Ford Fusion SEL

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

Car buffs far and wide have described the 2013 Ford Fusion as a mash between an Aston Martin and a Jaguar. Both companies were formerly part of the blue ovals portfolio so it isnt as if its unfounded. What they should really be saying is that the Fusion is a midsize sedan that begs for a second look. There isnt anything like it in the midsize segment today.

With the help of Lebanon Ford and @cryderja I was able to spend ample time in two SEL Ford Fusions. The first one motivated by the stalwart 2.5 liter naturally aspirated engine and the other by the 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine. While it may not sounds like much these two engines are what separate the good from the great.

Ford has done an amazing job with the styling of the new Fusion. From a personal standpoint I love the gaping front grill and chiseled lower bumpers. The Fusion looks especially aerodynamic with a hunkered stance and drawn out side profile. Adding substance to style the Fusion has a drag coefficient of .28 which is excellent for a midsize sedan. The only odd part about the design is the rear taillights that dont seem to meld with the overall theme of the car. No car is ever perfect, but this certainly has an aura to it that really feels like a game changer for mid-size sedan design. 

Unlike higher trim models the SEL Fusion comes with a more standard center stack which has analog buttons and a smaller LCD screen for radio. The Fusion comes with AM/FM, XM and USB capability even in this lower spec model. As with most innovation MyFord Touch has had some growing pains. I really recommend checking out the SEL because the center stack works very well. Buttons are easy to find and you never feel like youre spending too much time hunting for touch controls. The SEL also comes with an analog gauge package instead of the LCD MyFord Touch gauges found on the Titanium model. Again this is great because all the necessary information is taken in at a glance. Ford also gives you an instantaneous fuel economy gauge which is greatly missed in other models such as the Focus and Escape. Material quality and fit and finish are excellent this does not feel like a bargain car. 

Engine choices are really what define who will buy what in the Fusion lineup. Starting from the bottom is the veteran 2.5 liter engine. There really isnt anything overly impressive or decidedly terrible about this engine. Its designed for rental fleets and bargain buyers. If youre not into adding complexity or need an EcoBoost badge this engine wont let you down. The 2.5 has a very relaxed feel that used to epitomize the mid-size segment. Good thing for you there is a thing called EcoBoost. 

Adding EcoBoost takes the Fusion to a whole other realm completely. The 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine is more responsive, offers more torque and just down right feels more suited to everyday driving needs. For those of you who actually like the sound of a whistling turbo youre going to be a little disappointed. Turbos are serious and mature now and that means sound dampening. If youve driven a turbocharged car before you can tell the difference, but there isnt much of an audible difference from the 2.5 liter engine. With an EPA rating of 23 city 36 highway for the 1.6 liter EcoBoost it’s the best choice for consumers who want to enjoy their car and save fuel. There is an optional start/stop system for those like me who dont want to waste a drop of fuel idling. I didnt have a chance to drive the 2.0L EcoBoost, but if youre a former V6 buyer then this is the engine for you.

Driving the Fusion can be a bit of a shock the first time you take it for a spin. The compartment is spacious, but feels like they wasted nothing. The suspension is taut and well dampened and again the lineage with Ford hot hatches really comes through. Ford has done a good job with the Electric power steering because it’s easy to use at low speed yet gives you excellent confidence when you need it. During the test drive a semi-truck blew a tire and I safely and confidently missed all the debris. Braking is excellent with no dead spots and a very pliable brake pedal. The Fusion has the best brakes in the mid-size segment. If you want to enjoy driving your family around or cruising to work this would be my choice of gasoline powered mid-size sedans.

Ford is oozing style with the Fusion. It may not be as white bread as a Camry or have the history like the Honda Accord. It’s not cushy and relaxed like the Hyundai Sonata. This car is the mid-sized sedans for someone who wants to really enjoy driving their car every day. Unless you plan on having a ton of children or plan to go off road there arent many better choices for a family sedan that will make you smile like your old hatchback did. I really recommend putting the Fusion on the top of your driving list if youre in the market for a new car. Dont cut yourself short by not driving it.