2020 Ford Fusion

The second-generation Ford Fusion has been competing in the midsize sedan segment since 2013. While the Fusion remains a good overall prospect and has received its fair share of updates through the years, it has now started slipping behind the very best, with the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 6 providing stiff opposition in the USA. However, the Fusion remains a stylish sedan with an admirable combination of sprightly handling and a smooth ride. There's plenty of space inside the cabin, although it isn't the most premium-feeling in the segment. If you're considering the Fusion, be sure to avoid the underpowered base version, which simply doesn't cut the mustard for either performance or economy. While Ford's comprehensive range of SUVs and crossovers may get more attention, and the future of its midsize sedan remains uncertain, the Fusion is still worth a look for fans of the brand who don't require the added bulk and space in an SUV.

The 2020 Ford Fusion is priced quite reasonably, with the cheapest model being the front-wheel-drive Fusion S, which has an MSRP of $23,170. Next is the SE with the 1.5-liter turbo and FWD at $24,500. The SE all-wheel-drive automatically gets the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo as well and raises the price to $27,090. The SEL is next and uses a combination of FWD and the 1.5-liter turbo - it goes on sale for $28,690. Finally, there is the fully-loaded Titanium trim, which costs $34,450 with FWD and the 2.0-liter turbo, and $36,450 when specified with AWD. All prices are exclusive of licensing, registration, and a destination fee of $995.

It's in the ride and handling department that the aging Fusion still holds its own against newer rivals. Minimal body roll and steering that's both well-weighted and sharp to respond to driver inputs are typical of Ford sedans. On the more powerful models, this equates to quite an enjoyable midsize sedan to hustle through a few corners. The impressive chassis dynamics are matched by brakes that are easy to modulate, and which provide ample stopping power, both on the daily commute and in an emergency situation.

Of course, none of this would mean much if the Fusion failed to ride well. Fortunately, an absorbent suspension soaks up most road scars. The Ford is certainly a comfortable partner on an extended road trip, feeling planted and stable. Mid-corner bumps also don't upset the car's overall composure. All in all, this is a well-rounded sedan dynamically, and one of the main reasons that the Fusion is still worth consideration.

Without many changes for the 2020 model year, the Ford Fusion has slipped another few notches down the pecking order in this segment. This isn't to say that it is a bad car at all - far from it - but it's simply a result of Japanese and Korean rivals having more modern offerings in this segment. Provided you avoid the rather joyless base model, the Fusion otherwise remains a competitive performer with a comfortable interior, a large trunk, excellent dynamics, and a decent array of safety features. Acknowledging that even shoppers in this fairly unglamorous segment of the market care about the feel-good factor, it helps that the Fusion remains a sharply styled sedan that still appeals. While we'd recommend test driving a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Hyundai Sonata first, the Fusion remains a capable family sedan and does just enough to keep itself in contention.

Let's begin with the model you shouldn't buy: the entry-level S. With a poor infotainment system, nasty plastic wheel covers, and an engine that fails to achieve a decent level of performance, this variant does the entire Fusion range an injustice.

It's in the middle of the range that you'll find the best Ford Fusion sedan, but it depends on what you're looking for. The 2.0-liter AWD SE has just enough equipment and the advantage of the most powerful engine. It's the Fusion to choose if performance and all-wheel-drive security in colder conditions are what you're looking for. If luxury is more to your liking, then go for the marginally more expensive SEL. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost may not be as potent, but the SEL's interior trim and feature upgrades elevate it above the SE.

The Camry gets off to an immediate headstart over the Fusion because it's simply a lot newer, with the current generation of Toyota's midsize sedan having been launched as recently as 2018. While the Toyota's base 2.5-liter engine isn't particularly refined, it's got more grunt than the cheapest Fusion. Both are similarly matched in terms of comfort and space, although the Ford is actually the more refined of the two and has sharper handling characteristics. The Fusion's SYNC 3 infotainment system is also better than Toyota's system. While the Camry still has a V6 engine option, it lacks the Fusion's available all-wheel-drive. There's not much in it, and the Ford holds its own against its newer Japanese rival, but the fresher Camry gets the nod by a fraction.

Like the Camry, the latest generation of the Accord was launched in 2018. With a superbly spacious interior and even more trunk space than the Fusion, the Accord does a sterling job of accommodating a family and their paraphernalia, with the Accord particularly generous when it comes to rear legroom. The cabin is also modern and trimmed in better materials than the Fusion's, especially at the lower end of their respective ranges, where the Fusion feels rather cheap. Another advantage in the Accord's favor is the two capable and sprightly turbocharged engines, providing an excellent blend of performance and economy. While the Fusion previously had the edge at the top-end with the V6 Sport, this variant has been dropped for 2020. In fact, you'll battle to find an area where the Fusion is significantly better than the Accord. The Honda wins this match-up with ease.