Midsize sedans made up 20% of the new car market in 2012, but less than a decade later, they’re not even 10% of sales. Because of this, many manufacturers are turning away from the trusty sedan in favor of the more popular SUV. Unfortunately, this move has seen many popular models discontinued, like the Ford Fusion. But just because 2020 is the end of the line for this popular car doesn’t mean it’s not still a quality buy. Save the best for last, right? But why might you want to buy a 2020 Ford Fusion vs 2021 Honda Accord or another competitor? Read on to see why the final Fusion is fantastic.
Performance Options
There are a total of eight 2020 Ford Fusion models: the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, the hybrid models of the SE, SEL, and Titanium, and a plug-in hybrid Titanium. The S model starts at $23,170 and has a 2.5-liter engine. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, this motor has 175 horses and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SE and SEL trims come standard with a more powerful 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. This turbocharged design has noticeably more power with 181 horses and 185 pound-feet of torque, as well as an improved estimated fuel economy of 23 MPG city and 34 MPG highway.
Optional on the SE and standard on the Titanium is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The 2.0-liter also has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, but with a bump up to 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a SelectShift automatic transmission, which allows you to choose between automatic shifting and semi-automatic clutchless shifting with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. While most Fusions are front-wheel drive, it is possible to add all-wheel drive to the SE and Titanium.
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid both use a non-turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The standard hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 43 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, while the plug-in gets a whopping 103 MPGe combined. All in all, these are some incredible powertrain options for a midsize sedan. Even the base motor in the Fusion S has enough power to zip around your morning commute while still carrying five passengers comfortably. If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost brings it, feeling more like a sporty coupe than a family sedan.
Features and Options
Every trim of the 2020 Fusion offers Ford’s SYNC 3 technology, an enhanced voice-activated communication and entertainment system. Accessed by an 8-inch full-color touchscreen, SYNC 3 connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also two smart-charging USB ports and SiriusXM satellite radio access. If accessing your personal playlists is your favorite part of your commute or family road trips, you may be interested in knowing the S trim has four speakers, the SE six, and the hybrid SE nine. The SEL trims have a premium audio system with 11 speakers, and all three Titanium trims have a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
Driving the 2020 Ford Fusion is fun and comfortable even for taller drivers with up to 44.3 inches of legroom – two inches more than in the 2021 Honda Accord. In addition, the 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk are enough to accommodate luggage or shopping bags with ease. If more trunk space is needed, you can even fold down the rear seats to fit large items securely.
Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference. All Fusions come standard with Ford’s Easy Fuel capless gas tank – no more futzing with dirty gas caps that drip fuel and get left on top of the pump. In other small luxury news, heated outside mirrors and front seats are available or standard on most trims. Further, all 2020 Ford Fusions have keyless entry and push-button start, allowing you to leave your keys in your pocket or purse.
The Fusion also comes with Ford’s MyKey technology, standard on all trims. If you give your key to a valet (or your college buddy whose car is in the shop. Again), you can limit the top speed of your baby to 80 mph with speed minder alerts at lower speeds. It also limits the radio volume, sets seatbelt reminder alerts, and provides low fuel warnings.
All of the 2020 Ford Fusions, regardless of model type, come with access to FordPass Connect. With this app, you can lock and unlock your doors, start and stop your engine, and even create an engine starting schedule, all from your smartphone. FordPass Connect also allows you to check out your Fusion’s oil life, fuel level, and approximate mileage and maintenance intervals.
If you’re trying to decide which 2020 Ford Fusion is best for you, you can rest assured that, like most vehicles, the higher the trim level you choose, the more options are available. For example, all but the S have a compass, exterior thermometer, and rear armrest with two built-in cup holders. The SEL and Titanium come with a universal garage door opener. Also standard on the SEL and Titanium is a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In addition, the wheels on each model progress in size from the 16-inch on the S to 19-inch Titanium, and certain paint colors are only available with specific trims.
Premium Protections
All 2020 Fusions come with Ford’s Co-Pilot360. This comprehensive safety package includes Auto High Beam Headlamps, the BLIS blind spot information system, a Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Rear View Camera. It is most unusual for manufacturers to offer all of these driver-assistance technologies standard, especially on base models. Other safety features standard on all Fusions include automatic on/off headlights, speed-sensitive rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and hill start assist. For additional safety, all 2020 Ford Fusions have configurable daytime running lights, and the SEL and Titanium trims (both standards and hybrids) come with bright LED headlamps.
On top of the Ford Co-Pilot360, all 2020 Ford Fusions have the option to upgrade to Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist. This additional package includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, the ability to customize not one but two of the displays in the instrument cluster, and dual-zone automatic temperature control. OK, that last part doesn’t necessarily sound safety-related, but with it, you won’t be distracted by the heating and AC instead of focusing on the road. Child safety locks and the LATCH child safety seat anchor system are also standard on all Fusions. Altogether, the 2020 Ford Fusion has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Parting Views
While Ford may have decided to cut ties with the midsize sedan market, it’s still a crowded field, and the 2020 Fusion stands out from the normalcy of the pack with all of its high-end safety and technology features, as well as with its sportier lines and a five-bar front grille design. In addition, its choices of powertrains – including all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid options – provide more options than its competitors while still maintaining a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.
Plus, the Fusion’s rotary gear shift feels more sleek and futuristic than a family sedan should. When you choose a 2020 Ford Fusion, you get Ford’s standard warranty coverage and its roadside-assistance, which is better than most other non-luxury automakers. The 2020 Ford Fusion has proven to be a comfortable sedan that’s fun to drive and should definitely not be overlooked in its final year.
