2010 Ford Fusion: Road Test
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2010 Ford Fusion ▼
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- MSRP: $19,620 -$28,030
- Invoice: $18,305 -$25,677
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Our road test for the 2010 Ford Fusion includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Ford Fusion from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Ford Fusion, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Ford Fusion help you decide if a 2010 Ford Fusion is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
With manual transmission, 4-cylinder Fusions are adequate, though they struggle in steep uphill climbs. The manual transmission is pleasant to use. The 3.0 V6 doesn't feel as strong as its 240-horsepower rating would suggest, but it still accelerates smoothly, furnishing good passing and merging power. Sport's 3.5-liter V6 pulls with more authority, and has plenty of reserve power for passing or merging. V6 models have a manual-shift mode for the transmission that is useful on hilly terrain.
Hybrid's gas/electric powertrain is very well integrated; the transitions between electric and gas-engine power are only slightly perceptible. It delivers better-than-expected go, but the occasionally lethargic CVT transmission is hesitant to "kick down" for maximum power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive fusion with the 3.0 V6 averaged 20.4 mpg.
An AWD Sport averaged 19.7 mpg. Our extended-use Hybrid averaged 36.5 mpg over the course of 7,260 miles. All Fusions use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Fusion feels compliant and controlled over sharp bumps and patchy pavement. Despite their crisper handling, the Sport models' ride is remarkably composed. Highway speeds bring minor float over humps and dips. Hybrids have low-rolling-resistance tires that feel a bit stiffer and more unyielding over bumps than other models.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.6 |
Pleasant and competent, with nicely weighted, responsive steering. In a straight line, Fusions feel solid and well planted. With front-wheel drive, V6 versions suffer mild torque steer in low-speed acceleration. True to its name, Sport is the most nimble Fusion. The Hybrid is a step less nimble overall than other Fusions, and its regenerative brakes require firm pressure and more pedal travel than conventional versions.
QUIETNESS
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
Both 4-cylinder and V6 engines emit a noisy full-throttle growl and recede into the background in gentle cruising. The V6 is quieter overall. Wind rush is well controlled; mild tire thrum is heard over grooves and coarse pavement. Hybrids are among the quietest vehicles, gas/electric or otherwise. There's some mild electrical whirring on deceleration, and the gas engine is audible while running. Neither is annoying.
CONTROLS
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Backlit gauges are easy to read. The dash has plenty of small buttons that take time to sort out. Climate controls are mounted low on the dashboard and demand a look away from the road to operate. The available blind-spot-alert system works well and is not intrusive. Hybrids have "SmartGauge" digital-graphic readouts that are integrated into the main gauge cluster; they're simple to read and include helpful guides for driving efficiently.
DETAILS
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Interior design is understated, blending soft-touch surfaces with available rich-feeling leather upholstery. The Hybrid's standard recycled cloth upholstery is pleasant and avoids looking cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate for six-footers. The seats are supportive, a bit larger than the class norm, and relatively high-set to contribute to fine outward visibility. All Fusions include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Adult-adequate headroom, good foot space, and fine support. Long doors are a hassle in tight parking spots, but open wide to benefit entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
The trunk has a usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes. The lid supports are non-intrusive struts. Interior storage is decent. Note that the Hybrid omits folding rear seat backs, and its trunk shrinks to 11.8 cubic feet from 16.5.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 6.3 |
The 2010 Fusion gains a number of worthwhile upgrades that bolster its standing in the competitive midsize car class. The Fusion Hybrid is a welcome new addition; it boasts a smooth and quiet powertrain and exceptional fuel economy. While we're most impressed with the Hybrid, all Fusion models earn our Best Buy approval.
Total Score
| SE 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | AWD Sport | Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 67 | 68 | 72 | 62.3 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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