The 2014 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 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid and a plug-in hybrid system. Six-speed manuals and 6-speed automatics are the available transmission options and the Fusion is available in all-wheel-drive for those who need it.
For those looking for efficiency, the Hybrid, Plug in Hybrid, 1.6 turbo and 1.5 turbo are the engines of choice. The 1.6 and 1.5 Turbocharged engines are conventional engines and produce nearly identical mileage with up to 37 mpg achievable 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 plug-in hybrid is capable of running only on electricity for shorter trips, potentially limiting gasoline consumption to almost nothing.
The Fusion comes in three basic trims: S, SE and Titanium. S models are the most basic, but still come nicely equipped as is appropriate for a midsized sedan. The basic 2.5L engine is the only engine available on S models. Features include power door locks and windows, halogen projector headlamps, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. Ford's SYNC system is standard as is an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack. The stereo, along with 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 some more drivetrain options. The 1.6L turbo, the 2.0L turbo and the 2.0L Hybrid are all options for the SE. Standard equipment on the SE include a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated mirrors and 17-inch wheels.
Stepping up to the Titanium edition will net buyers more of a luxury style. Starting at just under $31,000, the Titanium edition comes with the powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine and is the only model available with all-wheel drive. 18-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard. Seating surfaces are leather and heated and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio provide in car entertainment. SYNC systems on the Titanium also include MyFord Touch, meaning there is an 8" LCD touchscreen in the center console that houses the optional navigation system. Two smaller configurable LCD screens are also embedded in the instrument cluster.
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.
The 2014 Ford Fusion gets a couple of notable changes this year. New inflatable outboard seatbelts assist in keeping occupants safe, but the big news is a brand new 1.5L turbocharged engine. With similar power and fuel economy to the 1.6L turbocharged engine already offered, the 1.5 will be mated exclusively to automatic transmissions while the 1.6 will only be available with a manual gearbox.
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. Ford has priced the car accordingly with models starting at just under $22,000. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Fusion can be outfitted with a variety of luxury equipment, providing a sensible alternative to the entry level cars sold by several luxury marques.
