2018 Ford Fusion Review
The Ford Fusion is a
top-selling vehicle, so if you're in the market for a new car, you've likely got the 2018 Ford Fusion on your shortlist. Here you'll find all the info you need to make a smart decision: 2018 Ford Fusion safety and reliability ratings, engine specs, horsepower, fuel economy, and pricing. After going through the specs and ratings, we'll summarize how the Autoblog editors feel about the Ford Fusion.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also provides ratings for new vehicles. According to the IIHS, the 2018 Ford Fusion is considered a "Top Safety Pick", with a rating of "good" across all crashworthiness categories, as well as a "superior" rating for front crash prevention (with optional equipment). The Ford Fusion's headlights, however, are rated poor by the organization. Child seat anchors are rated marginal in terms of ease of use.
Other Ford Fusion model years may receive different safety ratings, so be sure to check the NHTSA and IIHS websites for the specific vehicle you're researching.
Ford Fusion reliability ratings are provided by research agencies, such as J.D. Power and Associates. According to J.D. Power's 2017 vehicle dependability study, the Ford Fusion is considered "about average" for overall dependability, receiving a score of three out of a possible five. Similarly, the Ford Fusion's powertrain received a rating of "about average," or three out of five.
At the time of publication, there were no manufacturer recalls listed for the 2018 Ford Fusion on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. You can check NHTSA for the most up-to-date safety and recalls information related to your specific vehicle.
While the 2018 Ford Fusion is not affected by the Takata airbag recall at the time of this writing, 2006-2012 Ford Fusions are affected by the recall.
In March 2018, Ford recalled 1.3 million Fusions and related Lincoln MKZs for loose steering wheel bolts. 2014 to 2017 Fusions built built at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan between August 6, 2013, and February 29, 2016, and 2014-2018 Fusions and MKZs built at the Hermosillo factory in Mexico are also affected.
To see if your vehicle is affected by these or any other recalls, head to SaferCar.gov and enter your VIN.
To determine Ford Fusion roominess, we assessed the interior and cargo room of the vehicle. The 2018 Ford Fusion can seat 5, with 44.3 inches of front leg room and 38.3 inches of rear leg room. Front passengers enjoy 39 inches of headroom, while rear headroom comes in at 38 inches. Luggage capacity of the Ford Fusion's trunk is 16 cubic feet – large enough to comfortably fit a set of golf clubs.
Vehicle performance is typically determined by engine specs and measured in horsepower and torque. There are various powertrain options for the 2018 Ford Fusion that produce different levels of performance. The standard 2.5L I4 engine creates 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The available turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine produces 231 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Sport trim level of the Ford Fusion is quickest, with its 2.7L V6 engine generating 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The is also an economical 1.5L I4 engine available.
For information about the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Ford Fusions, see below.
Your fuel economy will depend on which powertrain you opt for, but the 2018 Ford Fusion equipped with the standard 2.5L I4 engine achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The more economical 1.5L turbocharged I4 gets 24 city / 31 highway MPG, while the more powerful 2.7L V6 engine manages 17 mpg in the city and 26 highway mpg. Finally, the 2.0L turbocharged I4 is middle of the pack with 24 city / 31 highway mpg.
The Ford Fusion is available as both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model. The Ford Fusion Hybrid S starts at $25,295 MSRP and is EPA-rated at 43 miles per gallon in city driving and 41 mpg on the highway. The plug-in Ford Fusion Energi SE model starts at $31,305 MSRP and has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway.
The 2018 Ford Fusion is available equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions of the Ford Fusion start at an MSRP of $27,190 in the SE trim package.
The 2018 Ford Fusion price starts at an MSRP of $22,120 for the S trim, but can reach as high as $38,895 for the Platinum trim level.
Autoblog last reviewed the Ford Fusion for the 2017 model year. "This is a sweet natured, easygoing car with a good ride, decent handling and an interior that's easy to like," said Autoblog contributor John Pearley Huffman. "The updates to the Fusion are worthwhile with just enough novelty to keep those owners coming out of the three-years leases on a 2014 Fusion signing up for another hitch in a 2017 model."
You can watch Autoblog's video of the 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD below.
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Is Ford Fusion safe?
Ford Fusion safety ratings are provided by government agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Ford Fusion has an overall crash test rating of five stars, according to the NHTSA. This agency rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection. A further breakdown of the NHTSA's ratings show the 2018 Ford Fusion received an overall side crash test rating of five stars, and an overall front crash test rating of four stars. In its rollover resistance test, the NHTSA awarded the Ford Fusion four stars.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also provides ratings for new vehicles. According to the IIHS, the 2018 Ford Fusion is considered a "Top Safety Pick", with a rating of "good" across all crashworthiness categories, as well as a "superior" rating for front crash prevention (with optional equipment). The Ford Fusion's headlights, however, are rated poor by the organization. Child seat anchors are rated marginal in terms of ease of use.
Other Ford Fusion model years may receive different safety ratings, so be sure to check the NHTSA and IIHS websites for the specific vehicle you're researching.
Is the Ford Fusion reliable?
Ford Fusion reliability ratings are provided by research agencies, such as J.D. Power and Associates. According to J.D. Power's 2017 vehicle dependability study, the Ford Fusion is considered "about average" for overall dependability, receiving a score of three out of a possible five. Similarly, the Ford Fusion's powertrain received a rating of "about average," or three out of five.
At the time of publication, there were no manufacturer recalls listed for the 2018 Ford Fusion on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. You can check NHTSA for the most up-to-date safety and recalls information related to your specific vehicle.
While the 2018 Ford Fusion is not affected by the Takata airbag recall at the time of this writing, 2006-2012 Ford Fusions are affected by the recall.
In March 2018, Ford recalled 1.3 million Fusions and related Lincoln MKZs for loose steering wheel bolts. 2014 to 2017 Fusions built built at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan between August 6, 2013, and February 29, 2016, and 2014-2018 Fusions and MKZs built at the Hermosillo factory in Mexico are also affected.
To see if your vehicle is affected by these or any other recalls, head to SaferCar.gov and enter your VIN.
Is the Ford Fusion roomy?
To determine Ford Fusion roominess, we assessed the interior and cargo room of the vehicle. The 2018 Ford Fusion can seat 5, with 44.3 inches of front leg room and 38.3 inches of rear leg room. Front passengers enjoy 39 inches of headroom, while rear headroom comes in at 38 inches. Luggage capacity of the Ford Fusion's trunk is 16 cubic feet – large enough to comfortably fit a set of golf clubs.
Does the Ford Fusion have good performance?
Vehicle performance is typically determined by engine specs and measured in horsepower and torque. There are various powertrain options for the 2018 Ford Fusion that produce different levels of performance. The standard 2.5L I4 engine creates 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The available turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine produces 231 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Sport trim level of the Ford Fusion is quickest, with its 2.7L V6 engine generating 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The is also an economical 1.5L I4 engine available.
For information about the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Ford Fusions, see below.
Does the Ford Fusion get good gas mileage (MPG)?
Your fuel economy will depend on which powertrain you opt for, but the 2018 Ford Fusion equipped with the standard 2.5L I4 engine achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The more economical 1.5L turbocharged I4 gets 24 city / 31 highway MPG, while the more powerful 2.7L V6 engine manages 17 mpg in the city and 26 highway mpg. Finally, the 2.0L turbocharged I4 is middle of the pack with 24 city / 31 highway mpg.
Is there a hybrid version of the Ford Fusion?
The Ford Fusion is available as both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model. The Ford Fusion Hybrid S starts at $25,295 MSRP and is EPA-rated at 43 miles per gallon in city driving and 41 mpg on the highway. The plug-in Ford Fusion Energi SE model starts at $31,305 MSRP and has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway.
Is there an all-wheel drive (AWD) Ford Fusion?
The 2018 Ford Fusion is available equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions of the Ford Fusion start at an MSRP of $27,190 in the SE trim package.
How much does the Ford Fusion cost?
The 2018 Ford Fusion price starts at an MSRP of $22,120 for the S trim, but can reach as high as $38,895 for the Platinum trim level.
Use Autoblog's Smart Car Buying program powered by TrueCar to search for competitive local pricing and savings on the 2018 Ford Fusion.
What do the editors at Autoblog think of the Ford Fusion?
Autoblog last reviewed the Ford Fusion for the 2017 model year. "This is a sweet natured, easygoing car with a good ride, decent handling and an interior that's easy to like," said Autoblog contributor John Pearley Huffman. "The updates to the Fusion are worthwhile with just enough novelty to keep those owners coming out of the three-years leases on a 2014 Fusion signing up for another hitch in a 2017 model."
You can watch Autoblog's video of the 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD below.
If the 2018 Ford Fusion isn't for you, use Autoblog's Car Finder to discover your next new car.
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