With the current generation of the Ford Fusion being on sale since 2012, it’s long overdue for a facelift, and that’s what we’re going to get at the 2018 New York Auto Show. Like most facelifts, few changes can be seen on the inside or outside, but what Ford has done is include its new Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technology on all trim levels as standard equipment. Hybrid models get a new, larger battery with improved all-electric range, while some higher trim levels now get a standard 4G LTE internet connection and the Fusion SEL returns to the lineup to replace the SE Luxury package.

2019 Ford Fusion

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Ford Fusion
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 181
  • Torque: 185
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Ford Fusion Exterior

With the current-gen model being five years old and the facelift coming into play so late in the lifecycle you might be inclined to ride things out for the next-gen model. But, before you make that decision, there are some questions you need to ask yourself.

Did Ford Revise the 2019 Ford Fusion’s Front End?

The changes are minor, but you’ll find that Ford has reworked the front fascia for a new, sportier look. This includes a new look to the lower air dam, new corner light with taller corner inserts, and the headlights have even been reshaped just a bit, adding more character to the lower edge. The front grille is the same, but it gets new mesh and thicker chrome trim. Finally, those new headlight elements get new LED lighting on all trim levels.

2019 Ford Fusion Interior

No. Since this is just a facelift, you’ll find the same body lines, and the same belt line. The rear stationary glass is even the same. Ford has yet to mention anything about new wheels, but one of the shots we have so far do show a pair of wheels we haven’t noticed before.

What is Ford Co-Pilot360?

The biggest change in the rear is a new decklid. On some models, it includes a small rear fin and all models it includes more definition around the license plate recess. The rear fascia is also more defined with the body line above the lower insert extending the full width of the fascia. The rear taillights retain the shape of the pre-facelift model but feature a new layout and LED lighting on all trim levels.

Note: Each model includes all the features of the models listed before it0

Ford hasn’t shown off any interior shots of the 2019 Fusion, and as is usually the case with mid-cycle updates, the design won’t differ from that of the current model seen above. For Ford, this update was more about adding fresh technology than it was new looks and that’s exactly what it did with the new Co-Pilot360 driver assistance system.

What Kind of Infotainment System Does the 2019 Ford Fusion Have?

Co-Pilot360 is Ford’s suite of driver assistance features similar to that of Acura’s AcuraWatch and Volvo’s Pilot Assist. It is included as standard equipment on all trim levels and includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, auto high-beam lighting, and a rear backup camera.

Does the 2019 Ford Fusion have an Internet Hotspot?

Yes! Co-Pilot360 has an advanced buddle that includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, voice-activated navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, and Travel Link. SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link are standard for the Fusion Hybrid SEL, Titanium, and V6 Sport models.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Does the 2019 Ford Fusion Get?

Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota Camry.

1.5-liter Turbo

1.8-liter Hybrid

2.0-liter Turbo

Drivetrain

Co-Pilot360 with AEB, Pedestrian Protection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Auto High Beams, Rain-Sensing Wipers.

Fuel

1.5-liter EcoBoost, Sync 3 w\ 8-inch display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Dual Zone Temperature Control

Fuel Deliver

10-way power seats, Active X seating surface, Heated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, remote start, leather steering wheel

Horsepower @ RPM

Heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, inflatable rear seatbelts, 19-inch wheels, nav, moonroof

Fusion Energi Titanium

20-percent more all-electric range, rain-sensing wipers

Fusion V6 Sport

AWD, 325 horsepower, 380 pound-feet torque


What Kind of Infotainment System Does the 2019 Ford Fusion Have?

The base model Fusion will likely carry over with Ford’s standard AM/FM CD Player with just four speakers and MP3 Capability. It will have Sync voice recognition. Everything from SE trim up (all but the base, S trim level) get the 8.0-inch touchscreen Sync 3 infotainment system. Hybrid SEL, Titanium, and V6 Sport models get the touch\ voice-activated navigation and Travel Link as standard equipment.

Does the 2019 Ford Fusion have an Internet Hotspot?

All models from SE trim level on up (all but the base, S trim level) get 4G LTE with Wi-Fi connectivity as standard equipment. This system allows up to 10 devices to connect at once and, with the standard Sync3 infotainment system and the Ford+Alexa app, rides get access to Alexa Skills. Keep in mind that a data plan will be required to use the 4G LTE features after any trial data service expires.

2019 Ford Fusion Performance

The Fusion is available with a 1.5-liter, a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle, or a 2.7-liter V-6. The 1.5-liter engine delivers 181 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque while the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine delivers 141 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 2.7-liter V-6 in the V6 Sport trim continues to deliver 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet. The only major addition in the performance department as part of this facelift is the upgrade to a 9 kWh battery in the Energi model, allowing for up to 20-percent more all-electric range. No word on exact mileage yet, but we’ll update you when possible.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Does the 2019 Ford Fusion Get?

Models equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost should achieve somewhere around 23 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The 2.0-liter hybrid and Energi models achieve 43 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway and 42 mpg combined. When you figure in the EV range of the energy, those figures climb to 104 MPGe in the city, 91 on the highway, and 97 MPGe combined. As usual, the V6 Sport model with the 2.7-liter gets the worst fuel economy at 17 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 20 combined.

Ford Fusion Competitors

Toyota Camry

Toyota’s competitor in this segment already has a year under its belt, going through a complete revamp for the 2018 model year. As such, it got a new, sportier look, and a lush interior that had many outlets, including our own, itching to compare it with higher-end vehicles from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, among others. It’s offered with two gasoline-only engines with the entry model being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 203 horsepower. There’s also a 3.5-liter V-6 that’s good for 301 ponies. Pricing starts at $23,496 for the all-gas model and $27,800 for the hybrid.

Toyota Camry 4-cyl

Toyota Camry V-6

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Engine

2.5-liter, 4-cylinder

3.5-liter, 6-cylinder

Toyota Hybrid System (THS II)

Horsepower

203 HP

301 HP

208 Total HP

Torque

184 LB-FT

267 LB-FT

312 LB-FT Total

Transmission

Direct Shift eight-speed automatic

Direct Shift eight-speed automatic

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Fuel economy city/highway

TBA

21/31 (est.)

54/50 (est.)


Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota Camry.

Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu is Ford’s main competitor here in the United States and a worthy one at that. It’s got your typical American look that isn’t quite a gaudy as that of the Fusion, and it can be had with a 1.5-liter turbo, 2.0-liter turbo, or 1.8-liter hybrid drivetrain. On the hybrid front, the 1.8-liter delivers just 124 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. The 1.5-liter delivers 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet, while the 2.0-liter in the range-topping premier delivers 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. Pricing starts out at $22,555 for the gasoline-only model and climbs to $31,895 for the range-topping Premier trim. The hybrid starts out at $28,795.

1.5-liter Turbo

1.8-liter Hybrid

2.0-liter Turbo

Drivetrain

Front Wheel Drive

Front Wheel Drive

Front Wheel Drive

Fuel

Turbocharged Gas I4

Gas/Electric I4

Turbocharged Gas I4

Fuel Deliver

Direct Injection

Direct Injection

Direct Injection

Horsepower @ RPM

160 @ 5700

124 @ 5000

250 @ 5300

Torque @ RPM

184 @ 2500-3000

129 @ 4750

260 @ 2000-5000


Read our full review on the 2018 Chevy Malibu.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Fusion is a fine competitor in this segment, however, this mid-cycle update came late in the game, and the car itself is a little dated inside and out. The extra technology and Ford’s new driver assistance system is a huge boost in the Fusion’s favor, but it’s still a five-year-old car at this point, and that’s a hard sell in a market that’s constantly changing and growing ever demanding. It may be worth it to step into a 2019 Fusion instead of waiting for the next-gen model, but don’t expect to see too high of a resale value down the road.

References

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Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Fusion.

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