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| 2017 Ford Fusion Sport |
Since its introduction back in 2007, the Fusion has been one of Ford's most profitable and valuable vehicles in their lineup. I mean after all, it does compete in the mid-sized sedan segment, which is undoubtedly one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry today. And the original Fusion gave something Ford at the time desperately needed to stay up with rapidly changing consumer tastes: a viable contender. Fast forward to 2013, and Ford shocked the world with its new redesigned Fusion sedan, which featured cutting edge technology and suave styling to boot, demonstrating that midsized sedans could be practical AND appealing. Now let's fast forward again now to the upcoming 2017 model year, and while not an entirely new model, we do get a refreshed Fusion sedan that ushers in Ford's latest suite of advanced features, all while retaining its same sleek profile from before.
Before we dive deeper under this revised Fusion's skin, let me just say that I wasn't really a fan of the 2013-2016 models. There was something about them that just seemed... Off to me, honestly. Perhaps Ford's "Aston Martin inspired" styling on the sedan just didn't cut it for me. It works well on some designs they've had, but it just never won me over too much with the Fusion. I never cared much for the mini front window near the A-pillar either. NOW... With all of that out of the way, let me mention that this 2017 Fusion is one handsome sedan. With its now standard or optional (depending on the trim level) LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights among other exterior styling revisions, it's quite amazing how a few tweaks can go a long way. Although I'm sure some fans of the Fusion will say that the changes are a bit too mild for them. But remember! Beauty can be more than skin deep.
Pedal to the Metal!
One of the biggest revisions to the current Ford Fusion outside of styling comes in the form of what's under its hood. A new Ford Fusion Sport model is now available (or available again may be the more appropriate wording, as a Sport model was available before the 2013 redesign) and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost engine making 325 horsepower while paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. While only the Sport will get the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, the 8-speed transmission is standard on all Fusions, including the lower powered engines, which actually get a nice power boost for 2017 due to dual-scroll technology being applied to the 1.5 and 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinders now. The 1.5 turbo is expected to make about 200 horsepower now, while the 2.0 turbo should make in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. A naturally aspirated (meaning non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most basic engine available, and makes 175 horsepower. Fusion's gas hybrid and plug-in electric hybrid Energi models will still be available as well, although they are largely unchanged aside from some minor recalibrations.
One of the biggest revisions to the current Ford Fusion outside of styling comes in the form of what's under its hood. A new Ford Fusion Sport model is now available (or available again may be the more appropriate wording, as a Sport model was available before the 2013 redesign) and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost engine making 325 horsepower while paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. While only the Sport will get the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, the 8-speed transmission is standard on all Fusions, including the lower powered engines, which actually get a nice power boost for 2017 due to dual-scroll technology being applied to the 1.5 and 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinders now. The 1.5 turbo is expected to make about 200 horsepower now, while the 2.0 turbo should make in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. A naturally aspirated (meaning non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most basic engine available, and makes 175 horsepower. Fusion's gas hybrid and plug-in electric hybrid Energi models will still be available as well, although they are largely unchanged aside from some minor recalibrations.
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| 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium |
Opulence Is a MUST
Inside, the Fusion's cabin and dashboard layout are now revised. The overall interior looks to feel much more substantial overall, and features diamond quilting on the leather in top-end Titanium models, an electronic parking brake, an electronic shifter, as well as Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Sync 3 promises to be more refined and intuitive than Ford's older MyFord Touch system, which frequently got mixed reviews despite constant improvements. The latest suite of modern safety and convenience features are available too, such as blind spot monitoring, parallel and perpendicular park assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, a drowsy driver alert feature, and engine auto stop-start technology that shuts off the engine under idling conditions to save fuel. Overall, it's safe to say this new Fusion is LOADED.
Coming Soon
Pricing for the 2017 Ford Fusion shouldn't change drastically. All midsized cars now are more expensive than they used to be due to the amount of feature content they contain now, so remember that if you're in the market. 2016 Fusion models start out at $22,110 for an S model. For 2017, the Ford Fusion Sport starts at $34,350 and the Titanium starts at $37,495. I expect that with options, the Fusion may reach the low $40,000 price range, especially in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to the increased amount of technology and features in those models. Given the performance aspirations of the Sport model, I feel that its pricing is justified given the engine in it. It ought to be a blast to drive! How do you feel about the new 2017 Fusion? Drop a comment below or on Adam's Autos on Facebook to let me know!
Pricing for the 2017 Ford Fusion shouldn't change drastically. All midsized cars now are more expensive than they used to be due to the amount of feature content they contain now, so remember that if you're in the market. 2016 Fusion models start out at $22,110 for an S model. For 2017, the Ford Fusion Sport starts at $34,350 and the Titanium starts at $37,495. I expect that with options, the Fusion may reach the low $40,000 price range, especially in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to the increased amount of technology and features in those models. Given the performance aspirations of the Sport model, I feel that its pricing is justified given the engine in it. It ought to be a blast to drive! How do you feel about the new 2017 Fusion? Drop a comment below or on Adam's Autos on Facebook to let me know!
The Fusion certainly has its work cut out for it given that Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet, and Kia all recently updated their mid-sized sedan offerings in substantial ways as well to remain competitive. But given the Fusion's new performance and technology offerings, its competitors are going to have to keep their eyes on the prize as well if they hope to earn a nice sized chunk of the mid-sized pie. Time will tell, and consumers will decide who will reign atop of the class. I look forward to seeing the new Fusion hit dealer lots and roadways this coming spring!
ROLL ON READERS!
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