Ford Fusion has something to offer for everyone starting with the basically-trimmed SE to the stylish Platinum and the performance-oriented Fusion Sport. The Fusion sits above the Fiesta and Focus models but below the Taurus. The Fusion Sport trim was added for the 2017 model year to give customers looking for more fun in their Fusion sedan. The 2018 Ford Fusion carries over with subtle upgrades. Although the Fusion has something for everyone, it falls below most of its competitors that offer better packages.
Exterior and Interior styling
The 4-door sedan which accommodates five passengers is offered in the S, SE, Titanium, Sport and Platinum trims. All sedans feature a number of equipments as standard including power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity as well as satellite radio. Upper trims on the other hand feature a host of convenient features including adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats as well as a premium audio system.
The base S trim rides on 16-inch wheels and features a rearview camera, automatic LED headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, the Sync infotainment system that supports audio commands, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a 4-speaker audio system. The Sync system is hosted on a 4.2-inch screen mounted at the center of the dash; it integrates a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
The SE trim adds LED DRLs, 17-inch wheels, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support, 6-way power passenger seat, a 6-speaker audio system, rear heat ducts as well as a center-down armrest for rear passengers. There is an optional appearance package which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a steering wheel wrapped in leather and premium cloth upholstery. There is also an option for a Luxury package that adds keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery. A Technology package that adds rear parking sensors, an 8.0-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control and an 11-speaker audio system is also available.
The Titanium trim features all optional features of the SE trim as standard; it adds 18-inch wheels, ambient cabin lighting, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, sport front seats as well as a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio. A Driver Assistance Package is optional for both SE and Titanium trims, it features automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated steering wheel, a 110-volt power socket, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning as well as a lane-keep assist system. A sunroof is offered as a standalone option for both SE and Titanium trims. Buyers can also opt for 19-inch wheels as well as ventilated front seats on the Titanium trim.
All the above features are standard for the range-topping Platinum trim; the Platinum trim also adds a unique grille insert, a premium leather trim as well as a power-adjustable steering wheel.
The Sportier Fusion sport features all SE features including those of the Luxury package as standard; it adds a unique grille, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips, a 9-speaker sound system, adjustable suspension dampers and its upholstery features a combination of leather and simulated suede. Buyers can add an Upgrade Package that adds most of the features available in the Titanium trim. The Driver Assist package is also optional.
2018 Ford Fusion Engine and performance
The base 2018 Ford Fusion S is powered by a 2.5 L, 4-cylinder mill that produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine returns 21 mpg in city and 32 mpg on highway drives. The SE trim features a turbocharged 1.5 inline-4 good for 178 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Those who purchase SE trim can also opt for the turbocharged 2.0 L, inline-4 that produces 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine is offered in both front- and all-wheel drive modes. With front wheels drive, it is EPA rated at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg on highway drives while with AWD, the engine returns 20 mpg and 29 mpg on city and highway drives respectively. This engine comes standard in both the Titanium and Platinum trims.
For buyers looking for spirited driving, they can opt for the twin-turbocharged V6 good for 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque that powers the Fusion Sport. This engine returns 17 mpg in city and 26 mpg on highway drives. The Fusion Sport comes in AWD as standard. All conventional engines use a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
You can also opt to go “greener” by selecting the Fusion Hybrid or Fusion Energi (Plug-In Hybrid). The standard Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0 L, inline-4 that is paired with an electric motor. This setup churns out 188 hp. The Hybrid drive-train returns 43 mpg in city and 41 mpg on highways. The Fusion Hybrid Energi uses the same setup but has a bigger battery which can be replenished through charging. The Energi hybrid setup produces 195 hp and is rated at 97 MPG. The Energi can go for 21 miles on electric energy alone.
Price and release date
The base 2018 Ford Fusion S has an MSRP of only $22,120 inclusive of a mandatory $875 destination fee. The SE attracts a price tag of under $25,000 while the Titanium trim goes for around $31,000. The V-6 powered Fusion Sport is available for around $34,500 while the Fusion Platinum (the range-topping model) has a starting price of $37,600. AWD system attracts an extra $2,000. For the Hybrids, the base hybrid model has a starting price of around $26,000 for the S model and as much as $42,000 for the Hybrid Energi Platinum.
Competition
Top rivals of the 2018 Ford Fusion include the Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Chevrolet Volt.
