Ford'->ke31s Fusion->ke433 steps up its technology game for 2017. Inheriting the mainstream family-sedan mantle from the Taurus was no laughing matter for the Fusion, and when it debuted in 2006 it made its mark with impressive driving dynamics and a fresh new look for Ford. For 2017, the freshened second-generation Fusion retains its sport-sedan->ke142 leanings while broadening the lineup and introducing features more common to luxury cars->ke505 than family sedans.

It may not look like it at a glance, but there's a lot going on with Ford's bread-and-butter sedan. With three very distinct models, the Fusion seems to be heading down the same path that Ford's endlessly-configurable F-Series->ke1913 has followed. The Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid->ke4486 offer maximum efficiency without sacrificing comfort or performance; the new Fusion Platinum has all of the high-tech toys including the new Ford SYNC3 system, advanced self-parking features, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go capabilities. The stop-and-go system can take over throttle and brake functions during heavy traffic, keeping the driver from stressing out during rush hour congestion. To keep a foot in the performance game, the Fusion V6 Sport features a twin-turbo V6 that nudges BMW levels of performance.

Updated 06/10/2016: Ford announced prices for the 2017 Fusion. Check the "Prices" section for the full details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Ford Fusion.

2017 Ford Fusion

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Ford Fusion
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 325
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Styling updates for the Fusion are evolutionary. The sleek shape with a vaguely Aston Martin-ish grille remains largely unchanged. LED accent lighting defines the headlights and front end, and Ford has taken steps to distinguish the models from one another. The Fusion V6 Sport is the most distinctive, with unique 19-inch wheels, a gloss black mesh grille and a rear spoiler. The Fusion Platinum also has a distinctive grille.

Interior

The Fusion's interior retains a similar look, with Ford's cool reconfigurable digital dash and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel. What is new is the rotary shift dial on the console, which reduces visual clutter by eliminating the shift lever. A large smartphone-style touchscreen enables control of the SYNC3 system, while redundant buttons below are useful when wearing gloves. The Fusion can also be connected via SYNC to a smartphone so Fusion owners can remote-start, lock or unlock the car through the phone. The redesigned console provides a large storage bin for cell phones or other devices. In the hybrid Fusion models, Ford's EcoGuide display will coach drivers on how to hypermile.

The Fusion Platinum brings out the Fusion's plush side. Antiqued leather adorns the instrument panel and door panels, and the steering wheel is hand-stitched with Venetian leather. The available pedestrian detection system is the first of its kind on a Ford in North America. Other driver aids include hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking, a camera that helps the car maintain lane position and the Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

Perhaps one of the most stress-relieving driver aids is the adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. During times of heavy traffic, the driver can activate the adaptive cruise control and the car will maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. This includes speeds down to a stop.

If stopped for more than three seconds, the driver simply reactivates the system via a button on the steering wheel or pressing the accelerator. The system then resumes following the car ahead. Like any adaptive cruise control system, the driver sets the desired speed and simply steers the vehicle, while the computer modulated the throttle and brake.

Drivetrain

Considering the Fusion's reputation for sporty performance, it's no surprise that Ford turned up the dial on the Fusion V6 Sport. A 2.7 liter V6 uses Ford's EcoBoost twin-turbo system to provide 325 horsepower. Coupled with all-wheel drive, the Fusion V6 Sport is throwing down numbers deep into true sports-sedan territory. The Fusion V6 Sport also includes an active suspension that even includes a pothole detection system to reduce the impact of unexpected divots in the road.

At the opposite end of the spectrum the hybrid-electric Fusions combine a 2.0 liter gasoline engine with electric assist. The Fusion Energi's 7.6 kilowatt-hour compact lithium-ion battery can go up to 19 miles at full speed on full battery power. Full range is over 500 miles when using gas and electricity. The charging system is intelligent as well. It takes just 2.5 hours to charge the Fusion Energi, and the system can be programmed to charge at off-peak hours, saving money.

Fusion V6 Sport models will also be equipped with an advanced, computer-controlled shock absorber system for the 2017 model year. The system’s on-board computer uses 12 high-resolution sensors to review the road ahead and identify road hazards. The adjustable dampers can adjust every two milliseconds, as needed to accommodate for the best ride possible. For instance, if the car is approaching a pothole in the road, the system will adjust the front suspension to a stiff setting, preventing the wheel from dropping into the hole and striking the opposite side of the pothole. The rear suspension is then adjusted to accommodate the same obstacle. All told, this Fusion V6 Sport is the first Ford vehicle equipped with this system, and should provide the smoothest ride possible, regardless of conditions.

Safety

Safety ratings for the 2017 Fusion haven't been released yet, but the 2016 model receives a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The car is rated five stars for frontal crash, and four for side and rollover. Safety equipment includes stability control, an available forward collision warning system and an available lane departure warning system. The lane-keeping assist and cross-traffic detection cameras and radar also provide a measure of active safety.

Prices

Pricing for the new Ford Fusion starts from $22,120, only $10 more than the previous model. For this amount, you get to take home the base Fusion S trim. Opt for the SE and the sticker jumps to $23,120, while the Titanium version will set you back $30,120 before options. Next in line is the Sport, priced from $33,475, and the Platinum, which comes in at $36,625.

Moving over to the Fusion Hybrid, the S retails from $25,185, the SE from $25,990, and the Titanium from $30,520. The Fusion Energi range starts from $31,120 in base SE trim, while the Titanium and Platinum models fetch $32,120 and 39,120 before options, respectively.

Ford Fusion S

$22,120

Ford Fusion SE

$23,120

Ford Fusion Titanium

$30,120

Ford Fusion Sporrt

$33,475

Ford Fusion Platinum

$36,625

Ford Fusion Hybrid S

$25,185

Ford Fusion Hybrid SE

$25,990

Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium

$30,520

Ford Fusion Energi SE

$31,120

Ford Fusion Energi Titanium

$32,120

Ford Fusion Energi Platinum

$39,120


Competition

2015 Toyota Camry

It’s going to be hard calling the 2015 Toyota Camry a bland mid-size car anymore with its new bold styling, but it still isn’t as groundbreaking as the looks of the current Ford Fusion. The Camry also doesn’t offer a plug-in hybrid model like the Fusion, but that isn’t scaring customers away. The Toyota Camry continues to be the best-selling car in the U.S., and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.

Read our full review of the 2015 Toyota Camry here.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Once an also-ran in this segment, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is coming on strong with an eye-catching design and a new lineup of powertrain options. The design sets the tone for future Chevrolet passenger cars, while the powertrain lineup has grown to include a hybrid drive system based on what is found in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.

Read our full review of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu here.

Conclusion

The Fusion has always been a competent and nice-driving sedan. For 2017, the lineup is broadened in an evolutionary way. With the hybrid-electric models gaining a higher profile and the Fusion Sport becoming very reminiscent of the Taurus SHO during its heyday, this revised family hauler aims to elevate itself to become a true mass-market standout.

Updated History

Update 04/05/2016: Ford has announced the 2017 Fusion will be available with adaptive cruise control that includes “stop-and-go,” which allows the car to follow the flow of heavy traffic without the driver touching the pedals.

Updated 02/18/2016:Ford just announced that the Fusion V6 Sport will come standard with Ford's first ever computer-controlled shock absorber system. See the drivetrain section for details. Hit "play" to watch the new system in action.

Updated 01/11/2016: Ford unveiled the all-new 2017 Fusion at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

Updated 12/02/2015: The upcoming Ford Fusion was caught testing once again, this time on the streets of Detroit and with almost all the previous camouflage removed!

Spy Shots

December 2, 2015 - Ford Fusion hits the streets of Detroit

April 17, 2015 - First testing session