By comparison
dramatically different than before. For example, changes to the front end are so subtle that hardly anyone will notice the slightly larger hexagonal grille, and headlight and fog light pods.
Passenger-compartment updates are equally few, with the most obvious being the replacement of the shift lever with a trendy rotary knob. It doesn’t actually make shifting easier, but it does improve access to the center control stack, stowage bin and standard electric parking brake. Also new is Ford’s latest Sync 3 touch screen with voice-activated controls for the audio and communications systems.
Carrying over from 2016 is the Fusion’s array of four-cylinder power plants. The base engine is a 2.5-liter unit that puts out 175 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (181/185) and a turbo 2.0 (245/280).
All-wheel drive can be had with the nonturbo 2.5 and the turbo 2.0, but is not offered with the turbo 1.5. That engine’s fuel economy is actually the best of the bunch, with ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
Six-speed automatic transmissions are standard across the board. Honda Accord Base price: $23,200 Popular nameplate can be had in sedan, hybrid and coupe body styles. Toyota Camry Base price: $23,900 A top-pick sedan that has finally found its style groove. Hybrid model can scoot. Chevrolet Malibu Base price: $22,500 All-new lightweight design looks great. Hybrid model is one of the best around.
The returning Fusion Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid models continue with their 2.0-liter gasoline engines that work in tandem with electric motors for a combined output of 188 horsepower. Ford has made minor adjustments to their regenerative-braking systems to make them less grabby.
The two new additional models are the Fusion Platinum and Fusion Sport trims. The Platinum is ranked ahead of the previous top-dog Titanium model and ventures into Lincoln MKZ territory with the turbo 2.0-liter engine; power sunroof; and premium leathercovered seats with climate control and dashboard.
There’s also a high-end 12-speaker Sony sound system and fancy 19-inch wheels (17-inches are standard). The latest in crashavoidance technology is also included in the Platinum’s $37,500 base price — base Fusions start at $23,000, including destination charges — but you’ll need to pay extra for all-wheel drive and for the rear seatbelts that have inflatable air bags built in.
Without question, the highlight model of 2017 is the Fusion Sport. It costs about $3,000 less than the Platinum, but comes with standard all-wheel drive plus a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, which was developed for the Mustang, that delivers 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The Sport’s sole transmission is a six-speed automatic, but at least Ford is including paddle shifters as part of the package.
There are also a number of unique suspension components, notably larger front brakes, firmer springs and thicker antiroll bar, and electronically controlled dampers that constantly adjust themselves according to road conditions. A mesh-style grille, also fitted to the Platinum, helps set the Sport apart from the rest of the field.
Whether sedate, sporty or opulent, the Fusion expands on the allencompassing theme that has made it unique in a sea of sedan sameness.