Certified 2017 Ford Fusion Sport

The 2017 Fusion is all about drivetrain options. Buyers have many engine and transmission choices, all of which produce stellar fuel economy. Engines include a 2.5L 4-cylinder, a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, a new 2.7L turbocharged V6, a 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid and a plug-in hybrid system. A 6-speed automatic transmission is mated to all but the Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid, which feature a continuously variable transmission. The automatic is controlled by a small rotary dial in the center console. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive optional, except on the Fusion Sport, where AWD is standard.

For those looking for efficiency, the Hybrid, Energi plug-in hybrid, and 1.5L turbo are the engines of choice. The 1.5L turbocharged engine returns up to 37 mpg on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid is more efficient and will sip gasoline to the tune of 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Finally the Energi plug-in hybrid is capable of running only on electricity for shorter trips, potentially limiting gasoline consumption to almost nothing.

The Fusion comes in five trims: S, SE, Titanium, Sport, and Platinum. S models are the most basic but still come nicely equipped as is appropriate for a midsized sedan. The 175-horsepower 2.5L engine is the only powerplant available on S models. Features include power door locks and windows, halogen projector headlamps, push-button start, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. Ford's SYNC system is standard, as is an MP3-capable stereo with an auxiliary input jack, along with a rearview camera. The stereo and the cruise control can be operated by buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

The SE model enhances the level of basic equipment and also allows buyers to choose from more drivetrain options. The 181-horsepower 1.5L turbo, the 245-horsepower 2.0L turbo and the 141-horsepower 2.0L Hybrid are all options for the SE. Standard equipment on the SE includes a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

Stepping up to the Titanium edition will bring buyers a more luxury-oriented Fusion. Starting at just over $3,000, the Titanium edition comes with the powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine and is available with all-wheel drive. Polished 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard. Seating surfaces are leather and heated, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio provides in-car entertainment. The improved SYNC3 infotainment system is standard meaning there is an 8-inch LCD touchscreen in the center console that houses the optional navigation system. Two smaller configurable LCD screens are also embedded in the instrument cluster.

The Sport is the most athletic trim of the Fusion lineup, with its turbocharged 2.7L V6 making 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and delivering all that power to standard all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips, adjustable suspension dampers, aluminum sport pedals, and 10-way power adjustable heated sport seating with Dark Earth Gray Miko suede and leather surfaces. Also included are continuously controlled dampers, which offer improved ride and handling on uneven surfaces.

The new top-of-the-line Platinum trim is the most luxurious Fusion to date, with heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped interior surfaces, and adaptive cruise control.

Safety features on the Fusion are extensive. The car utilizes eight airbags as well as the standard suite of electronic safety equipment, including anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control. Emergency brake assistance is also standard on all Fusions, as is an electronic parking brake.

Efficient

Stylish

Practical

Available Plug-in Hybrid Drivetrain

Available All-wheel Drive

Available Turbocharged V6

The Ford Fusion sees many changes for 2017. Among them is a redesigned front end, with a wider hexagonal grille with either five slats or mesh, depending on trim. New headlight styling includes LED lighting on top trims, while the taillights have been restyled. Inside, a rotary dial replaces the traditional automatic shift lever, while the SYNC3 infotainment system replaces the previous MyFord Touch. The new system includes support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Sport trim features Fords terrific 2.7L EcoBoost V6, while a new Platinum trim sits atop the Fusion hierarchy.

The Ford Fusion is a mid-sized sedan and must therefore compete in an incredibly competitive segment, going up against heavyweights such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Ford has priced the car accordingly, with models starting at $22,000. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Fusion Platinum is outfitted with a variety of luxury equipment, providing a sensible alternative to the entry-level cars sold by several luxury marques. And in the new Fusion Sport, a 325-horsepower turbocharged V6 provides plenty of punch for those looking to cruise in the fast lane.