Acceleration

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
4	5	5.6

No opportunity to test Fusion or Milan with 4-cyl and automatic transmission. With manual transmission, 4-cyl Fusions are adequate at best and feel slower than our test car's 9.2 sec 0-60-mph time would suggest. Balky shift linkage complicates gear changes.

The V6 furnishes good passing and merging power, but requires large throttle inputs for best performance and lacks the around-town response of a V6 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Ford says V6 Fusion does 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, which feels accurate based on our tests. Automatic transmission responsive, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.

Fuel Economy

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	5	5.2

Test manual-transmission 4-cyl Fusion averaged 22.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Test Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Milan Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. All Fusions and Milans use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.1

No opportunity to test a model with 16-inch tires. Fusions, Milans with 17s feel compliant, controlled over sharp bumps, patchy pavement. Fusion's suspension tuning allows minor float on high-speed humps and dips. Milan has firmer ride, less float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Little difference between Ford, Mercury versions. Both are pleasant, competent, abetted by nicely weighted, responsive steering. Solid, well-planted straightline feel. Some body lean in fast corners. Wide turning circle frustrates in close quarters. Test V6 versions suffered mild torque steer (unwanted pulling to the side) in low-speed acceleration. Good stopping power, progressive brake pedal action.

Quietness

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Both engines emit noisy full-throttle growl, recede into background in gentle cruising, though V6 quieter overall. Little wind rush, but tire thrum heard over grooves, coarse pavement.

Controls

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.8

Fusion dashboard distinguished from Milan only in some surface materials, color schemes. On both, gauges easy to see, read. Audio and climate systems rely on too many buttons, take time to sort out. Ditto look-alike audio/cruise buttons on steering wheel. And low-set climate panel can force long look from road. Fusion's interior design decidedly understated, blends soft-touch surfaces, available rich-feeling leather upholstery, but both are offset by some plastics that look, feel cheap. Milan more obviously upscale, with generous use of soft-touch surfaces, choice of real metal or wood trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Ample leg and head room for six-footers. Seats supportive, a bit larger than class norm, and relatively high-set to contribute to fine outward visibility. All Fusion, Milan models include tilt/telescope steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
5	5	5

Adult-adequate head room, good toe space, fine support. But occupants must sit knees-up if front seats are set more than halfway back. Longish doors a hassle in tight spots, but open wide to benefit entry/exit.

Cargo Room

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap, especially given Milan's upscale aspirations. Lid supports are nonintrusive struts. Decent interior storage.

Value within Class

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	7	6.1

Fusion and Milan target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those perennial Best Buys for room and road manners, if not engine refinement and cabin design. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, even after adding curtain side airbags, a safety option we highly recommend. Milan has no substantive advantage over Fusion, and can cost less when comparably equipped. The Mercury has richer-looking interior appointments, to boot.

Total Score

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
57	58	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70