Here Are the Lackluster Standard Features You’ll Find in the Ford Fusion
Although the Ford Fusion has no drastic detriments, it’s lagging behind in the ratings. U.S. News puts the vehicle in the bottom 50 percent of its midsize car rankings, and Consumer Reports ranks it as No. 9 out of 13 in the same category — not bad, but nothing to write home about. In part, these lackluster ratings are due to the fact that the Ford Fusion’s standard features are, well, lackluster. But what exactly does it come with?
The Ford Fusion’s standard features
Although the Ford Fusion offers better powertrain options in its upper trim levels, its standard engine isn’t particularly impressive – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp. The new model doesn’t come with too many updates, although there is a new standard suite of safety features. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection. A rear camera also comes standard with the Fusion.
The FordPass Connect feature also comes standard on all Fusion models for 2020. This feature enables drivers to check the vehicle status, remote start the car, and lock/unlock the doors. However, the base model doesn’t come with the Sync 3 touchscreen, so infotainment is limited unless you opt to include it. In fact, there really isn’t much else that comes standard with the Fusion base model — a fact that reviewers are quick to point out.
Where the Ford Fusion falls short
Car and Driver notes that although the Fusion offers plenty of great interior trims that put it on par with other vehicles in its class, drivers of the base model “might feel they’ve gotten a raw deal” in comparison. The Fusion offers optional leather seats that feel classier and more comfortable, but the standard cloth seats leave a little to be desired in both comfort and appearance.
Additionally, the Fusion’s fuel economy is lower than comparable vehicles unless you upgrade to a better powertrain option. The base model gets approximately 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. You can compare this to the similar Toyota Camry, which gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway.
Ultimately, Consumer Reports concludes that while there’s nothing specifically wrong with the Ford Fusion, it feels a little bit like a budget version of a luxury sedan, which is less than ideal with prices north of $40,000.
The perks of the Fusion
However, while the Ford Fusion has quite a few shortcomings, it isn’t all bad. Consumer Reports notes that the Fusion handles incredibly well, and offers an overall rewarding drive. The cabin is also quiet even on rough roads, making for a pleasant environment that rivals more expensive luxury cars.
The Fusion also has decent cargo space in the base model, though the hybrid models suffer a little here due to their battery packs. This brings up an important point, though — the base model isn’t the only option. While additional features and trims do bump the price tag up, they can often result in a ride that is more comparable to that of a luxury vehicle. The stingy standard options aren’t reflective of everything the Fusion has to offer, but you do need to pay a little extra if you want the best experience.
Overall, the Fusion does have a lot to offer. It just doesn’t necessarily excel at anything, and its price tag isn’t quite reflective of the sparse standard features that you’ll get. However, it ranks well in its Consumer Reports road tests, and it has a predicted owner satisfaction rating of four out of five. If the Fusion appeals to you, give it a shot, but be prepared to spring for some extra features.