Since 2012, the Ford Fusion has shouldered on without a major update despite all its rivals undergoing significant changes. Yet again, the model is set to continue without major changes as Ford has only hooked up the model with minor visual tweaks. The only major changes are the introduction of a new battery on 2019 Ford Fusion Energi models that give it a 20% increase in all-electric range as well the new Co-Pilot360 system (a suite of driver assist systems). The minor changes mean Ford risks ceding more ground to the likes of Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Chevy Malibu that have undergone more significant changes recently. The car is currently on display at the ongoing New York Motor Show.
2019 Ford Fusion Exterior
The 2019 Ford Fusion features slight changes over the outgoing model. The front fascia has been upgraded for a sportier look. The grille design is unchanged but it has a new mesh design and thicker chrome trim. The airdam has a new shape while the corner lights feature new, taller inserts. The headlights also look slightly different (they have more character on the edges). The headlights will use LED technology for all trims.
The flanks are unchanged; even the body lines and the belt line carry over without any changes. The rear stationary glass is also unchanged but the Fusion will have new wheel designs in addition to the existing styles. The biggest changes are at the back where the model features a revised decklid with a small fin on some models. The taillights have a new layout and use LED technology on all trims.
Interior
Like other mid-cycle refreshes, the 2019 Ford Fusion won’t have any significant interior updates. Most of the new changes in the cabin will touch on technologies. Base models will carry over with a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 Player with Sync voice recognition. SE and higher trims will feature an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
Ford has hooked up the Fusion with the new Co-Pilot360 driver, a suite of driver assist systems. This system is standard on all trims. It features pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, a rear backup camera as well as auto high-beam headlights. The new system also features adaptive cruise control integrated with a stop-and-go system, SiriusXM Traffic, voice-activated navigation, and Travel Link; however, these systems are only standard for Fusion Hybrid SEL, Titanium, and the V6 Sport trims. SEL and higher trims will feature 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity that can support 10 devices. The trims also feature the Sync 3 infotainment system and the Ford+Alexa app.
Engine and performance
The major change in the lineup is the new 9.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Ford says offers 20% more all-electric driving range. The Fusion Energi will now have a range of 25 miles up from 21 miles in the current models. According to Ford, this range will enable about 80% of customers to drive their daily commute on electric energy alone. Other trims will continue without any changes in their drive-train; they are the regular Fusion Hybrid which shares the same 2.0 L, petrol mill with the Energi, the base S trim which still uses a 2.5 L, inline-4 that produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Others are the SE and SEL trims powered by the 1.5 L, EcoBoost mill that produces 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The Titanium trim still uses a turbocharged 2.0 L engine good for 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Fusion Sport, on the other hand, uses a twin-turbocharged 2.7 L, V-6 that produces 325hp and 380lb-ft of torque.
Price and release date
Look out for the 2019 Ford Fusion in Ford dealerships this summer. Prices of the new model are yet to be released but do not expect any price hike as changes are few. A significant price change would impact its sales negatively considering there are better alternatives in the market.
Competitors
Key rivals include the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord.
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