2013 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD: A High-Tech Midsize Vehicle with an European Flair

Highlight: If Aston Martin ever decided to build a mass market midsize vehicle, all doubt has been removed. The 2013 Ford Fusion is the embodiment of what that vehicle will look like.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $37,670 (Base Model starts at $22,695)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, passenger, knee, side and curtain); electric-assist parking brake; a tire pressure monitoring system; a traction control system; a hill start assist system; and an electronic stability control system

Standard Equipment: 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed transmission; chrome grille; cloth seats; manual adjusted front seats; LED rear tail lamps; SYNC MyVoice smartphone-like system; automatic headlights; a capless fuel door; and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Audio: a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  5 years or 60,000 miles

MP3 Compatibility: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter/175-hp (S model)

Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/34-hwy

Trim Levels:
S
SE
Hybrid
Energi Plug-in hybrid

What’s New: The 2013 front-wheel drive Fusion has been reworked inside and out for the 2013 model year. The vehicle offers an European exterior design, high-tech features and an import-like interior.

Pros: The second-generation Fusion no longer has that me-too design. The 2013 adds a fresh approach to today’s family sedans, using European design cues. While the previous model was well-built, it lacked the pizazz we found in the redesigned Fusion. Just like with the previous model, the vehicle is available with a hybrid or a non-hybrid engine in either an all-wheel drive or a non-all-wheel drive model. The wheelbase is longer, which equates to more interior cabin space.

The 2013 Fusion also offers a few segment firsts, an electronic parallel parking system, a radar-activated cruise control system and a plug-in hybrid system. No other vehicle in this segment offers these features.

In addition to the segment firsts, our Titanium model was equipped with 19-inch wheels, an active parking parallel parking sensing system, a radar-activated cruise control system, a voice-activated navigation system, a push-button keyless starter, a keyless door opener, a power driver’s seat with memory settings, leather seats, heated front seats, an automatic review mirror, a dual zone temperature control system, a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a lane departure warning system and a blind spot monitoring system.

Moreover, the suspension system wasn’t too harsh or too cushy. Ford engineers managed to offer a balanced ride, creating a perfect driving experience.  

Furthermore, Ford’s pricing system allowed buyers a reason to consider a fuel-sipping hybrid.

Pricing for the hybrid is about $1,000 more when compared to a non- hybrid Fusion SE model, while the high end Titanium hybrid is priced the same as the non-hybrid Titanium model. This pricing approach gives buyers a reason to consider swapping out the traditional gas engine for the latest fuel-saving engines.

Cons: Ford’s interior designers should consider offering a front-center sliding armrest. Although it took a moment to get use to Ford’s overly high-tech vehicle, knobs and dials will be a welcome feature on the brand’s next-generation MyFord Touch system. We had an opportunity to review the upscale Titanium model, which lacked an optional moonroof. From a packaging standpoint, the moonroof should be a standard feature on the high-end Fusion Titanium model.  In fact, a dual roof should be available on the vehicle similar to that of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima sedans. Furthermore, when fully loaded, the non-hybrid Fusion Platinum costs significantly more than its competitors. Pricing exceeded, in some cases, vehicles in the larger car segment.

The Verdict: Unlike some other high-mileage vehicles we have spent time with, the Fusion we reviewed had a whopping 11,000 miles on it by the time it ended up in our hands. By having access to a brand-new vehicle with such high-mileage, this gave us an opportunity to thoroughly scrutinize the vehicle.  Everything was basically in perfect working order, no wear and tear throughout the interior, as we have experienced with other high-mileage vehicles we have reviewed.

Our early review of the Ford Fusion indicates that the automaker has a winner on its hand. Sales have exceeded expectations, propelling this vehicle to one of the top vehicles in this ultra- competitive segment. Ford’s European styling along with its high-tech features makes the new Fusion a standout.  Early sales indicate buyers are willing to pay a premium to get their hands on this fancy Ford. The Fusion breaks the mold of the brand’s typically square-like designs. Ford is also the only automaker in this segment offering a gasoline model, a hybrid model and a hybrid plug-in model.  

Competition: Chevy Malibu, Chrysler 200, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry