2021 Ford Fusion

header-image
Rating8.1

Ranked #2 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$23,170 - $36,450
Estimated Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Optional All-Wheel Drive for added capability

Lethargic Acceleration from base engine

Discontinued for the 2021 model year

Impressive Handling

Subpar interior materials

Safety at its best

No more Sport trim

Healthy list of standard features

Specs & Features

$23,170

price

TBD

horsepower

TBD

torque

6-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Ford Fusion received just minor tweaks for the previous model year and the 2021 Ford Fusion has been discontinued from the Ford lineup. Although the 2021 Ford Fusion for sale is not an option, buyers can get hold of a used Ford Fusion at affordable an affordable price. The 2021 Ford Fusion price starts at a price of $23,170 for the base model and the Fusion hybrid model has also been discontinued from the lineup. Check out the video review below by "Raiti's Rides" and find out if the Ford Fusion 2021 offers enough value to meet your family sedan needs. 

Buying Advice

The 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan is expected to carry a starting price tag of around $24,100 and will go up to $35,900.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Introduced in 2006 model year this classy sedan despite its age and impending demise, is an appealing ride that catches the eye of many people who are looking for a car in the budget segment. The Fusion managed to stand out with plenty of safety and technology features on offer. There are four available engine options, two that are hybrids and, one of which can be configured with an all-wheel drive. There are few modifications to the 2021 line up, save for a few minor trim-dependent aesthetic tweaks. There are also six trim levels that span from basic to near-luxury.

The 2021 Ford Fusion will offer remarkable versatility in a fiercely contested segment now. In competition to the current Fusion, other manufacturers like Honda have the Accord and the Civic. Toyota is also known for its budget segment and give a fierce competition to its Camry, which is immensely popular with family buyers across the USA. In the following article, we are going to stack up the 2021 and most probably last, Ford Fusion sedan against the competition of its segment.

Features

The 2021 Ford Fusion is expected to come with the same trim line-up but Ford can certainly, add or subtract some features from the trims. The current Ford Fusion is offered in four trims namely: S, SE, SEL and Titanium. You also get an option of choosing between front-wheel and all wheel drive configuration as well. However, the all-wheel-drive option is only available with the SE and the Titanium trim. With all trims, you get a 6-speed automatic transmission. We expect no price increase as there might be no to minimal changes with the 2021 line-up. Ford also offers a performance model called the V6 Sport for us car enthusiasts which develops 325-hp and is nothing less than exhilarating to drive.

Trims

S

SE

SEL

Titanium

MSRP (FWD)

$23170

$24500

$28690

$34450

MSRP (AWD)

--

$27885

--

$36450

Key Features

Lane-Keeping System

All the features in S trim added/replaced and:

All the features in SE trim added/replaced and:

All the features in SEL trim added/replaced and:

 

6-way manual driver’s seat and 4-way manual passenger seat

10-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger

10-way power driver’s seat with 2 memory settings, power lumbar and 6-way power passenger seat.

10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and 6-way power passenger seat

 

Pre-Collision Assist

Dual-zone automatic temperature control

Active X seating material

Leather Sport seats 

 

CD player with 4 speakers

CD player with 6 speakers

Premium Audio System with 11 speakers

Sony sourced Audio System with 12 speakers

 

Rotary Gear Shift Dial

SiriusXM Radio

LED Signature Lighting

Heated and cooled front seats

 

Automatic Halogen Headlamps

External Temperature Indicator

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Voice Assisted Navigation System

 

Solar Tinted Glass

Reverse Sensing System

Power heated rearview mirrors with security approach lamps

Heated Steering Wheel

 

16-inch steel Wheels 

17-inch Aluminium Wheels

18-inch Aluminium Wheels

19-inch Aluminum Wheels

*2020 figures used for reference purposes.

Expected Price and Release Date of the 2021 Ford Fusion

The 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan is expected to carry a starting price tag of around $24,100 and will go up to $35,900. The following is a detailed list of the expected prices of all the trims that will be up for sale:

  • S: $24,100
  • SE: $25,400
  • SEL: $29,600
  • Energi: $35,900
  • Hybrid SE: $28,900
  • Titanium: $35,400

The car was expected to release in early 2021 in the months of February-March, but we may see a delay in production due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hence you should expect the car around June or July of 2021. However the low-selling, 325-horsepowered Ford Fusion Sport might not live to see the daylight of 2021. This shouldn’t affect the buyers much as Ford has planned to terminate the Fusion sedan in the coming few years. A recent report also confirmed the Fusion's death is, in fact, quite impending, and hence 2021 model year will be the Fusion's last.

Fuel Economy
7.5/10

Expect the 2021 Fusion to return the same fuel efficiency numbers as there are no changes to be made in the powertrain. From a diesel drinking twin-turbo V-6 to a penny-pinching plug-in hybrid with a double-digit electric vehicle ranges, the Fusion's powertrains has covered a lot of roads in the past. The dependence on turbocharged gasoline engines in most versions could mean that drivers would have a tough time replicating EPA fuel-economy numbers on the tarmac. Our test vehicle with the base engien delivered a 26-mpg result over a 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, and the plug-in Energi managed a notable 39 mpg. 

Models

Ford Fusion S

Honda Accord LX

Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Chevrolet Malibu L

MPG (City)

21

30

28

29

MPG (Highway)

31

38

39

36

MPG (Combined)

25

33

32

32

Fuel Capacity

16.5 gallons

14.8 gallons

16.2 gallons

15.8 gallons

Range (City/Hwy/Combined)

347/512/412 miles

444/562/488 miles

454/632/518 miles

458/569/505 miles

Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)

7.3

5.3

5.5

7.1

*2020 figures used for reference purposes.

The massive fuel tank of 16.5-gallon of the 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan is a huge factor that will leverage buyers it's way, especially the ones who predominandly drive on the highway. However, as its the budget segment, fuel economy makes a whole lot of difference which makes the Ford did a disappointing. The Honda Accord offer the best fuel economy keeping up with Honda’s fuel efficient lineage.

Interior
8.0/10

Due to the 2021 Ford Fusion being a carry over model, we do no expect any major changes on the inside. The interior is well laid out and the ergonomics are well sorted. All switches and knobs feel built to last and remain plain, simple and functional. It is a comfortable place to be in with seats providing adequate support all-around. However something like the rotary gear shifter takes a bit of time getting used to for newbies. The material quality is not up to mark on the base trim but as we go up, it improves. That said, the cabin has surely improved from the last iteration with chrome laden gauges and tactile switches for better feedback. Ford should have put in a little more effort for the base trim as it feels out of place. Soft-touch materials and leather trims upgrade the dull interior in the upper trims. 

The front seats are the most comfortable ones on the inside. They are supportive and well-bolstered to hold you firmly with comfort. There is ample headroom and legroom in the front. Also, the tall and wide doors make entry and exit easy and comfortable. Overall visibility remains good with the wide front windshield and narrow A-pillars. The driver's seat is placed a bit on the higher side which also helps in outward visibility. The only left down are the rear seats which feel cramped for a car this size. The sloping roofline gives it a shorter headroom which taller occupants might find uneasy. The seats come with fabric upholstry in light stone color for making cabin feel airy. You also get more customization options as you go up the trim ladder.

The gas-powered Fusion holds as much, if not even more cargo as most competitors. However, the plug-in hybrid and hybrid models suffer the most due to their battery packs, which is strapped tight into place in the trunk of the car. This trim also adds leather, adaptive cruise control, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, and steering wheel, and, last but not least, a sunroof.

Models

Ford Fusion S

Honda Accord LX

Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Chevrolet Malibu L

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.2/57.8/44.3

39.5/58.3/42.3

39.2/58.2/43.8

39.1/58.5/41.5

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.8/56.9/38.3

37.3/56.5/40.4

36.9/56.5/40.4

37.5/57.1/38.1

*2020 figures used for reference purposes.

The 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan offers decent amount of head, leg, and shoulder room. Hence, it can comfortably accommodate four adults for a long drive. In comparison the Honda Accord offer premium looking cabin while the Nissan Altima feels the most spacious.

What about the infotainment system of the 2021 Ford Fusion?

The 2021 model will offer the same infotainment system as the 2020 Ford Fusion. The infotainment system on the base trim is barebone with a stereo AM/FM compatible CD player. It has the more basic version of the SYNC interface with voice-activation and a 4.2 inch LCD screen. However, as you move up the trim, it offers one of the best and use friendly infotainment system which is sure to keep many customers happy. Hence we suggest you to opt for the optional SYNC 3 infotainment system with a larger screen. It also offers a SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other than this, we have the standard. 

Infotainment Features

  • AM/FM Stereo with CD Player
  • MP3 compatible
  • Four speakers
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • Audio System from Sony with 12 Speakers

How much cargo can the 2021 Ford Fusion?

The cargo space offered by the current Ford Fusion is impressive with 16 cubic feet of space to play around. The 60/40 rear split seats fold to give you a lot of cargo space when needed. As this is not a hybrid like its brothers, it doesn’t eat up any space in the trunk and it is a blessing in a world when hybrids are taking over! The Fusion Energi could hold a measly two or maybe three if adjusted small carry-on bags in its trunk while the standard Fusion held about five to six. The trunk capacity is also at par, and the non-hybrid versions that can fit in 5-6 bags.

Models

Ford Fusion S

Honda Accord LX

Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Chevrolet Malibu L

Cargo Capacity 

16.0 cu.ft.

16.7 cu.ft.

15.4 cu.ft.

15.7 cu.ft.

*2020 figures used for reference purposes.

Honda Accord is the only contender that manages to surpass the Ford with a marginal upgrade of 16.7 cubic feet. The Altima and Malibu have similar volume which puts them at the bottom of the chain. Hence, the Ford Fusion is a great car for the long distance journeys in this comparison.

Interior Features

  • 6-way manual driver’s seat 
  • 4-way manual passenger seat
  • 60/40 rear split seat
  • Cabin Air Filter
  • 4.2-inch configurable LCD in the instrument cluster
  • Rotary Gear Shift Dial
  • Integrated Front Door Storage
  • Message Center with Trip computer
  • Steering wheel with Cruise and Redundant Audio Controls
  • Push-button start

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2021 Ford Fusion will offer the same looks as well as physical dimensions and it will be hard for you to set the 2020 and 2021 models apart. The design of the Ford Fusion has aged quite well and even after 7 years it still looks attractive. The Fusion looks long and sleek and Ford has worked well on its design over the years. With the slopping roof and Aston Martin-esque grille the Fusion looks imposing from the front. The base S trim, looks pretty plain and the upper trims offer a better look. The bodywork on the 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan is a perfect example of 'striking exterior design' in a tsunami of dreary budget family haulers.

Models

Ford Fusion S

Honda Accord LX

Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Chevrolet Malibu

Curb Weight 

3472 lbs

3131 lbs

3212 lbs

    3126 lbs

Length 

191.8"

192.2"

192.9"

193.8”

Width

72.9"

73.3"

72.9"

73"

Height

58.2"

57.1"

56.7"

  57.6"

Ground Clearance

N/A

5.5"

5.4"

  N/A

Wheelbase 

112.2"

111.4"

111.2"

111.4”

*2020 figures used for reference purposes.

Out of all its competitors, the 2021 Ford Fusion Sedan has the most curb weight, which makes this car score high on ride quality. It also has a sedan-suited length that will give you a premium experience. The width, height, and wheelbase are on par with its competitors and best suited for this price bracket.

Exterior Features

  • Capless Fuel Filler
  • Sleek 5 grille design with black finish and chrome surround
  • Daytime Running Headlamps
  • LED Tail Lights
  • Solar Tinted Glass
  • 16-inch steel wheels

Safety
8.5/10

The Ford Fusion boasts solid past scores and a suite of standard active safety features make it a standout. Even though we don't have any data about the 2021 fusion, we can still safely assume that the 2021 and 2020 models won't differ much when it comes to safety ratings. The 2020 Fusion performed well in both independent and federal and crash tests, managing a superb five stars overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores all around from the IIHS except a measly "Poor" headlight rating, just keeping it from bagging a Top Safety Pick award.

Safety Features

  • Rear View Camera
  • AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control(ESC)
  • SOS Post-Crash Alert
  • Perimeter Alarm
  • SecuriLock Passive Anti-theft System
  • Electric-Assist Parking Brake
  • Added safety with Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag
  • Individual Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
  • Front and Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners
  • Automatic Emergency braking 
  • Blind Spot Information
  • Adaptive Cruise Control(Only on Titanium trim)

Last year, the Fusion got automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control is offered on some trims when added on with satellite navigation.

Competition
7.0/10

Honda Accord

The Accord is arguably the most practical car in its segment. Along with more cargo space, a spacious interior it also offers a punchy engine and good handling. It scores higher than the Ford in almost all aspects. The Accord also feels more premium on the inside and with offering good mileage it makes sure that the your ownership cost is light on your pocket. The Ford Fusion offers a better infotainment as well as safety features but Accord still takes the cake in overall features.

Nissan Altima

If you want a car full of feature than the Nissan Altima is the car for you . It offers excellent cabin space and also offers a punchy engine at a good price.  However, the vehicle has poor outward visibility as well due to thick A-pillars. It driving dynamics cannot match the Ford Fusion and it is no driver’s car.  Hence, the Ford Fusion is a better car to drive.

Chevrolet Malibu

Malibu is the cheapest of the lot and it even shows in its engine performance and cabin quality. It offers lackluster acceleration and a dated engine. We suggest you to upgrade to its higher trim for better performance. The Ford Fusion is a better performer both in terms of performance and features. Hence, the Fusion is a better car in every way expect for the price.

Final Verdict

The 2021 Ford Fusion still remains quite an attractive car to buy and offers a balanced package in every way. Expected to be launched early next year, it is expected to bring a back all its features with many newer ones in the stack. It still looks striking and offers exceptional ride and handling package. Hence, If you want a car in this budget segment and are bored of the same old Camry’s and Accord’s, the Ford Fusion is sure to offer more excitement. 

FAQs

Is the Ford Fusion safe?

Yes, the Ford Fusion is one of the most safest cars you can go for in the segment.

What is the standard warranty with the Ford Fusion?

Ford offers a standard warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Is the Ford Fusion fun to drive?

Yes, you can have some amount of fun with the car but we highly recommend going for the more sporty trims and they can match the capabilities of its chassis.

Trims

    S
    $23,170 Est. onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
    • Manual front air conditioning
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    SE
    $24,500 Est. onwards
    • 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Parking assist
    • SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, Radio
    SEL
    $28,690 Est. onwards
    • Activex leatherette Seat trim
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    Titanium
    $34,450 Est. onwards
    • 1St row Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Navigation system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,170- $36,450

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.12

Horsepower

-

Torque

-

Capacity

5

Read Review

$37,500- $53,100

Gasoline

7.56

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,045- $35,620

Gasoline

7.38

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,550- $34,250

Gasoline

6.88

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,770- $36,700

Gasoline

8.14

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,475- $35,900

Gasoline

7.43

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,090- $42,320

Gasoline

6.83

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

261 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,950- $33,950

Gasoline

7.79

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,090- $52,590

Gasoline

7.72

255 hp @ 6200 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,995- $29,995

Gasoline

6.24

174 hp @ 5000 rpm

206 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Ford Fusion vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7 sec--
    5.6 sec-155 mph
    6 sec14.4 sec155 mph
    6.3 sec14.7 sec-
    2021 Kia K5

    Ranked #4

    7 sec15.5 sec128 mph
    7.1 sec14.9 sec124 mph

    Top Ford Cars

    2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

    Horsepower : 450 hp @ 5000 rpm

    MPG Combined : 16 mpg

    0-60 : 5.81 sec

    #1

    2021 Ford F-150

    Horsepower : 395 hp @ 5750 rpm

    MPG Combined : 21 mpg

    0-60 : 6.2 sec

    #2

    2021 Ford Expedition

    Horsepower : 375 hp @ 5000 rpm

    MPG Combined : 19 mpg

    0-60 : 5.9 sec

    #3

    2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid SUV

    Horsepower : 318 hp @ 6500 rpm

    MPG Combined : 27 mpg

    0-60 : 6.7 sec

    #4

    2021 Ford Mustang

    Horsepower : 310 hp @ 5500 rpm

    MPG Combined : 24 mpg

    0-60 : 4.9 sec

    #5

    2021 Ford Bronco

    Horsepower : 300 hp @ 5700 rpm

    MPG Combined : 21 mpg

    0-60 : 7 sec

    #6

    2021 Ford Explorer

    Horsepower : 300 hp @ 5500 rpm

    MPG Combined : 24 mpg

    0-60 : 5.9 sec

    #7

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Horsepower : 270 hp @ 5500 rpm

    MPG Combined : 18 mpg

    0-60 : 6 sec

    #8

    2021 Ford Edge

    Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

    MPG Combined : 24 mpg

    0-60 : 7 sec

    #9

    2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

    Horsepower : 200 hp @ 6250 rpm

    MPG Combined : 41 mpg

    0-60 : 8.9 sec

    #10

    2021 Ford Fusion User Reviews

    0.0

    [2 Reviews]

    1

    [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

    2

    [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

    3

    [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

    4

    [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

    5

    [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

    POPULAR TAGS

    cs

    Cathy stiles

    2020 Ford Fusion

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

    Not Rated

    User Overall Rating

    Posted On: June 23, 2024

    my blue fusion

    Pros - ["good gas milage", "dependable"]

    Cons - ["no trash area", "alarm when it thinks other cars are near you on the highway"]

    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...

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

    TSR

    Taylor Shanice Raymond

    2020 Ford Fusion

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

    Not Rated

    User Overall Rating

    Posted On: June 19, 2024

    My Ford Fusion

    Pros - ["That it hangs in there", "The way it saves gas"]

    Cons - ["How the rpg is", "The brake system"]

    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.

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