2020 Ford Fusion / Fusion Hybrid
Starting at $24,365
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- Highs Myriad powertrain options, optional all-wheel drive, attractive styling.
- Lows Options add up quickly, cheapish interior materials, Sport model discontinued.
- Verdict The Fusion is good at many things but not great at any, and competitors are more focused and refined.
Overview
The 2020 Ford Fusion has tremendous versatility in a hotly contested segment. There are four available powertrain options, one of which can be had with all-wheel drive, and two that are electrified. Ford offers six trim levels, which range from basic to near luxury. The Fusion isn't as special or refined as the Honda Accord or Mazda 6, but its crisp styling, comfortable ride, and roomy cabin make for a satisfying ride. Unfortunately, the Fusion is a victim of Ford's push to angle away from the car market in favor of SUVs and trucks and 2020 will be its final model year.
What's New for 2020?
There are few changes to the 2020 lineup, save for a couple trim-dependent aesthetic tweaks. The convenient FordPass Connect—which can be used to remotely start the car, check vehicle status, and lock or unlock the doors—is now standard on all models. Lastly, three new color options are available: Rapid Red Metallic, Iconic Silver, and Alto Blue Metallic.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The SEL model represents a well-equipped and affordable trim level in the Fusion lineup. It comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers looking for an all-wheel-drive model will have to upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Other notable features include the Sync 3 infotainment system, Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-safety package, and heated front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Powertrain offerings in the Fusion start with a lackluster 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a competent six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. The six-speed carries over throughout the Fusion's gasoline-powered models. A 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter or a 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter, both four-cylinders, are available in upper trim levels. The 2.0-liter engine can be mated to all-wheel drive, if desired. In most guises, the Fusion pairs a comfortable ride with agile handling for an engaging driving experience. It often feels more like a sports sedan than a family car when pushed hard—though its ride and handling still aren't sharp enough to be thoroughly convincing.
Hybrid Powertrain
The Fusion is available as a hybrid, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, which together make 195 horsepower. This model makes do with a continuous variable automatic transmission. There is also a plug-in-hybrid Fusion. It boasts the same powertrain as the cordless hybrid save for a larger battery pack that allows for up to 21 miles of electric-only driving per charge. The trade-off for this larger battery is a significantly smaller trunk. The plug-in Energi model also doesn't acquit itself as well on the road, suffering from a softer suspension tuning and overly light steering that robs it of prowess in the corners.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
From boosted four-cylinders to a plug-in hybrid with double-digit EV range, the Fusion's powertrains cover a lot of ground. The reliance on turbocharged gasoline engines in most versions could mean that drivers have a hard time replicating EPA fuel-economy numbers in the real world. Our plug-in Energi test vehicle delivered 39 mpg over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
From cloth seats to quilted leather, a Fusion can be spartan or luxurious. Overall, the car's multiple interior trims are attractive and in line with what the rest of the class offers, but drivers of the base model might feel they've gotten a raw deal if they step into a richly appointed Platinum model. The gas-powered Fusion holds as much cargo as most competitors, but the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models sacrifice a lot of space for their battery packs, which reside in the trunk. The Fusion Energi we tested held a measly two carry-on bags in its trunk while the standard Fusion held six.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment options in the Fusion lineup range from so last decade to totally of the moment. We've never tested the bare-bones model, but Ford's Sync 3 system is available on other trims and we found it to be intuitive and reasonably quick to respond. Designed to rely on touch inputs and voice commands, the Sync 3 system is simple to navigate. It's a big improvement from previous Ford efforts.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Fusion performed well in its crash tests and its newly standard suite of driver-assistance features provides an extra layer of protection. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford's warranty coverage is about average for the segment, but it doesn't include any complimentary scheduled maintenance. In this class, both the Toyota Camry and the Chevrolet Malibu offer that benefit. Ford's roadside-assistance terms, though, are above average.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
