Item: 2016 Ford Fusion
Author: Christopher Brewer

Overview

Ford's midsize family sedan remains one of the best choices in a crowded and competitive field. The Fusion is a very attractive combination of ambitious styling, refined driving characteristics, and impressive value.

What's New for 2016

In the interest of keeping up appearances across the board, an Appearance package -- composed of 18-inch wheels and a collection of body-trim pieces -- is now available for the base S model. Otherwise, the Fusion is unchanged.

Choosing Your Ford Fusion

The Fusion is available in three versions: a traditional gasoline-fueled model, a gas-electric hybrid, and the Energi plug-in hybrid. The two electrically-driven versions are covered in separate articles.

Since its redesign for model-year 2013, the Fusion has solidified its place at the top of the family-sedan class. The eye-catching sheet metal that was so distinctive a few years ago is rapidly being copied by other manufacturers. Handling is much better than should reasonably be expected from a mainstream midsize sedan. It gives up nothing in materials quality, everyday convenience and all-around goodness to its competitors.

The Fusion can be had in three trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium. Standard equipment across the line includes a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, a backup camera and Ford's SYNC voice-operated infotainment system.

CarsDirect Tip

If you don't want or need the tech features available on the upscale lines, an S with the Appearance package will do it all just as well as its fancier siblings -- which is very well indeed - and look good in the process at an attractive price. At the other end, optioned-up Fusions pose a credible challenger to entry-level luxury models on the features and driving-dynamics fronts without the entry-level luxury price. The Fusion's pricing structure avoids the big jumps of other Ford lines, so picking what you want (and want to pay) is more of a reasonable balancing act in this case.

Get your price on a Ford Fusion »

Read our review on the Ford Fusion »

Patrick Frawley

Automotive Editor - May 18, 2015

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Christopher Brewer

Contributing Editor - December 09, 2015

With striking good looks that bring much more expensive makes and models to mind, the award-winning Ford Fusion midsize sedan provides comfortable seating for up to five adults and offers excellent fuel economy and performance at an affordable price.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Ford Fusion is available in three trim levels. All are equipped with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

The base Fusion S is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Standard features include a rearview camera, automatic headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Pricing starts at $22,100.
The Fusion SE is also powered by the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but can be optioned with one of two turbocharged engines: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four or a 2-liter EcoBoost four. Key standard features include 10-way power driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a keyless-entry keypad. Pricing for the SE starts at $24,170. Ecoboost models are available with front- or all-wheel drive.
The nicely-equipped top-trim Fusion Titanium receives the 2-liter EcoBoost and is available in front- or all-wheel drive configurations. Heated leather seats, a 12-speaker Sony audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch premium polished wheels are among the numerous standard features. Pricing starts at $31,120.

Performance Pros

Although the Fusion hardly qualifies as a pure sports sedan, it is decidedly sporty with the 2-liter engine, which provides an excellent balance of power and efficiency -- it's rated at 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway in front-wheel drive. The highway number drops to 31 highway when equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Fusion provides crisp and precise steering, complete with a little feedback, thanks to the electric steering rack. Handling is a nice balance between sport and comfort. The easily maneuverable midsize sedan acts compliantly in traffic and on twisty roads.

Performance Cons

Although the base and 1.5-liter EcoBoost deliver excellent economy, enthusiasts will likely find their performance lacking.

Interior Pros

While not as dynamic as the Fusion’s exterior, the midsize sedan’s cabin works diligently to stand apart from the majority of the segment by offering an upscale feel -- even in the base trim. Seating is comfortable in all five seating positions, although rear seat passengers might feel a little restricted thanks to the Fusion’s coupe inspired C-pillar.

Optional leather seating -- standard in the Titanium trim -- is soft and luxurious. Trim work is aesthetically pleasing, offering a level of luxury more along the lines of a midsize luxury sedan than the family-friendly segment to which the Fusion belongs.
Upper trim levels are loaded with technology, including the freshly revised SYNC with MyFord Touch package, which incorporates a high resolution infotainment LCD touch screen complete with GPS navigation.

Interior Cons

The monotone design of the lower trim levels can become a bit monotonous.
Rear head room is limited for adults who are more than six feet tall.
The MyFord Touch system can be cumbersome at first. The learning curve isn't outrageous, but it may take a little while to be able to navigate the system quickly and easily.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The turbocharged 2-liter EcoBoost engine delivers V6-like performance without the fuel economy toll typically associated with the bigger engine.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The base engine doesn’t quite live up to the sporty looks and handling of the Fusion, making the EcoBoost options even more appealing.

The Bottom Line

The 2016 Ford Fusion is an attractive vehicle that provides a pleasing environment for everyone on board. The driving dynamics are above par for the segment, making the Fusion a great choice for families who need more space and convenience, but aren’t ready to abandon spirited performance. Ford’s pricing is right in line with competitors, making the Fusion a top pick in the segment.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.5L I-4 / 175 HP / 175 ft.lbs.

Transmission

6-spd SelectShift w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

22 / 34 / 27 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.5L I-4 / 175 HP / 175 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	22 / 34 / 27 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	16.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$63

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	16.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	103 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	191.7 "
Exterior Width	72.9 "
Exterior Height	58.1 "
Front Headroom	39.2 "
Rear Headroom	37.8 "
Front Legroom	44.3 "
Rear Legroom	38.3 "
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room	56.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,431 Lbs.
Wheel Base	112 "
Turning Radius	18.8 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Chrome
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers	4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	3

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Ford Fusion for Sale