2016 Ford Fusion
The 2016 Ford Fusion didn’t change much from the 2015 model year. They saved most of the updates for the new 2017 Ford Fusion.
It gets high marks for handling, a modern and upscale cabin, and a spacious interior and trunk space, but poor marks for below average crash-test scores.
The Fusion offers three different four-cylinder engines for you to choose from. Standard is the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter, or you can upgrade to the turbocharged 231-horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost or the turbocharged 240-horsepower 2.0-liter for blistering acceleration and sport performance handling. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic. The base 2016 Fusion earns 22 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
Standard safety equipment includes stability control and a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic and lane keeping alerts, and active park assist are available in the upper trims. The Fusion has 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which is above-average for the class.
2015 Ford Fusion
One of the most technologically advanced cars in its segment, the 2015 Ford Fusion offers available adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, active park assist, and lane-keeping. However, crash test results were lower and ownership costs higher than competitors like the Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Hyundai Sonata.
Reviewers loved the energetic 231-horsepower, turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine that comes standard in Titanium trims. The basic S trim offers only the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The 16 cubic foot trunk is one of the largest in its class, and head- and legroom for both front and rear seats is ample.
Every 2015 Fusion is equipped with Ford’s SYNC interface, which offers voice-activated commands for making and receiving phone calls, sending text messages, and more. Parental controls allow parents to limit the vehicle’s top speed, and to prevent it from starting until all occupants are safely locked into their seatbelts.
The 2015 Ford Fusion sits at No. 24 in Used Midsize Cars $15k and up.
2014 Ford Fusion
The 2014 Ford Fusion gets high marks for sporty handling, fuel economy, and good looks, but reviewers found the infotainment system to be frustrating to use, perhaps why Ford redesigned controls for 2015.
The base engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, so consider upgrading to one of the EcoBoost engines to add three mpg on the highway. The 2014 Fusion also has a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder that it shares with the Ford Fiesta. Both EcoBoost engines are rated at 25 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
Standard features include Ford’s voice-recognition SYNC system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Available features include a moonroof, heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, parallel park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
The 2014 Ford Fusion is ranked No. 8 of 21 affordable midsize cars.
Any Ford vehicle that has the EcoBoost nomenclature is going to be turbocharged. Ford tried to brand EcoBoost as the more fuel-efficient option (which it is) to the large V6s that used to be in Fords
2013 Ford Fusion
The 2013 Ford Fusion compares well against top competitors like the Toyota Camry and redesigned Honda Accord due to its sporty handling, a sharp-looking exterior, and interior comfort. It also has one of the largest cargo spaces in its class.
There are three engine choices, all four-cylinders: a base 2.5-liter, a turbocharged 1.6-liter, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter. All earn EPA ratings of 22-23 mpg in the city and 34-36 on the highway.
Standard features include the MyKey parental control, which sets limits on vehicle speed and audio levels when a young driver is behind the wheel.
The 2013 Ford Fusion gets our award for Best Midsize Car for the Money and also Best Midsize Car for Families.
2012 Ford Fusion
The 2012 Ford Fusion is the last model year available with a hunky 3.6-liter V6; after this, Ford replaces it with its new EcoBoost four-cylinder. Considering that the V6 gets just 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, that’s no great loss. The basic four gets a far better EPA rating, earning 23 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
Reviewers like Fusion’s high-quality interior materials, ample cargo space, and smooth and comfortable ride.
The Ford Fusion won U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families and our 2012 Best Affordable Midsize Car for the Money award.
2011 Ford Fusion
The 2011 Ford Fusion was named our 2011 Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families for its well-rounded performance and handling, ample passenger and cargo space, and suite of safety features.
The 2011 Fusion is available as rear-wheel drive in basic models, though optional all-wheel drive is available on SEL and Sport models with the V6 engine.
Standard features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and keyless entry.
2010 Ford Fusion
Notable for 2010 are two new transmissions and improved engine choices.
Now available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as standard, the Fusion also has a 3.0-liter or 3.5-liter V6 for additional power but less fuel economy. As always, all-wheel drive is available only in upper trim models.
Standard features include cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The 2010 Ford Fusion ranks No. 2 on our list of 2010 affordable midsize cars, outranked only by its sibling the Fusion Hybrid.
2009 Ford Fusion
Reviewers like the sporty handling, spacious interior, and top safety ratings of the 2009 Ford Fusion. Notable changes include a five-speed automatic transmission for upper SEL trim, stability control added as optional feature, and traction control on V6 models.
We top-rated the 2009 Ford Fusion as the best 2009 Affordable Midsize Car.
2008 Ford Fusion
When new, the 2008 Ford Fusion was an all-around best buy, as well as an attractively styled family car. The 2008 Fusion gets top marks for its sport-like handling, well-designed interior, and competitive price. Reviewers were less impressed by its under-sized instrument and navigation read-outs.
2007 Ford Fusion
The 2007 Ford Fusion was top-rated as a well-designed, fuel efficient family sedan. It offered good value for the money when new, and that has not changed in interim years. The 2007 Fusion is available in FWD and AWD, with anti-lock brakes optional.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Fusion Hybrid was introduced in 2009 and has been top-rated by auto reviewers for fuel economy and driving performance in nearly every model year since. It’s so good that we have awarded it Best Hybrid Car for the Money or Best Hybrid Car for Families – or both – nearly every year since its launch.
Exterior and interior features are generally the same as the non-hybrid Fusion, so let’s concentrate on what’s under the hood.
The 2017 model is a standout for sporty handling and fuel economy. It includes the latest smartphone integration, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-fi hot spot. It has 188 horsepower combined, and is EPA rated at 41 mpg in the city and 43 on the highway, boosted in part by its regenerative braking system. But newer Fusion Hybrid models also have a lot of great features, and excellent fuel economy to match.
2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Reviewers love the 2016 Fusion Hybrid smooth transition from electric to gas power, nimble handling, and comfortable interior. We rated the 2016 model as Best Hybrid Car for the Money, and its EPA rating of 44 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway probably had something to do with it.
2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid was the winner of our 2015 Best Hybrid Car for Families, and a finalist for the Best Midsize Car for Families. Fuel economy is a given – 44 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway – plus it offers a comfortable ride. Standard features include a rearview camera (unusual as standard in this price class), plus Ford’s voice-activated Sync infotainment system.
2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Excellent Fuel economy and a smooth, quiet powertrain helped make the 2014 Fusion Hybrid our winner – once again - for both the 2014 Best Hybrid Car for the Money and 2014 Best Hybrid Car for Families.
2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid was completely redesigned for this model year, with satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Ford’s voice-activated Sync system as standard. Parents love the MyKey system, which lets them cap speed and audio volume when a young driver is behind the wheel. We rated the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the 2013 Best Hybrid Car for the Money and Best Hybrid Car for Families.
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Winner of both Best Hybrid Car for the Money and Best Hybrid Car for Families, the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid, is a complete redesign, with a stylish new exterior. It gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway, and top ratings for a quiet powertrain. Reviewers report it is tuned for a comfortable ride, which can mean a bit of lag in corners.
2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
No surprise that the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets top marks for fuel economy, EPA rated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Reviewers also loved its upscale interior and roominess, all-in-all a practical family sedan. Even so, we rank it No. 5 of 10 among 2011 hybrid cars.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid hits a home run with our reviewers, who rate it No. 1 in 2010 Hybrid Cars, No. 1 in 2010 Affordable Midsize Cars, and No. 1 in Used Midsize Cars under $15k. It’s a stand-out for its fuel economy, safety ratings, and spacious and high quality interior.
Ford Fusion Energi
With the introduction of the Energi model in 2013, Ford Fusion became the first sedan available in three choices, “regular”, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. The Ford Fusion Energi offers 100 mpge, similar to pure electric vehicles, and more than the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. Its 600+ mile range, between refueling and top-rated fuel economy, has driven the Energi to the title of the second best-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., after the Chevy Volt. The Fusion Energi’s interior and exterior features and engine and electric motor design match that of the hybrid model.
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Which Model Year Is Right For You?
The Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid both get great reviews as affordable midsize five-passenger family sedans, for their eye-catching exterior design, available all-wheel drive, tech features, and fuel economy – especially with Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine.
The 2017 models are stand-outs, packed with safety and infotainment technology including optional hands-free parking. However, used Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrids also have a lot to offer. Launched in 2006, the Fusion has been a popular option in the affordable midsize car segment and, compared to similar vehicles, used models typically do well in our rankings.