Honda Accord vs. Ford Fusion

By

Automotive Editor

Based out of the Washington, D.C. area, Joel Patel is an automotive journalist that hails from Northern Virginia. His work has been featured on various automotive outlets, including Autoweek, Digital Trends, and Autoblog. When not writing about cars, Joel enjoys trying new foods, wrenching on his car, and watching horror movies. 

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, Automotive Editor - July 20, 2018

The Ford Fusion, along with some of the automaker's other vehicles, will be disappearing in the next few years. Before the mid-size sedan gets the axe, it's competing head-to-head against the Honda Accord, the undisputed king of the segment. Both the Accord and the Fusion have muscular touches that make them stand out of the crowd. They're also two of the best-selling mid-size sedans on the road. Let's take a look at both so you can see which one might be the better fit for you.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Fusion & Accord »

What the Accord Gets Right

If you enjoy getting into a vehicle with some punch without having to move up to a higher trim, the Accord is a good choice. The Accord comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 192 horsepower. The Fusion is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that's rated to make 175 hp as standard. The extra 17 hp and the turbocharger makes the Accord's base engine the better choice.

Despite having a more powerful base engine, the Accord is the sedan that gets the nod when it comes to fuel economy. Honda's most fuel-efficient powertrain is rated by the EPA to get up to 30 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 combined. When properly equipped, the Fusion can get up to 23/34/27 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Interior space is also in the Accord's favor. Honda's sedan has a passenger volume of 105.6 cubic feet, which is 2.8 more than the Fusion's rating. The extra passenger volume equates to more rear leg room, rear hip room, and front shoulder room in the Accord.

What the Fusion Gets Right

If you enjoy performance and are willing to spend some extra money to get it, the Fusion is the one that has it. The Fusion Sport trim features a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine that cranks out 325 hp. Not only is that more than the Accord's available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 hp), it's one of the more powerful engines for the segment.

For those looking to get the most value-packed option, the Fusion is the one that comes out on top. Ford's sedan starts at $23,110, which includes destination. The Accord is $1,355 more, with a starting price tag of $24,465.

Is There a Real Winner?

The Accord and Fusion are closer than ever in the segment. Both vehicles have plenty of interior space for passengers, fuel-efficient powertrains, and a comfortable ride. It's hard to name a clear winner when two vehicles are so evenly matched. The Accord is a proven, time-tested sedan, while the Fusion is more of a newbie that has a chip on its shoulder.

Our Verdict: Honda Accord

Competitors like the Ford Fusion are catching up to the Honda Accord, but Honda's sedan barely gets the edge because it's the complete package. Its interior is a little nicer than the Fusion's, its standard engine has more pep, and its fuel economy numbers are better. Sure, the Fusion is more enjoyable to drive, especially when you step up to the Sport trim, but the Accord is better where it matters to the majority of drivers.

Take a closer look at the Ford Fusion »

Take a closer look at the Honda Accord »

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!

, Automotive Editor

Based out of the Washington, D.C. area, Joel Patel is an automotive journalist that hails from Northern Virginia. His work has been featured on various automotive outlets, including Autoweek, Digital Trends, and Autoblog. When not writing about cars, Joel enjoys trying new foods, wrenching on his car, and watching horror movies. 

Follow On: Twitter

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