There once was a time when the Ford Fusion was a top-ranking sedan offered up as a ‘fusion’ between the compact sedan and the mid-sized sedan. In its hay day, it was one of the few hybrid sedans to grace the road, and in a way, opened up the floodgates for other automakers to fall in line behind Ford by developing hybrid models of their own. There even was a period where the Ford Fusion offered up a hybrid and gas-powered V6 engine in the same model lineup. Since its initial release in 2006, the Ford Fusion has had quite the run, and with reports coming in of Ford’s unanimous cancellation of the Ford Fusion after 2020, it’s clear that this once game-changing sedan is being put out to pasture. To pay our respects to a vehicle that made so many waves in the industry, we figured it appropriate to take a close look at the 2020 Ford Fusion and see if a vehicle with over a decade and a half of history has held up over the years.
Trimming the Fat
The 2020 Ford Fusion hit the market earlier this year, with some serious disappointment for some drivers. In the past, the Ford Fusion offered a Sport model, which included a quite remarkable V-6 engine. Gone is that option, and while you’ll still have plenty of engine configurations in the 2020 version, the removal of an engine build beefier than a turbocharged four-cylinder can be a big drawback for drivers who appreciated the increase in power and handling.
That said, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The 2020 Ford Fusion comes in one of six different trim options, including the S, SE, Titanium, Hybrid SE, Hybrid Titanium, and Plug-in Hybrid Titanium. At a starting price of $23,170 MSRP, the Ford Fusion is certainly in the affordable range, and with the range-topping Plug-in Hybrid Titanium sitting around $35,000 MSRP, upgrading is certainly within the realm of possibilities for many drivers.
The Ford Fusion hasn’t changed much over the past fourteen years. Drivers can still expect the same four-door styling, wide and narrow front grille, and moderate sizing that the first 2006 model brought to the table. That said, the lack of stylistic changes has paid off in the Ford Fusion’s favor, as this vehicle continues to look good on the road, staying relevant alongside competitor vehicles.
The initial package can seem enticing, and while Ford may have dropped a V6 option, the level of configuration is still quite expansive, giving you the chance to purchase a Ford Fusion model that’s bound to fit your expectations of a mid-sized sedan.
What’s Powering the Ford Fusion?
Disregarding the loss of a V6 AWD Ford Fusion, the 2020 model still offers a considerable amount of engine power that stands in stark competition with some of the top-ranking sedans on the market right now. The base S model comes with a pretty standard 2.5-liter I-VCT four-cylinder engine that propels the vehicle forward at about 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft worth of torque. Accompanied by a front-wheel drivetrain, and a six-speed automatic transmission, standard performance can seem pretty, well, standard at first glance. Push up to the 1.5-liter Ti-VCT I-4 EcoBoost Engine, and you’ll get a moderate bump pushing performance numbers to 181 horsepower and 185 lb-ft worth of torque.
If you’re looking for something comparable to what the 2019 Ford Fusion Sport delivered in terms of performance, you may want to opt for the 2.0-Liter Ti-VCT I-4 EcoBoost engine, which offers top performance in the Ford Fusion, putting out 235 horsepower and 275 lb-ft worth of torque. This same engine can be fitted with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, making it the next best thing to the former Sport model.
Fuel economy in the gas-powered 2020 Ford Fusion is pretty solid. While still a few steps behind other modern sedans, drivers can expect 24 mpg combined in the base model, and 23 mpg combined in the AWD 235 horsepower, 2.0-liter engine build. That said, if conserving fuel is your priority, you should certainly upgrade to the 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium. This model utilizes a 2.0-Liter Atkinson I-4 plug-in hybrid engine, which promises a combined 188 horsepower. Fuel economy in this model is superb, tipping the scales at 103 MPGe combined.
So, as you can tell, the 2020 Ford Fusion leaves plenty of room for customization. While still not as diverse as previous models, the potentially last iteration of the 2020 Ford Fusion is still a mid-sized sedan that gives drivers plenty of options to choose from.
Behind the Wheel
To put it simply, the 2020 Ford Fusion is a comfortable ride. While not necessarily outstanding, both front and rear passengers will have plenty of legroom. Unfortunately, tall rear passengers might feel a little cramped thanks to the 37.8 inches of headroom. At the same time, the 16 cubic feet of trunk space in gas-powered models and comfortable front seats make up for the fact that tall rear passengers may have to hunch a bit on long car rides. Interior materials on base models are all soft-touch plastics, and for a higher price, you can enjoy synthetic leather furnishings. If you’re someone who really respects authenticity, then we’d recommend you upgrade to the Titanium model, which uses real leather hides to dress the interior.
While the Ford Fusion hasn’t changed much on the outside over the years, the interior tech as certainly takes a dramatic step forward. Base models may offer a pretty stripped interior experience, with the small 4.2-inch screen, and lack of any substantial infotainment tech. If you take a small step up to the SE model, you can enjoy so much more. Features like an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment system, a Sony Audio system, heated seats, and a power moon roof can be found in higher trim options, which dramatically improve the experience behind the wheel.
Where the 2020 Ford Fusion pushes technology to the limits is in the safety department. The 2019 model saw a vast improvement in standard safety features, and the 2020 version is no different. On all models, features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitors protect drivers and passengers alike. If you want to take things a step further, you can upgrade the tech package to equip the 2020 Ford Fusion with additional features like adaptive cruise control and an improved satellite navigation system.
Is the 2020 Ford Fusion Still Relevant?
The Ford Fusion has been around for some time, yet the 2020 model shows us that Ford can upgrade an early 2000s classic, and still provide an incredible driving experience. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t disappointed about Ford potentially removing the Fusion from its family lineup. While we’re grateful for what the 2020 model has to offer, it’ll be a big change to not see a new Ford Fusion in 2021. Regardless, we couldn’t recommend the 2020 Ford Fusion enough. A great fit for any financially conscious commuter, or first-time driver, the Ford Fusion is a mid-sized sedan that may have a long history but is still as relevant as ever.
