Used 2019 Ford Fusion S Sedan Review

The Honda Accord, the Mazda 6 and the Toyota Camry have all either been thoroughly updated or completely redesigned in the last year. They're getting most of the attention this year, and rightly so. But the 2019 Ford Fusion still has enough appeal to make it a respectable choice for a midsize sedan.

Ford has kept its aging Fusion fresh over the years with various updates. This year, for instance, there's slightly updated styling and more standard equipment. We also like most of what Ford puts under the hood. The base 2.5-liter engine is a bit underwhelming, but there are three upgraded engines to choose from, including a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that packs a serious punch. On the technology front, the Fusion's Sync 3 infotainment system is one of the better ones you'll find.

Overall, the 2019 Ford Fusion is still a midsize sedan we'd recommend. Whether you're going with the frugal base model or the sporty V6 configuration, there's something for just about everyone.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Ford Fusion as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans, as well as one of the Best Midsize Sedans for this year.

The 2019 Ford Fusion is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in five trim levels: S, SE, SEL, Titanium and V6 Sport. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid (known as the Fusion Energi) are reviewed separately. The base S is reasonably well-equipped, while the SE and the SEL come with a few more creature comforts. The Titanium and the V6 Sport are equipped with all sorts of upgraded features and different engines for added performance.

The base Fusion S comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (173 hp, 174 lb-ft), front-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, cruise control, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, audio and phone voice commands (Sync), Bluetooth, and a four-speaker sound system with a 4.2-inch center screen, a CD player and a USB port. Also standard is a suite of drive safety aids (Co-Pilot360 Protect) that includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assist.

The only option available on the S model is Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist system. It adds dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded 8-inch center touchscreen with navigation, Ford's Sync 3 voice controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, adaptive cruise control, and two USB ports.

The Fusion SE gets all of the standard equipment on the S plus a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (181 hp, 185 lb-ft) with automatic engine stop-start to help save fuel, 17-inch wheels, exterior keypad entry, power-adjustable front seats, rear heat ducts, a rear center fold-down armrest, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. It also has the previously mentioned 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the two USB ports and navigation as standard. An optional SE Appearance package adds 18-inch black-painted wheels, special interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Co-Pilot360 Assist option is also available on the SE and adds adaptive cruise control and navigation. The Fusion SE is also available with all-wheel drive, which automatically adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (240 hp, 270 lb-ft), 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and heated side mirrors.

The Fusion SEL builds on the SE by adding LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, remote ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver-side mirror, heated mirrors, driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 11-speaker premium sound system. The SEL can also be equipped with the Co-Pilot360 Assist package.

The Fusion Titanium gets all of the SEL's standard features, plus the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, 19-inch wheels, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated sport front seats, inflatable rear seat belts, Co-Pilot360 Assist, a premium 12-speaker Sony sound system and HD radio.

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 SEL and adds a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine (325 hp, 350 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, heated and ventilated front seats, the 12-speaker Sony audio system, an automated parking system for parallel and perpendicular parking, and adaptive cruise control.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost (turbo 1.5L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Ford Fusion has received some revisions, including the addition of optional adaptive cruise control across the lineup and the elimination of a couple option packages. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Ford Fusion, however.