2015 Ford Fusion Quick Spin Review

2014 ford fusion

Introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2012, the highly regarded Ford Fusion is one of the midsize sedan category’s standouts. Handsomely drawn, sumptuously appointed, and responsive Fusion proves mainstream can be both interesting and engaging.

Further, Ford offers its sleek family car entry in so many different configurations you’re bound to find one you like. We’re talking three trim levels, six powertrains (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid), as well as all-wheel drive.

What’s more, the Ford offers a broad array of the latest technological driving aids, and safety features. Choosing judiciously, one can tailor the Ford Fusion to their precise proclivities.

 For the 2015 model year a rearview camera system, and configurable daytime running lights become standard equipment.

Styling

The first model in the Ford lineup to debut the new “Aston Martin-esque” grille, Fusion both wears it well and uses it to look considerably more expensive than it actually is. Further, the car’s styling has an air of excitement most readily seen in its profile.

Rather than a traditional three-box look, the Fusion looks almost all of one piece as the lines of the car flow rearward from the grille, arcing gracefully to accommodate the passenger compartment, then fluidly tapering to the rear to encompass the cargo compartment.

The sweeping detail lines and the thin windshield pillars give the car a look of lightness, agility, and hints at the ease with which the Fusion slips through the atmosphere, implying strong fuel efficiency.

Photo by Christian Wardlaw

Performance

The base model Fusion is powered by a 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine with 175 ft-lbs of torque. The front-drive powertrain is fed by a six-speed automatic transmission; fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg combined.

The next step up is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four with 182 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs of torque—paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 29 miles per gallon combined. Fusion’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four makes 181 horsepower and 185 ft-lbs, paired with a six-speed automatic. This combination is good for 29 mpg with start/stop, 28 without.

The big engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 240 horsepower and 270 ft-lbs. Paired with the six-speed automatic and front-drive, it’s good for 26 mpg combined. Fitted with all-wheel drive, the powertrain returns 25 mpg combined.

The plug-in Fusion Energi mates a normally aspirated 2.0-liter four with an electric motor to produce 195 horsepower. Its front-drive powertrain uses a CVT, will travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone, and returns 38 miles per gallon overall. Fusion Hybrid uses the same setup but a smaller battery pack to get 188 horsepower and 42 mpg combined.

Safety

Standard safety gear includes ABS, traction control, stability control, a full complement of airbags, and emergency crash notification. Options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, frontal collision warning, and inflatable seatbelts for rear passengers. NHTSA gave Fusion a four-star rating; IIHS rates it “Good” for everything except frontal small overlap, in which it rates Fusion “Acceptable”.

Pricing & Features

For 2015, Ford Fusion pricing starts at $22,010, the Fusion Hybrid starts at $26,890, and the plug-in hybrid Ford Fusion Energi starts at $36,630.

Standard features include automatic headlights, keyless entry, air conditioning, and Sync voice activation.

Comfort and convenience options include the MyFordTouch technology package’s rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a touchscreen interface, configurable gauge cluster displays, and an upgraded version of Sync.

Other options include heated mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, keyless ignition, remote start, navigation, self-parking, smart cruise control, automatic high-beam control, a sunroof, and ventilated front seats.