2023 Ford Fusion: So far the Ford Fusion car is no longer alive! The Fusion will live on! Or something like that. Although Ford no longer produces the Fusion sedan, which spent a long time in our midsize sedan top 10 rankings, the Fusion moniker will live on in the form of a new wagon-like body. With no information from Ford and only heavily camouflaged photos of the test car, we can only guess what the upcoming Fusion will look like.
The new Fusion looks like a lifted car, similar to the Subaru Outback, but with styling borrowed from the Mustang Mach-E. Ford might as well call it the Fusion Active, which is the company’s way of labeling the more active lifestyle-oriented version of the car sold in Europe.
The engine is also unclear, but with a wide range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as hybrids, it can be assumed that the new Fusion will use Ford parts. It will most likely also be available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
2023 Ford Fusion Review
According to the Ford Authority, the interior of the 2023 Fusion / Mondeo will borrow substantially from the Evos in terms of overall appearance and technology, complementing a very similar external treatment. The next-generation Fusion/Mondeo sedan, like the Evos and the production version of the Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept, is currently slated for China, with no word on whether it will be available in other regions.
On the other hand, Europe and North America are likely to get more powerful Active models. The Ford Fusion, which will be discontinued after the 2020 model year, will be reinvented as an elevated station wagon to match the brand’s almost all-SUV portfolio.
2023 Ford Fusion Active
With sedan sales declining and SUV purchases increasing, Ford hopes to bridge the gap by reviving the Fusion nameplate for a new crossover-like station wagon.
While there is little specific information about the upcoming 2023 Ford Fusion Active vehicle, it is expected to compete with the Subaru Outback. This implies that the Fusion Active will have all-wheel drive, a plastic body, and a higher ride height.
There is also speculation that hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains will be available. We won’t know the whole story until Ford decides to reveal it.
2023 Ford Fusion Performance Engine
We can only guess at the possibilities without any official information on the Fusion Active’s engine and transmission options.
We can confirm that all-wheel drive will be available. There are also reports that Ford will offer the Ford Fusion Wagon with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. These two electric systems could be the same or comparable to the system that powers the small Escape crossover.
That means a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. The Fusion Active might also get the Escape’s 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
We won’t know much about the performance or driving characteristics of this car until we get behind the wheel.
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Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
We don’t have any information on the Fusion Active’s fuel-economy ratings because we don’t know which powertrains will be available. We’ll update this section whenever the EPA numbers are available, and we’ll put those statistics to the test on our actual highway route.
2023 Ford Fusion Interior
The interior design, passenger room, and cargo volume of the Fusion Active are all a mystery. We anticipate that the appearance will be similar to that of contemporary Ford goods such as the all-electric Mustang Mach-E crossover and the mid-size Explorer SUV. These versions suggest a fully digital gauge cluster, a center screen that is vertically oriented, and adaptable interior cubby storage. To compete with the Outback, we expect the Fusion Active to offer a comfortable back seat and ample load room.
Connectivity and infotainment
The Fusion Active should come with the most recent version of Ford’s Sync infotainment system. A touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is expected to come standard. Similarly, built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot are anticipated to be choices. Ford normally includes an updated audio system as well.
2023 Ford Fusion Exterior
Add to that the fact that the new Fusion/Mondeo, which will be available as a sedan as well as a crossover-like wagon/hatchback, resembles the previously shown Evos crossover. These images show a sportier ST-Line trim, with a glossy black finish to complement the white exterior color, as well as Mondeo lettering on the rear, confirming that the model will continue to use the nameplate in China, where the current generation sedan recently received some new tech features.
The leaked photos suggest that the 2018 Mondeo will have several design alternatives and wheel choices depending on the trim. These consist of changes to the front and rear fascia, four alternative wheel designs, and a black roof for some models, including the Mondeo ST-Line.
The ST-Line has 19-inch wheels with 235/45 tires and is powered by a 2.0L Ford gas engine with 235 horsepower. The 2023 Mondeo is 2.6 inches longer than the current vehicle, measuring 194.2 inches.
2023 Ford Fusion SE
The Ford Fusion combines good riding comfort with surprising sportiness. While the base 2.5-liter Fusion is adequate, we prefer the 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder in the SE and SEL. It has more horsepower and torque than the 2.5, and its EPA City, Highway, and Combined ratings are 2 mpg higher (23/34/27).
The Fusion Titanium comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 245 horsepower. It results in a speedy Fusion, one that integrates easily into fast-moving freeways thanks to paddle shifters.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Plug-In Hybrid drive similarly to normal midsize cars equipped with a continuously variable gearbox (CVT) that aids in the smooth interaction of the gasoline and electric power sources. The hybrids, like the conventional Fusions, have a European or Asian feel rather than an American one.
- European handling manners in a sophisticated and appealing sedan
- Excellent standard safety suite
- It is also available as a fuel-efficient Plug-In Hybrid.
- All-wheel drive is still available.
The cabin of the 2020 Ford Fusion is attractive, if a little archaic, with its rotary shifter, sensibly located buttons, and electronic parking brake. This Ford comfortably seats four adults or five in a pinch.
The SE variant includes Sync Connect with Wi-Fi as well as Sync 3 connectivity and an 8-inch touch screen. Upgraded seat fabric and heated front seats, as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, are standard on SEL levels.
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The Titanium adds leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, inflatable rear belts, a sunroof, and adaptive cruise control to the base model. Consider the Titanium to be a Lincoln MKZ with a Ford label.
The 2020 Ford Fusion has minimal exterior modifications, but the colors White Gold and Rich Copper have been withdrawn. The 5-bar grille, which debuted for the 2019 model year, remains in the SE, SE, and SEL variants, while chrome mesh continues to offer the Titanium model a luxurious appearance. The SE can be specified with an appearance option that includes black wheels and black bezels around the fog lights if you want a sinister-looking Fusion.
- Horsepower ranges from 181 to 245 horsepower.
- 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine, 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine
- Weight at the curb: 3,470 to 3,816 lbs.
- Up to 23 City/34 Highway MPG
- 185 to 275 lb-ft of torque
- 3.1 to 3.4′′ bore
2023 Ford Fusion Sport
The all-wheel-drive Sport model has a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. All gasoline engines are powered by a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. For the 2022 model year, EPA-rated fuel economy ranged from 17/26 mpg city/highway in the Sport to 23/34 mpg with the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine.
2023 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The current-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid was introduced in 2013, but Ford’s ongoing improvements to this flexible midsize sedan have kept it fresh long after a standard car’s sell-by date. Even though all of its competitors are newer, the 2020 Fusion Hybrid’s vast list of advantages keeps it among the top choices in the market.
We’ve long praised the Fusion Hybrid’s roomy trunk, adult-friendly cabin, and surprisingly capable handling dynamics. The addition of standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning last year increased the value of newer vehicles above prior versions. Throughout, the Fusion Hybrid maintained its traditionally low starting price.
The 2020 Fusion Hybrid, on the other hand, isn’t a sure thing. Newer competitors, such as the freshly updated Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid, feature more fuel-efficient and performance-oriented powertrains than the Fusion. Despite its age and lack of 2020 updates, the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s extremely practical interior and fun-to-drive personality make it a great competitor in its class.
The Hybrid and plug-in Energi variants are powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine coupled to an electric motor and backed by a CVT. The 2022 Fusion hybrid was rated at 43/41 mpg, while the 2022 Fusion Energi plug-in was rated at 42 mpg city/highway, with a 21-mile EV-only range before the gas engine was required to kick on.
The Fusion Hybrid isn’t fast, as you’d expect from a vehicle engineered for good fuel economy. The 0-60 mph run takes 9 seconds flat, which is the segment’s average time. Because the brakes don’t have much force at the top of the pedal stroke, you’ll have to press harder than usual to come to a stop. At the very least, the transition from regeneration to friction brakes is smooth. The Hybrid accelerates smoothly from a stop but lurches forward when the gas engine kicks in a few moments later.
The Fusion Hybrid is fun to drive on curvy roads because it responds quickly to steering adjustments. Body roll is also well-managed. It’s a shame that the Fusion’s rather dynamic handling isn’t matched by the numb steering.
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We could spend the entire day in a Fusion Hybrid. The ride is smooth, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The sole drawback is a softly sprung body that might be floaty when rolling down certain pavement dips. On hot days, the dual-zone automatic climate control system works well to keep the cabin cool, and standard rear air vents help keep backseat occupants comfortable as well.
The hybrid powertrain (coupled with double-pane side windows) is as smooth and silent as expected. However, when you floor the throttle, the engine sounds heavy and harsh.
The interior of the Fusion should be pleasant and inviting to almost everyone. There’s plenty of legroom all around, and the driver’s seat is highly adaptable to accommodate drivers of different body shapes. A sloping roofline makes rear-seat ingress and departure difficult, as well as headroom for larger passengers.
Despite the relatively wide windshield pillars, outward visibility is acceptable, although the rear blind spot is greater than average due to a broad rear roof pillar and a smaller-than-average rear quarter window. The rearview camera, back parking sensors, and blind-spot monitor help to compensate for the poor visibility.
The Fusion is one of the more approachable automobiles on the market, thanks to the outstanding Sync 3 infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and a plethora of standard safety features. Many rival systems’ voice commands are superior, with some natural language recognition to place calls, establish navigation destinations, and change radio stations.
On the negative, there are just two USB ports, and the sound quality of the top-tier Sony audio system isn’t particularly great at higher volumes.
Ford Fusion Hybrid 2023
If you want a hybrid sedan with some style, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a good alternative. We like its spacious cabin, simple Sync 3 interface, pleasant ride, and an extensive list of standard sophisticated technological features. And, despite being on the market for quite some time, its shark-like design remains popular.
2023 Ford Fusion Dimensions
Exterior
- Wheelbase in inches 112.2 Inch Length
- 191.7 Width (inches) without mirrors and 75.2 inches in height
- Front Track Width (inches): 58.1 62.7 Inch Rear Track Width
- Minimum Ground Clearance (inches): 62.4 NA
- NA Liftover Height (inches)
Interior
- Seating / Passenger Capacity Total Passenger Volume (in Cubic Feet) 5
- 102.8 inches of front headroom 39.2 inches of front legroom
- 44.3 inches of front shoulder room Front Hip Room (inches): 57.8
- 55 (inches) Second Row Headroom 37.8 inches of second-row legroom
- 38.3 Inches of Second Row Shoulder Room 54.4 (inches) Second Row Hip Room
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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While Ford hasn’t revealed what driver-support technology will be available on the station wagon, we expect it to contain features like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving mode will probably be available as an option on the Fusion Active. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for more information on the Fusion Active’s crash-test results. The following are important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking is standard.
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance is standard.
- Adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode is available.
2023 Ford Fusion Price
Because it may be replacing a gap in the Ford lineup that will soon be abandoned by the mid-size Edge SUV, the Fusion Active should start in the mid-$35,000 range. Although we don’t know what trim levels will be available, we believe it will be consistent with other Ford vehicles.
- SE $36,000 (est)
- SEL $39,000 (approximate)
- Titanium (about $42,000)
Verdict
The Fusion is competent in several areas but not exceptional in any, while competitors are more focused and developed. Although we were sad to see the Fusion sedan leave, we do enjoy a nice station wagon (even if Ford will probably term it a crossover), and we’re excited to learn more about the future 2023 Fusion. Stay tuned to Edmunds for more information on the new Fusion, as well as our Expert Rating when it goes on sale later this year.
- A new wagon body design with a higher riding height is available.
- A mix of turbocharged engines
- Fusion Active 2023 will mark the arrival of the third Fusion generation.
We’ll be back soon with more on the 2023 Ford Fusion, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay up to date with the latest New Ford Fusion news, Ford Fusion news, and information on other Ford models on the road.
People also ask
A: Is there going to be a 2023 Ford Fusion?
Q: The 2023 Ford Fusion is a crossover version of a previously discontinued sedan. Ford aims to dominate the current SUV industry, and the Fusion Active is a significant step toward that goal.
A: Is Ford making fusions anymore?
Q: The company ceased production of all sedans, depriving customers of the other two main models, the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus. Ford attempted, but failed, to boost sales using a diesel engine. The Ford Fusion was retired mostly due to declining sales.
A: What was the last year the Ford Fusion was made?
Q: 2006–2020
A: How much is a Ford Fusion Hybrid?
Q: Plug-In Hybrid Titanium Sedan 4D $36,195
