2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport: The Most Powerful Midsize Car In The Segment

Highlight: In the V6 Sport, Ford has developed an advanced computer shock absorber system, which tries to balance out the driving experience one feels when driving down a street riddled with potholes.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $40,995 (Base Model: $23,485)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; an electronic brake distribution system; electric parking brakes; a hillstart assist system; a rearview camera; a perimeter alarm system; Daytime Running Lights; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Base (S) Standard Features: 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter; a front wheel drive system; 2.5-liter engine with an automatic transmission; single exhaust tip; a manually operated a/c system; first row carpet mats; cloth seats; manually operated seats; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; Ford’s SYNC system; a keyless entry system; and a keyless ignition starter system

Sport Standard Features: 19-inch painted wheels; all-wheel drive; 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine; a 6-speed automatic transmission; LED signature lighting; a rear spoiler; body color handles; LED fog lamps with high gloss black bezel; quad dual exhaust tips; unique lower grille; a 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster; aluminum sport pedals; an instrument panel compass; rear seat heat vents; a rear center armrest with two cupholders; a power driver’s seat with a power lumbar support; a power passenger seat; first and second row floor mats; leather/suede seats; a keyless entry pad system; and a 9-speaker system with a CD player and SiriusXM satellite radio 

Optional Features: a touchscreen, voice-activated navigation system; a blind spot information system; a remote engine starter system; an automatic dimming sideview driving mirror; a lane keeping assist system; heated rear seats; heated/ventilated front seats; a 180-degree split view, in-vehicle camera; an enhanced activate park assist system; rain-sensing wipers; second-row outboard inflatable seat belts; a radar-activated cruise control system; controlled dampers; and 21-inch aluminum wheels
  
Other Trims:

SE
Titanium
Platinum

Standard Audio System: a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Charging Port: Yes

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

Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder/ 173-horsepower

Powertrain Warranty:5 years or 60,000 miles

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/32-hwy (source: Fueleconomy.gov)

What’s New: For the 2017 model year, the Fusion receives several mid-cycle upgrades. The brand’s midsize sedan wears a new grille, as well as new rear taillights. Also Ford’s replaces the standard gear shift lever for a rotary turned dial knob. Ford also adds a top of the line Platinum trim.

Why: While many of the contenders in this segment have downshifted from 6-cylinder engines to 4-cylinder engines, which offer significantly less horsepower, but better fuel-efficiency, Ford has bucked the trend.  

For buyers seeking a choice of powertrains in this segment, Ford has decided to take a different route with the 2017 Fusion. Not only does the Fusion offer a 4-cylinder engine, but it is also available with a hybrid and a hybrid plug-in system, too. Yes, the Fusion has covered all of its bases. The only powertrain lacking in the brand’s midsize sedan is a turbo. However, Honda has taken this road with the 2018 Accord being that it has dropped its 6-cylinder.

Ironically, Ford has decided not only would they retain the 6-cylinder, but that they would make sure it was the most powerful in the family sedan segment, otherwise known as the midsize sedan segment. The 325-horsepower in the Fusion V6 we reviewed offered 380-lb –ft of torque.

Unfortunately, this has been one of the major drawbacks in this segment, which we believe has caused folks to think twice about buying a midsize sedan. In fact, midsize crossovers, which offers more utility and horsepower seems to have taken the wind out of the family sedan segment.

So, beyond Ford offering a more aggressive looking exterior in the Sport trim, the engineering team has altered the engine and enhanced the stiffness of the vehicle to offer a more responsive feel. And they have included paddle shifters and a rear spoiler too!

Moreover, the Fusion in now capable of being locked, unlocked and started through the use of Ford’s signature SYNC, when operated by a smartphone.
Also Ford offers perpendicular parking driver assist system, as well as audible sensors on the blind sport information system, too.

Lastly, the midsize vehicle is available in a front wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration.

But: We would prefer a traditional gear shifter, as opposed to the rotary dial system, which is standard on all trim levels. And, while we know it’s a stretch, it would have been great if Ford offered a manual transmission engine in the Sport trim. Can you imagine the excitement factor?

Verdict: In a segment that needs an infusion of energy to keep it stimulated, Ford has managed to do just that in the Fusion. As we noted earlier, it is available in a range of trims, price points and powertrains. Furthermore, the Fusion is considered to be one of the most technically advanced vehicles in the segment! Overall buyers should be able to get a great deal on cars, as consumers tastes have shifted towards crossovers, SUVs and trucks.

Competition: 2017 Honda Accord Sport