lamps |
|
Power heated exterior mirrors with security approach lamps, turn signal indicator, auto-dimming driver side, and memory |
Unique high-gloss black mesh upper grille |
The SEL configuration serves best for its extensive list of features that are unavailable for the base trims. Want a more powerful engine? Then step up to the highest trim, Sport, that crams a V6 under its hood, offers abundant technology and top-notch features.
Efficiency alongside performance was clearly not what the Fusion S is all about. Gulping 21 miles per gallon in the city is below average a result. The rivals alongside the Fusion show why their 2 litres are far more greener than the American sedan. Sharing the podium is the Camry and Cruze where both sedans are the least fuel guzzling machine followed by a shuffled list of rivals. Ford Fusion trails all its rivals in this competition.
|
Ford Fusion |
Kia Optima |
Hyundai Sonata |
Honda Accord |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Buick Regal Sportback |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
21 |
24 |
26 |
30 |
TBD |
22 |
30 |
29 |
|
32 |
33 |
35 |
38 |
TBD |
32 |
39 |
41 |
|
25 |
27 |
29 |
33 |
TBD |
26 |
33 |
34 |
|
16.5 |
18.5 |
18.5 |
14.8 |
15.8 |
16.3 |
13.7 |
14.5 |
“Almost everyone should find the Fusion's interior pleasant and accommodating. It's easy to get in and out of, the driving position is nicely adjustable, and the cabin offers a good amount of space. Tall passengers might take issue with the sloping rear roofline when getting into the back seat.” -edmunds
Inside the Ford Fusion, the interior is designed to seat 5 passengers with comfort and easy entry and exit. Its roomy cabin allows good legroom and headspace, of which the latter would disappoint if you are 6” tall and decided to sit in the rear seat – thanks to the sloping roofline of the sedan.
While not plush by any means, for 20 grand the interior has decent level of detailing. Don’t expect to find top quality material brushed around the cabin, instead Ford has unsurprisingly used cheap hard plastic to fit the price range it sits in. Of course, the higher trims assure affluence quality and materials. Adjustable front seating amplify comfort, and 60/40 foldable rear seats make sure you can squeeze in a bit more cargo.
The seats are stitched in cloth upholstery and feel comfortable enough not to disappoint. Its cabin is isolated from the outside world with little to none humming resonation of the powertrain.
|
Models |
Ford Fusion |
Kia Optima |
Hyundai Sonata |
Honda Accord |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Buick Regal Sportback |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.2/57.8/44.3 |
39.8/58.1/35.6 |
40.4/ 57.9/ 45.5 |
39.5/58.3/42.3 |
40.1/58.5/45.3 |
39.6/55.5/41.5 |
38.9/54.8/42 |
38.3/57.7/42.1 |
|
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.8/56.9/38.3 |
37.8/56.4/45.5 |
38.0/56.5/ 35.6 |
37.3/56.5/40.4 |
37.5/57.1/38.1 |
37.8/54.5/34.6 |
37.3/53.7/36.1 |
38/55.7/38 |
For a midsized sedan, you’d find a generous boot space in the Ford Fusio. The trunk allows 16 cubic feet which is quite good for this segment. Evened by the Kia Optima, the Fusion sits behind the Buick Regal and Honda Accord which takes the top two spots for the largest trunk space, followed by the Chevrolet Malibu and the rest of the field.
|
Models |
Ford Fusion |
Kia Optima |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Honda Accord |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Buick Regal Sportback |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cargo Capacity (lb..) |
16 |
15.9 |
14.4 |
16.7 |
15.8 |
19.2 |
14.8 |
14.1 |
A 4.2” infotainment system is provided in the S trim which incorporates and is controlled solely by SYNC enhanced voice recognition. For an additional $1300, the base S trim can include Ford’s famous SYNC3 touchscreen system which brings along excellent usability, intuitiveness, and features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and dual automatic climate control.
The cabin features included in the Ford Fusion are –
“Some stars age well. Case in point: The 2020 Ford Fusion, which is just as eye-catching today as it was when it bowed in 2012.” -thecarconection
Menacing Aston Martin-esque front fascia incorporates a new 5-star chrome grille flanked by Auto high beams on either side. Hard lines claw downward the hood, met by the resting Ford insignia. To call it conservative would be an understatement, but to call it radical would be an overstatement. Ford Fusion is somewhere between the end of those two worlds.
Riding the 3400 heavy sedan are 16” steel-silver adorned wheels on all four sides. In mix of the aggressive angular package the design incorporates, the manufacturer has sculpted the sedan with dash of elegance along the curvaceous body found on either ends.
To keep out of any jazzy detail, body-colored door handles and mirrors dismiss any contrast to the side profile. LED lights up the rear taillamps, atop which curling character lines ornament the cargo area and a single exhaust pipe fitted to the right.
|
Models |
Ford Fusion |
Kia Optima |
Hyundai Sonata |
Honda Accord |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Buick Regal Sportback |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lb..) |
3411 |
3219 |
3247 |
3131 |
3126 |
3748 |
2870 |
3241 |
|
Length(in) |
191.7 |
191.1 |
191.1 |
192.2 |
193.8 |
192.9 |
183.7 |
192.1 |
|
Width(in) |
75.6 |
73.2 |
73.4 |
73.3 |
73 |
73.3 |
70.5 |
72.4 |
|
Height(in) |
58.1 |
57.7 |
58.1 |
57.1 |
57.6 |
57.3 |
57.4 |
56.9 |
|
Ground clearance (in) |
5.3 |
TBD |
N/A |
6.4 |
5.7 |
- | - | - |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
112.1 |
110.4 |
Hyundai Sonata |
111.4 |
111.4 |
111.4 |
106.3 |
111.2 |
Exterior Features
Some features included on the Fusion’s exterior are –
Ford Fusion is yet to be rated by the NHTSA and the IIHS. However, the American manufacturer has provided a list of impressive standard safety features which ensures the car would maintain safety as its first priority. The sedan’s safety features include -
2020 Ford Fusion vs Kia Optima
In this comparison, you could say the Ford Fusion is technologically handicapped, less powerful and practically similar to the Kia Optima. Similarly priced, the Optima makes the better buy here, albeit its driving dynamics fall short of the American sedan. The rest? For a base trim, the Optima triumphs the Fusion.
2020 Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord
Contending against the Ford Fusion, the Honda Accord certainly delivers frugal and smooth power delivery, great handling, spacious and an upscale interior plus superior boot storage. You’d also find an abundance of features and tech on the Accord whereas the Fusion is stripped off from it in the base trim. The clear winner here is the Japanese sedan over the American.
2020 Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the most sought after midsized sedans in the segment, and with outstanding overall performance really takes the crown even against the Fusion here. The Japanese drives with a superior powertrain alongside nimble and sturdy handling. Adding to its arsenal, the Camry also ups its safety reliability but on the tech front sort of falls short a bit. No doubt, the Fusion is amongst the great up there, but in conformity to their base trims, the Camry pulls ahead with ease.
So, what does the Ford Fusion really tell us? It appears packed with practicality, a nimble ride, roomy cabin with comfortable seating, and a frugal powertrain. However, the 2.5L machine clanking under the hood is just not good enough to draw power when you really want to push the sedan. The base trim for the Fusion is for those who are looking for a Ford and are content with the above merits. But, look for other competitors, unless you’re willing to spend a bit more in which case the higher trims guarantee a better sedan altogether.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #13 | 8.9 sec | 16.6 sec | - | |||
2020 Nissan Maxima Ranked #1 | 6.1 sec | 14.6 sec | - | |||
2020 Kia Stinger Ranked #1 | 6.1 sec | 14.7 sec | 132 mph | |||
2020 Chevrolet Impala Ranked #2 | 6.2 sec | - | - | |||
2020 Kia Cadenza Ranked #3 | 6.7 sec | 14.9 sec | - | |||
2020 Acura RLX Ranked #4 | 6.8 sec | 14.3 sec | 124 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #8 | 21 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 16.5 gal. | 346.5/511.5 mi. | |||
2020 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 31 mpg | 40 mpg | 34 mpg | 14 gal. | 434/574 mi. | |||
2020 Honda Accord Ranked #2 | 30 mpg | 38 mpg | 33 mpg | 14.8 gal. | 444/562.4 mi. | |||
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Ranked #3 | 29 mpg | 36 mpg | 32 mpg | 15.8 gal. | 458.2/568.8 mi. | |||
2020 Nissan Altima Ranked #3 | 28 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg | 16.2 gal. | 453.6/631.8 mi. | |||
2020 Hyundai Sonata Ranked #3 | 27 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | 14.8 gal. | 414.4/562.4 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #11 | 191.7 in. | 75.2 in. | 58.1 in. | 5.3 in. | 112.2 in. | |||
2020 Chevrolet Impala Ranked #1 | 201.3 in. | 73 in. | 58.9 in. | - | 111.7 in. | |||
2020 Acura RLX Ranked #2 | 198.1 in. | 74.4 in. | 57.7 in. | 3.8 in. | 112.2 in. | |||
2020 Kia Cadenza Ranked #3 | 196.7 in. | 73.6 in. | 57.9 in. | - | 112.4 in. | |||
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Ranked #4 | 194.2 in. | 73 in. | 57.9 in. | 4.6 in. | 111.4 in. | |||
2020 Lincoln MKZ Ranked #5 | 194.1 in. | 73.4 in. | 58.2 in. | 5 in. | 112.2 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #4 | 16 cu.ft. | 102.8 cu.ft. | 83.1 cu.ft. | |||
2020 Kia Cadenza Ranked #1 | 16 cu.ft. | 107.8 cu.ft. | 16 cu.ft. | |||
2020 Mazda 6 Ranked #2 | 14.7 cu.ft. | 99.8 cu.ft. | 148.9 cu.ft. | |||
2020 Kia Optima Ranked #3 | 15.9 cu.ft. | 120.7 cu.ft. | 147.4 cu.ft. | |||
2020 Nissan Altima Ranked #5 | 15.4 cu.ft. | 100.8 cu.ft. | 15.4 cu.ft. | |||
2020 Lincoln MKZ Ranked #6 | 15.4 cu.ft. | 96.5 cu.ft. | 15.4 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #1 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 16 cu.ft. | 83.1 cu.ft. | 99 ft. | |||
2020 Subaru Legacy Ranked #2 | 15.1 cu.ft. | 15.1 cu.ft. | 15.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2020 Kia Optima Ranked #3 | 147.4 cu.ft. | 15.9 cu.ft. | 147.4 cu.ft. | - | |||
2020 Nissan Maxima Ranked #4 | 9.2 cu.ft. | 14.3 cu.ft. | 9.2 cu.ft. | - | |||
2020 Kia Stinger Ranked #5 | 40.9 cu.ft. | 23.3 cu.ft. | 40.9 cu.ft. | 73 ft. | |||
2020 Mazda 3 Ranked #6 | 47.1 cu.ft. | 13.2 cu.ft. | 47.1 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 Ford Fusion Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | - | 3410 lbs. | |||
2020 Lincoln MKZ Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | - | 3739 lbs. | |||
2020 Volkswagen Passat Ranked #1 | 1000 lbs. | 926 lbs. | 3325 lbs. | |||
2020 Kia Stinger Ranked #2 | - | - | 3611 lbs. | |||
2020 Mazda 6 Ranked #2 | - | 1036 lbs. | 3437 lbs. | |||
2020 Honda Accord Ranked #2 | - | 1168 lbs. | 3131 lbs. |
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POPULAR TAGS
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 23, 2024
Big enough to carry extra people, 4 doors, deep trunk so I can carry groceries or other items with ease.Turns itself off at traffic lights to save the gas, works well in the snow on the roads. Very quiet so you have to remember to turn it off. Does have noises when you don't buckle up or backing up and may hit someone or it senses you are to close to another car. Drives very well and uses reg. ga...
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 19, 2024
I love my car! Definitely a trooper, good on gas and I have the features on my car. Wouldn't trade it for anything else! I am absolutely blown away and amazed with what I purchased. Only thing I'm not in love with the brake system. I love my car overall.
