In a class generally known for bland styling and a lack of driving excitement, the Fusion is like a fresh, charismatic newcomer. But also like some promising and talented celebrities, it has just enough quirks to erode your enthusiasm.
The Fusion looks upscale and stylish, and it handles like a really good European sports sedan. We bought three versions: a top-trim Titanium, a mid-trim SE, and the SE Hybrid. All versions provide a composed, civilized ride that's as good as cars costing twice as much. The cabin is blessedly quiet. The Titanium version is among the best-handling midsized sedans we've tested. And the Hybrid model posted among the best fuel economy we've measured in a midsized sedan: 39 mpg overall. A plug-in version is also available.
So what are the problems? One is Ford's pair of EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engines that fall short in both acceleration and fuel economy, compared with competitive models. For example, the gas mileage of our SE, equipped with an EcoBoost 1.5-liter four cylinder, is only 24 mpg overall, which is below the 26 mpg average in this class and far below the 30 and 31 mpg we got from our Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, respectively, even with their larger 2.4- and 2.5-liter engines. Moreover, 0-to-60-mph acceleration is about a second slower than many peer models. Similarly, at 22 mpg overall, our Titanium, with its 2.0-liter four cylinder, gets 4 mpg less than the larger 3.5-liter V6s in the Accord and Toyota Camry. And it's a second slower to 60 mph.
Another beef is the MyFord Touch infotainment system, which handles audio, climate, and communications functions. Optional in mid-trim Fusions and compulsory in high-trim versions, it's needlessly complicated and finicky. The 2016 model year will bring Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system, which will likely be easier to use.
Cabin space is a little snug, too, which compromises the driving position and rear-seat room. The Fusion's sleek form reduces function, cutting into outward visibility. A rear-view camera is standard for 2015. Our early cars, which we bought soon after the Fusion went on sale, had multiple ill-fitting body and trim parts. Later versions are better built.
For many people, those gripes may be trumped by the Fusion's dashing styling and stellar driving experience. But they were enough to drag the cars' scores down and keep them out of the top tier in our midsized-sedan ratings.