2018 Ford Fusion Review
2018 Ford Fusion Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- Great combination of sharp handling and a composed ride
- Quiet interior with an elegant design and high-quality materials
- Abundance of available advanced safety equipment
- Optional all-wheel drive for cold-weather climates
Cons
- Standard tech interface more frustrating to use than some rivals' systems
- Underwhelming acceleration from base engine
- Real-world fuel economy doesn't always match EPA estimates
What's new
- The Ford Fusion is unchanged for 2018
- Part of the second Fusion generation introduced for 2013
The 2018 Ford Fusion hasn't changed dramatically in the last few years, and that's a good thing. The Fusion is in a highly competitive class of midsize sedans, but it continues to impress us with its comfortable interior, user-friendly tech and great driving dynamics.
The 2018 Fusion would also be lost in this class if it weren't for its high-quality interior and abundant available safety equipment. Available items such as adaptive cruise control, an automated parking system and forward collision mitigation should definitely appeal to the safety-conscious, while Sync 3's excellent controls should satisfy the tech crowd.
The Fusion has a few flaws, but most of them are related to base versions of the car and they can be dealt with via a few upgrades. For instance, the base 2.5-liter engine doesn't have much power, but three available options offer improved performance. So while the 2018 Ford Fusion may look relatively similar on the outside to Fusions from years past, the rest of this midsize sedan has been continually updated to assure that it remains a top competitor in the class.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Ford Fusion as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans, Best Midsize Sedans and the 2018 Fusion Sport as one of the Best Sport Sedans for 2018.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.9 / 10Stylish, luxurious and fun to drive, the 2018 Ford Fusion is a midsize family sedan that can do it all. Like its midsize-sedan rivals, the Fusion is spacious and practical, but it has the added bonus of providing a bit of driving and styling flair, which help it stand out in the class.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the 2017 Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost (turbo 1.5L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
Scorecard
Overall | 7.9 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 8.0 |
Utility | 8.5 |
Technology | 8.5 |
Driving
7.5The Fusion isn't as dynamically impressive as it once was, but it's still a likable car that puts up some solid numbers in braking and handling. Not many cars in this segment are focused on driving enjoyment, but the Fusion remains entertaining despite lackluster acceleration.
Acceleration
6.0The optional 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine gets the Fusion moving at a decent clip, but it's far from quick. In Edmunds performance testing, the 1.5L Fusion went from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, which is slower than average for the segment.
Braking
8.5The brakes on the Fusion inspire confidence, they're easy to modulate in traffic, and performance at the track was very consistent. In a simulated-panic stop from 60 mph, the Fusion (on all-season tires) needed only 116 feet, which is very good for the class.
Steering
6.0The Fusion's steering is nicely weighted, and it returns to center willingly. Though low-speed parking is a breeze, there's almost no feeling of connection to the road through the steering during spirited driving.
Handling
8.0Despite the steering's lack of driver-to-road connection, the Fusion handles and maneuvers quite well. The chassis feels solid, the suspension minimizes body roll, and it isn't upset if it encounters a bump midcorner, so curvy mountain roads pose little drama.
Drivability
7.5The Fusion comes up short in some performance areas, but overall it's an enjoyable car to drive. In the city it's easy to maneuver, and it has excellent brake responsiveness. The standard six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but leisurely.
Comfort
8.0Though the Fusion has some minor issues with comfort, they're relatively easy to forgive. The ride is generally smooth on the highway, road noise is kept to a minimum, and the front seats are a particularly nice place to sit, even for hours at a time.
Seat comfort
8.0The standard cloth seats are nicely padded and offer a great balance of support and comfort that lasts for hours. But we found it harder to be comfortable in the optional leather seats, which feel taut and stiffer. Nice adjustable front headrests; outboard rear seats are set at a pleasant angle.
Ride comfort
8.0The Fusion feels planted in most scenarios, and it isn't upset by most small imperfections in the road. Out on the highway, the ride can feel a bit floaty without passengers or cargo, but it's not bouncy or uncontrolled.
Noise & vibration
8.0The 1.5-liter engine rumbles a little under full acceleration, but otherwise the cabin is relatively quiet, especially on the highway. A minor amount of wind and road noise makes its way into the cabin.
Climate control
7.5Automatic climate control isn't standard, but it did come on our midlevel SE test car. The system performed adequately in hot weather, but the climate control buttons are small and laid out in a somewhat unconventional way. It takes some time to learn the system.
Interior
8.0Almost everyone should find the Fusion's interior pleasant and accommodating. It's easy to get in and out of, the driving position is nicely adjustable, and the cabin offers a good amount of space. Tall passengers might take issue with the sloping rear roofline when getting into the backseat.
Ease of use
7.5The cabin features a rotary transmission shifter that takes some getting used to. But most cabin controls are nicely grouped and easy to operate at a glance, though a few of the buttons are on the small side. Steering wheel buttons make it easy to sort through the comprehensive dashboard screen.
Getting in/getting out
8.0Most occupants will find it easy to climb in and out of the Fusion thanks to wide-opening doors, generous door openings and seats that are set at an inviting height. The only exception is the sloping rear roofline, which might prompt those over 6 feet tall to duck as they slide into the backseat.
Driving position
8.5Driving posture is comfortable and readily adjustable. Tilt-and-telescoping wheel has a generous adjustment range. Cloth and leather seats both offer height adjustments, but tall drivers should know that the 10-way power mechanism doesn't allow the leather seats to go as far down as the cloth ones.
Roominess
8.5The Fusion feels spacious, and its front and rear seats provide above-average levels of head-, leg- and hiproom. Rear headroom is impacted somewhat by the sloping rear roofline, but only those over 6 feet tall should notice. The optional sunroof takes a bite out of headroom.
Visibility
7.5Outward visibility is good despite fairly thick windshield pillars, but the rear blind spot is larger than average due to a broad rear roof pillar and a smaller than average rear-quarter window. A rearview camera is standard, and parking sensors are optional, which is typical in this segment.
Quality
7.0No significant squeaks or rattles, but several panels on the inside and exterior were slightly misaligned on our test car. The quality of materials is acceptable for the price, but the higher trim levels help the Fusion feel less like a rental.
Utility
8.5A large trunk and plenty of cabin storage for small items make the Fusion good for storing lots of your stuff on a daily basis or for family road trips.
Small-item storage
8.5Storage spaces include a large bin under the front armrest and a spacious tray under the center console. Both front and rear center armrests have two cupholders, and there's one in each of the wide door pockets. None will hold anything larger than an average-size water bottle or a coffee cup.
Cargo space
9.0A wide trunk opening with a low liftover height and standard 60/40-split folding rear seats give you easy access to the Fusion's very large trunk. With 16 cubic feet of volume in the trunk alone, the Fusion has more cargo space than the Accord, Camry, Malibu and Mazda 6.
Technology
8.5With the new Sync 3 infotainment system and the advent of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Ford Fusion is one of the more approachable and tech-friendly vehicles on the market. It's easy to connect devices, execute voice commands or navigate to a destination without a steep learning curve.
Audio & navigation
7.5Sync 3 and its onboard navigation are much better than the old MyFord Touch system. Like a smartphone, Sync 3 has big virtual buttons and the ability to swipe through menus. Satellite radio signal was often dropped, though, likely due to a weak antenna, and high-volume audio quality isn't very good.
Smartphone integration
9.0All Fusions with Sync 3 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a second USB port. If you don't utilize these systems, you can still pair your phone via Bluetooth, which is a nice option to have.
Voice control
9.0As always, Ford's voice controls, now via Sync 3, are excellent. Natural language and simple commands do wonders to play music, change radio stations, input navigation destinations or place calls. And you have the option to hold the voice button longer to access Siri on your paired smartphone.
Which Fusion does Edmunds recommend?
The 2018 Ford Fusion offers a wide range of trim levels and features, but we think the Fusion SE with one of the optional engine upgrades is a good start for most buyers. The optional 1.5-liter engine offers a slight increase in power over the standard 2.5-liter engine along with improved mileage. For even more punch, there's the optional 2.0-liter engine, which can also be paired with all-wheel drive. One additional option worth considering is the Technology package with Sync 3. It gives you Ford's latest, most user-friendly technology interface that includes numerous useful features.
2018 Ford Fusion models
The 2018 Ford Fusion is a four-door, five-passenger midsize sedan available in five trim levels: S, SE, Titanium, Platinum and V6 Sport. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid (known as the Fusion Energi) are reviewed separately. The base trim levels (S and SE) of the Fusion have a good amount of standard equipment including features such as Bluetooth connectivity, power front seats and satellite radio. On upper trim levels, there's a long list of available comfort and convenience features such as ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and premium sound systems.
The base Fusion S comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp, 175 lb-ft), front-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED taillights, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, audio and phone voice commands (Sync), Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration and a four-speaker sound system with a 4.2-inch center screen, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.
For a few more creature comforts, the Fusion SE adds 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, exterior keypad entry, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power passenger seat, rear heat ducts, a rear center fold-down armrest and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
Optional for the S and SE is the Appearance package, which features 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and special cloth upholstery. The SE is also available with the Luxury package (Equipment Group 202A), which adds the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (181 hp, 185 lb-ft) with automatic engine stop-start to help save fuel, LED headlights and foglights, keyless ignition and entry, remote ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver-side mirror, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings and heated front seats.
Opting for the SE's Technology package equips the Fusion with rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 11-speaker sound system, the Sync 3 technology interface (with an 8-inch central LCD touchscreen and two configurable gauge cluster displays), enhanced voice controls and an additional USB charging port.
The Fusion Titanium gets all of the SE's optional features, plus it comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (240 hp, 270 lb-ft), 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, ambient interior lighting, sport front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the passenger seat, a premium 12-speaker Sony sound system and HD radio.
The Fusion SE (with the Technology package selected) and Titanium can also be equipped with a navigation system, an automated parking system for parallel and perpendicular parking, and adaptive cruise control with frontal collision warning and stop-and-go traffic capability. For the SE and Titanium, Ford additionally offers the Driver Assist package, which includes automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, a 110-volt power outlet, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist system. A sunroof is optional for both the SE and Titanium, and the Titanium can be had with 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats.
The borderline luxury-level Platinum trim includes all of the above features in addition to a unique grille insert, upgraded leather trim and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
If you're looking for a sporty version of the Fusion that still has some top-end features, the V6 Sport starts with features from the SE with the Luxury package and adds a turbocharged V6 engine (325 hp, 380 lb-ft), all-wheel drive, a different grille, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, adjustable suspension dampers, leather and simulated suede upholstery, and a nine-speaker audio system.
The V6 Sport Upgrade package (Equipment Group 401A) is about as high up as you can go in a Fusion, and it includes most of the features from the Titanium trim. It is also available with the Driver Assist package and the stand-alone options listed above.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Ford Fusion.
5 star(52%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(20%)
97 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Delayed Gratification
Robert Fitzgerald, 01/16/2019
2018 Ford Fusion Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
After reading full page article in the Post two years ago, we finally purchased the 2018 Fusion Sport. This exciting vehicle meets all the expectations the article suggests. Our trip to Toronto through ice and snow was pain free with its AWD. Great acceleration and handling, Ford engineering, styling and comfort at an affordable price. Great Value and highly recommend.
5 out of 5 stars
German performance from an American sport sedan
Brent, 12/04/2017
2017 Ford Fusion Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
I have had the car for a little over 9 months. I had one repair - a known issue where the battery would drain overnight. Simple reprogramming with a software patch took care of it. The car is very quick given its weight - quicker than the 2008 BMW 328i that it replaced. Handling is similar to the BMW with the aid of the AWD. The only area it is not up to the 328's level is braking - the … brakes are pretty good for the Fusion Sport whereas the brakes on the 328i were excellent. The engine is outstanding overall. Plenty of power with a quick revving twin-turbo direct injection setup with very little turbo lag. The torque comes on strong just south of 3,000 RPM and stays flat until redline. This car really pulls! The transmission has been reliable, but it needs to be retuned with snappier shifts. It is not a bad transmission, but I would want it to shift quicker in Sport Mode. I have not had it past 120 MPH but it was still pulling hard at that point. At freeway speeds you need to be careful - if you floor the gas pedal you go from 60 MPH to 100 before you know it. Passing a car at full throttle can easily put you in triple digit speed before you realize it. This car could be a ticket-getter. The gas mileage is OK, but for the performance you get, it is well worth it. Cruise at 75 MPH on a level road and you can get nearly 30 MPG... but get your foot into it a lot and you can get down to 16 or so. I average about 22 MPG in combined commute driving. The interior is spacious, the electronics are very good. The sound system could use a bit of an upgrade with better speakers and a subwoofer, but it is decent as is. Seats are comfortable though not full leather. It is a quiet ride that can be a good commuter that just happens to have a lot of speed on tap, or in sport mode you can have it a bit more high-strung and have some serious fun. The trunk is large. Overall I feel happy with my 40 K purchase - I have a replacement for my 2008 328 I that is faster, quicker, handles just about as well even if it doesn't stop quite as short - and it was much cheaper than a 2017 BMW equivalent. It is nice to buy an American car that can compete with the Germans too.
5 out of 5 stars
3.5mm audio jack missing
Ricky, 09/04/2018
2017 Ford Fusion SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Starting in 2016 the Fusion doesn’t have an input 3.5mm audio jack. It was replaced with a 2.0 USB plug in. Very frustrating because all converters I tried for USB to 3.5 won’t work with Ford Sync. Im an Uber driver and my riders can’t plug in anymore. Bluetooth for every rider, give me a break.
However, I do recommend the Ford Fusion for the American made quality car that it is. … This is my second Fusion and will probably get a third. I noticed the biggest difference compared to foreign cars like camry or accord is the ride quality. After 100k miles my Fusion still rolls over bumps and pot holes like it was nothing. After 150k miles on my Fusion, It’s the main reason I bought another one. In a Camry the ride quality decreases after 60k miles. Might as well throw it in the garbage.
In addition I like the heavy doors on the Fusion and overall heaviness of the car. It helps hold the road better. I’ve been getting between 40-60 mpg on the new Fusion Hybrid. So very happy there. Just one last thing I wish the Ford Engineers would move the window lock button on the drivers door somewhere else because my finger always locks the windows when I use my window. Overall highly recommend the Fusion. And it will never break down.
3 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive...if it will start.
rsto10, 01/16/2017
2017 Ford Fusion Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
I do not recommend buying this car until Ford addresses and fixes the batter drain problem with this car. Numerous times, after sitting in my work parking lot for the day (8 hours), I return to the car to go home and the battery is dead. There is a bug with this car that my dealer, and according to the increasing complaints on the forums, most other dealers can't diagnose and fix … properly. Ford has been silent about the problem and has yet to issue a fix to its dealers. Do not buy this car until the problem is fixed at the corporate level. That being said, if a fix is found, this is a really fun car to drive with great tech. With winter tires this AWD car is really, really fun in the winter. The only thing I dislike about this car is the MPG. Not the mileage I'd like or was used to with my 2014 Ford Fusion 2.0 Titanium AWD.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Fusion, so we've included reviews for other years of the Fusion since its last redesign.
2018 Fusion Highlights
S
- Combined MPG
- 25 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $160/month
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Safety
Our experts like the Fusion models:
- Ford's MyKey
- Uses multiple keys to set parameters for secondary drivers such as kids and valets.
- Lane Departure Intervention
- Makes minor corrections to steering when the car senses you are drifting out of your lane.
- Frontal Collision Warning
- Warns the driver of an impending front collision if traffic ahead has slowed or come to a stop.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2018 Ford Fusion
Used 2018 Ford Fusion Overview
The Used 2018 Ford Fusion is offered in the following submodels: Fusion Sedan. Available styles include SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SE 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Titanium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Platinum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Pre-owned Ford Fusion models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine or a 2.7 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 325 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Ford Fusion comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Ford Fusion?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Ford Fusion trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Ford Fusion SE is priced between $12,995 and$23,995 with odometer readings between 16008 and121050 miles.
- The Used 2018 Ford Fusion S is priced between $13,395 and$18,999 with odometer readings between 30227 and104509 miles.
- The Used 2018 Ford Fusion Titanium is priced between $17,499 and$22,699 with odometer readings between 35513 and102920 miles.
- The Used 2018 Ford Fusion Sport is priced between $25,999 and$27,998 with odometer readings between 36638 and38163 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2018 Ford Fusions are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Ford Fusion for sale near. There are currently 77 used and CPO 2018 Fusions listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $12,995 and mileage as low as 16008 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Ford Fusion.
Can't find a used 2018 Ford Fusions you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Ford Fusion?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials
Check out Ford Fusion lease specials
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