2010 Ford Fusion: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Ford Fusion receives more power and freshened styling. Also making its debut is a gas/electric hybrid, along with another new model, the Fusion Sport. This midsize sedan lends its basic design to the Mercury Milan and premium-midsize Lincoln MKZ. Along with the new Hybrid and Sport, Fusion reprises S, SE, and SEL trim levels, all with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered on select V6 versions. The 2010 Fusion borrows its new powertrains from Ford's Escape compact SUV. A 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder replaces a 160-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. It's standard on S, SE, and SEL. A 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine replaces a 221-hp 3.0 V6 on non-Sport V6 Fusions. The 3.0-liter V6 is also capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel and is optional on the SE and SEL. Fusion Sport models have a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder S and SE versions offer a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder SEL and all V6 Fusions have a 6-speed automatic only. The Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for 191 hp total. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy and requires no plug-in charging. The sole Hybrid transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Options include a navigation system and Ford's Sync voice-activated interface for cell phones and MP3 players. Newly offered is blind-spot alert. The system also incorporates Ford's "Cross Traffic Alert", which activates when the transmission is in reverse; it detects any traffic moving towards the vehicle.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord Crosstour, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius. Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan also gain gas/electric hybrid models for 2010.