Acceleration

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
4	5	5	5	5.9

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. Inordinately heavy clutch action, balky shift linkage makes manual transmission unpleasant to use.

V6 versions furnish good passing and merging power, even with additional weight of AWD. But these models require large throttle inputs for best performance and lack the around-town response of other V6 rivals. 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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.1

Test manual-transmission 4-cyl Fusions averaged 22.1-25.0 mpg. Test Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Milan Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. Test AWD Fusions and Milans averaged 18.0-21.7 mpg. All Fusions and Milans use regular-grade fuel. Note that AWD models have a 16.5-gallon fuel capacity; other Fusions hold 17.5 gallons.

Ride Quality

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.1

Fusions, Milans 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. Heavier AWD models most composed on any surface. Little ride difference between 16- and 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.2

Little difference between Ford, Mercury versions. Both are pleasant, competent, abetted by nicely weighted, responsive steering. Solid, well-planted straightline feel. Wide turning circle frustrates in close quarters. Test front-drive V6 versions suffered mild torque steer in low-speed acceleration. AWD traction a boon on slick roads. Good stopping control, progressive brake pedal action.

Quietness

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.7

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. 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. Navigation system easy to program, but sloppy incorporation of audio controls complicates what should be simple adjustments. 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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	8	7	8	6.3

Fusion and its near-twin Mercury Milan are Recommended picks. They target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those perennial class leaders for room and road manners, if not engine refinement and interior design. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, however, as is the availability of AWD. Note that there's no substantive difference between the Fusion and Milan, but that the Mercury can cost less when comparably equipped. It has richer-looking interior appointments, to boot.

Total Score

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
57	60	58	62	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69