The 2020 Fusion is all about drivetrain options. Buyers have several engine and transmission choices, all of which produce stellar fuel economy. Engines include a 2.5L 4-cylinder, a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid and a plug-in hybrid system. A 6-speed automatic transmission is mated to all but the Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid, which features a continuously variable transmission. The automatic is controlled by a small rotary dial in the center console. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive optional, except on the Fusion Sport, where all-wheel drive is standard.
For those looking for efficiency, the Hybrid, Energi plug-in hybrid, and 1.5L turbo are the engines of choice. The 1.5L turbocharged engine returns up to 37 mpg on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid is more efficient and will sip gasoline to the tune of 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Finally the Energi plug-in hybrid is capable of running only on electricity for shorter trips, potentially limiting gasoline consumption to almost nothing.
The Fusion comes in four trims: S, SE, SEL and Titanium. S models are the most basic but still come nicely equipped as is appropriate for a mid-sized sedan. The 175-horsepower 2.5L engine is the only power plant available on S models. Features include power door locks and windows, halogen projector headlamps, push-button start, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. Ford's SYNC system is standard, as is an MP3-capable stereo with an auxiliary input jack, along with a rearview camera. The stereo and the cruise control can be operated by buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
The SE model enhances the level of basic equipment and also comes standard with the 181-horsepower 1.5L turbo, while the 245-horsepower 2.0L turbo and the 141-horsepower 2.0L Hybrid are available. Standard equipment on the SE includes a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and 17-inch wheels.
Stepping up to the Titanium edition will bring buyers a more luxury-oriented Fusion. Starting at just over $3,000, the Titanium edition comes with the powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine and is available with all-wheel drive. Polished 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard. Seating surfaces are leather and heated, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio provides in-car entertainment. The improved SYNC3 infotainment system is standard meaning there is an 8-inch LCD touchscreen in the center console that houses the optional navigation system. Two smaller configurable LCD screens are also embedded in the instrument cluster.
Safety features on the Fusion are extensive. The car employs eight airbags as well as the standard suite of electronic safety equipment that includes anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control. Emergency brake assistance is also standard on all Fusions, as is an electronic parking brake.
Efficient
Stylish
Practical
Available Plug-in Hybrid Drivetrain
Available All-wheel Drive
Available Turbocharged V6
After its facelift last year, the Fusion continues into 2020 with only minor changes to the lineup. The Sport model is no longer available for this year, though the Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety options that was introduced last year as standard equipment continues as such for this year.
The Ford Fusion is a mid-sized sedan and thus competes in an incredibly competitive segment, going up against heavyweights such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Ford has priced the car accordingly, with models starting at around $23,000. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Fusion Platinum is outfitted to luxury-car levels and all-wheel drive, providing a sensibly priced alternative to similar models sold by Luxury brands such as the Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS and Cadillac CT4.
