2017 Ford Fusion
Overview
The 2017 Ford Fusion is a good midsize car. It features a roomy cabin and a load capacity that is above average for its class. This model year Fusion strikes a good mix between comfort and agility. As a result, its quick handling and powerful engine choices give it plenty of power. The Fusion is a breath of new air in a class renowned for dull design and a lack of driving enthusiasts, with a sleek, fun-to-drive attitude.
That doesn’t mean it’s without flaws that may detract from one’s excitement. The Fusion has an upmarket and attractive appearance, and it drives like a great European sports sedan. The refreshed second-generation Fusion maintains its sport-sedan leanings while expanding the range and adding amenities more often seen in luxury vehicles than in family sedans.
First Look
Updates to the Fusion’s styling are gradual. The sleek design, which has an Aston Martin-like grille, stays essentially unaltered. The headlamps and front end are defined by LED accent lighting, and Ford has made efforts to differentiate the versions. With unique 19-inch wheels, a gloss black mesh grille, and a rear spoiler, the Fusion V6 Sport is the most distinctive. The Fusion Platinum features a unique grille as well. The Fusion has Ford’s stylish reconfigurable digital display and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel on the inside. The rotary shift dial on the console is new, and it eliminates the shift lever, which minimizes visual clutter. The instrument panel and door panels are adorned with antiqued leather, and the steering wheel is hand-stitched with leather.
Performance
A turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 245 horsepower is standard in the Fusion. All of these engines are front-wheel drive and come with a six-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive is offered in this Ford, unlike many other vehicles in the class. The Fusion Sport has a new twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It has all-wheel drive as standard and is much more powerful than bigger V-6 engines. Then there’s the 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo-4, which is mated to the same automatic gearbox and produces 175 horsepower while getting excellent real-world gas economy. The 1.5-liter engine comes equipped with a stop-start system. With its quick steering, strong brakes, and excellent agility, the Fusion provides good driving performance. Similarly, there is an abundance of power from its turbocharged engine options.
Ride Quality
With well-tuned steering and a tight, but absorbent ride, the Fusion feels light behind the wheel. It turns in a flat, comforting manner that doesn’t compromise ride quality. Not only that but for the 2017 model year, the car is fitted with an innovative, computer-controlled shock absorber system. The system’s onboard computer analyses the road ahead and detects road dangers using high-resolution sensors. The adjustable dampers may be adjusted every two milliseconds as required to provide the greatest possible ride. If the vehicle is approaching a pothole on the road, for example, the system will stiffen both the front and rear suspension, preventing the wheel from falling into the hole and hitting the pothole on the other side. Overall, the Fusion is the first Ford car to use this technology, and it should offer the finest ride possible.
Interior
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards the 2017 model a five-star overall rating. The vehicle has a five-star frontal crash rating and a four-star side and rollover crash rating. Stability control, a frontal collision warning system, and a lane departure warning system are all available as options for further safety and convenience. Every Fusion is equipped with a rearview camera as a matter of standard installation. Camera operation is covered in the included owner manual.
Ford’s “MyKey” system, which allows you to set volume and speed limits for teenage drivers, is also included in the package. Parking sensors in the back, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian identification are just a few of the advanced safety features available. Additionally, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam lights are available.
Owner’s Manual
The 2017 Ford Fusion Owner’s Manual covers the specs and maintenance of the vehicle. Other Ford Fusion Owners Manuals for all Fusion years are also available. In addition to the Owner’s manual, you can also purchase the repair manual or parts catalog online.
Loaded With Features
With the inclusion of Sync 3 and a few other useful features, Fusion’s multimedia system received a significant upgrade for 2017. Starting with SE models, Sync 3 is an option, and it comes standard on Titanium and Platinum trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, giving consumers wider options. When used in conjunction with Sync, these smartphone interfaces provide on-screen navigation without having to pay extra for the factory navigation system, which is an additional option. The Ford Fusion facelift has a plethora of charging ports for mobile devices. Satellite radio, HD Radio, voice-activated navigation, a premium audio system, dual-zone temperature control, a sunroof, and a variety of sophisticated safety systems are just a few of the other amenities.
Verdict
Style and quietness combine to make the 2017 Fusion a good choice for midsize sedan shoppers in need of a reliable vehicle. The Fusion has long been regarded as a capable and enjoyable sedan to drive. This year’s program has been gradually expanded to include more artists. With hybrid-electric vehicles growing in popularity and the Fusion Sport becoming more evocative of its predecessor, this updated family transporter aspires to become a genuine mass-market standout.