Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the Year, the
Ford Fusion is a compact sedan offered in five trim levels: S Sedan, SE Sedan, SEL Sedan, Sport Sedan, and Hybrid Sedan. Engines include the base I-4 engine, optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine capable of running on E85, the Sport trim's 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and the Hybrid's Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine plus electric motor. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission is available, while the hybrid boasts a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Ford Fusion sports a handsome ergonomically-designed cabin, an attractive exterior, and a number of power-train configurations. The Sport trim fulfills the demand for superior speed and exceptional driving manners, while the Hybrid trim is great for those who need exceptional fuel efficiency and ease of handling. A five-passenger sedan, the Ford Fusion has 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space and spacious legroom. Fuel efficiency ratings are in the 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway range, but the Hybrid trim can get 41 mpg in the city.
New for 2010
For 2010, everything on the Ford Fusion is brand new or greatly updated, including the power trains, exterior, interior, and high-tech features, such as Ford's Blind Spot Information system.
Essentials
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 2.5L I-4 with electric motor
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: S Sedan, SE Sedan, SEL Sedan, Sport Sedan, Hybrid Sedan
On the Outside
While retaining the old model's three-bar grille, the 2010 Ford Focus incorporates it into a more coherent European-style design, making the sedan much more attractive.
From the Inside
Accented by plentiful ambient lighting, the Ford Fusion's cabin offers an option of a 12-speaker, 390-watt Sony audio system, while the hybrid trims get a unique LCD gauge cluster providing fuel economy and power status information.
Driving Performance
The Ford Fusion's I-4 engine generates 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine churns out 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque and is capable of running on E85. The Sport trim's 3.5-liter V-6 engine outputs 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, but the Hybrid's Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine releases 156 horsepower and 136 pound-feet, plus another 106 horsepower from the electric motor.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the Ford Fusion includes six airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. A rear-view camera, reverse sensors, and a Blind Spot Information system that detects vehicles that may be in the driver's blind spots are optional items.
Gas Mileage
S manual: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway
S automatic: 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway
SE manual: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway
SE, SEL I-4 automatic: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway
SE, SEL V-6 FWD: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
SEL V-6 AWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Sport FWD: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Sport AWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Hybrid: 41 mpg city/36 mph highway
Plusses
- Good gas mileage
- Great selection of high-tech features
- Wide range of power-trains
Minuses
- Sluggish 3.0-liter V-6 engine
- Option flexibility limited
Rating
Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the Year
People Who Like the 2010 Ford Fusion Also Like
- Hyundai Sonata
- Mazda6
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry