2019 Ford Fusion Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
Ford updated the 2019 Fusion sedan's front and rear styling and introduced two new wheel designs and new color options. The 1.5-liter turbo-four engine is now standard on the second-lowest SE trim. The redesigned battery pack in the plug-in Energi model allows for a slightly longer all-electric driving range (from 21 miles to 25 miles). Some popular options have now become standard features, reducing the many build combinations the outgoing Fusion has.
The 2019 Fusion also receives Ford's new packages of driver-assist technologies called Co-Pilot360 Protect and Co-Pilot360 Assist. The SEL trim returns and the higher Platinum trim has been dropped.
Trim Levels
The Fusion is Ford's midsize sedan positioned above the smaller and less expensive Fiesta and Focus sedans and below the larger Taurus. The Fusion Hybrid and Energi plug-in models are part of Ford's electrified lineup.
2019 Ford Fusion S: The base model receives Ford's Co-Pilot Protect package of driver assist technology and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The S trim comes standard with Sync voice recognition and multimedia system and a rotary gearshift dial.
2019 Ford Fusion SE: The SE trim adds a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine, Sync 3 with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
2019 Ford Fusion SEL: Moving up to the SEL trim adds memory settings to the power driver's seat, heated front seats, ActiveX seating (partial leather), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a quick-entry system, remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver's seat, and LED headlights.
2019 Ford Fusion Titanium: The luxurious Titanium trim includes a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, rear inflatable seat belts, a navigation system, a moonroof, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist package of safety features.
2019 Ford Fusion Sport: The quick Sport trim adds a twin-turbo V-6, all-wheel drive, Sport seats with unique seating surfaces, aluminum Sport pedals, and a unique Sport grille.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The base 2.5-liter I-4 engine produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque and is only found in the base S trim. Now standard on the SE trim is a 181-hp, 185-lb-ft 1.5-liter turbo-four engine, but a more powerful 245-hp, 275 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is also available. The all-wheel-drive Sport model packs a potent 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 that pumps out 325 hp and 380 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic powers all gasoline engines and front-wheel drive is standard with available all-wheel drive. EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2018 model year ranged from 17/26 mpg city/highway in the Sport to 23/34 mpg in with the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. The Hybrid and the plug-in Energi models utilize a 2.0-liter I-4 engine paired to an electric motor and backed by a CVT. The 2018 Fusion hybrid was rated at 43/41 mpg, while the 2018 Fusion Energi plug-in got a combined 42 mpg city/highway, with a 21-mile EV-only range before the gas engine needs to turn on.
Safety
The new Co-Pilot360 Protect package of driver-assist technologies is standard on all trims and consists of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a lane keeping system, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist package is the same as the Protect package but adds adaptive cruise control and is standard on Titanium, Sport, and Fusion Hybrid SEL trims. Rear parking sensors are optional. The 2018 Fusion received the highest five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and is considered a 2017 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.
Utility (Cargo Space and Interior Room)
The Fusion can carry 16.0 cubic feet of cargo in its trunk, and due to the battery pack, the Hybrid models hold less at 12.0 cubic feet, and Energi plug-ins hold 8.2 cubic feet. Front and rear legroom is 44.3 and 38.3 inches, respectively.
Technology
The SE trim and higher trims come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. With the Ford Pass app, owners can find parking, compare fuel prices, receive important vehicle information, lock/unlock and start your vehicle, and schedule service from your smartphone.
What We Think
In a First Test review of the 2017 Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost, we appreciated the sedan's agile handling and said, "Inside, the Fusion is well insulated with little road and wind noise entering the cabin. Powertrain noise is also kept at a minimum even when you go on full throttle; all you'll hear then is a slight hum from the engine," we continued. "We concluded: "[The Fusion's] interface is user-friendly and easily integrated with mobile devices. The car isn't perfect, however, because the cabin materials, chassis damping, and engine response could be improved."
