2018 Ford Fusion Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Ford Fusion is a stylish mid-size sedan with an amazing list of customizable options for your convenience. Prior models of this car are extremely common on the road, but what exactly makes this mid-size car so great? The huge number of choices within the car and the hybrid model make this car particularly enticing.

What’s New For 2018

Ford decided that the 2017 model was tweaked just enough to make it a long-lasting purchase, so there is actually no change between the 2017 and 2018 models. In 2017 the Fusion gained some new technology, including adaptive cruise control and automatic stop and start.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Ford Fusion – The Pros

1. Many Trim Options

The 2018 Ford Fusion comes in five trim levels. The first, the Fusion S, is the base model. This comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a decent 175 horsepower. The next trim option is the Fusion SE, which maintains the engine but adds some interior technological features and larger wheels. The Titanium trim includes even more technology and upgrades the engine to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp. The Platinum trim is similar to the Titanium but includes more luxury upgrades such as a power-adjustable steering wheel. The final trim option, the V6 Sport, centers around a 325 horsepower, 380 lb-ft torque turbocharged V6 engine.

2. Sync 3 Infotainment System

Ford has outdone itself with its new proprietary Sync 3 infotainment system. The onboard navigation built into the system is seamless and easy to navigate even while driving due to its large, visible touchscreen buttons. You can also seamlessly integrate your smartphone with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or USB.

3. Lots of Trunk Space

One of the big struggles of any mid-size car is having enough cargo space to justify getting that instead of a larger vehicle. The 2018 Ford Fusion nullifies that consideration, as the trunk has an astounding 16 cubic feet of space alone. Furthermore, the opening between the folded-down backseats and the trunk is quite large, meaning that you can fit objects through into the back with ease.

4. Great Braking Capabilities

Most mid-size cars struggle in the braking category, but the 2018 Ford Fusion does not. When using all-season tires, the Ford Fusion was able to go from 60 miles per hour to a complete stop in under 120 feet. This is outstanding for its class. Also, the car is able to brake to multiple speeds in all types of traffic quite easily, making it suitable for city and highway roads.

5. High Fuel Economy

The 2018 Ford Fusion’s hybrid version tops the charts in city and highway driving, and the gas version sits in the middle of the pack. The hybrid maintains 41 mpg on the highway and an insane 43 mpg in the city, while the non-hybrid gets 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.

6. Good Handling

Ford has always done a great job with its cars’ suspensions, and the 2018 Ford Fusion certainly fits into that category. Its suspension and reliable chassis make this car handle exceptionally well. The suspension also handles bumps with ease, so driving on worse roads isn’t that big of a deal.

7. Barely Any Noise

A large problem mid-size cars have is a significant amount of vibration and noise, particularly at high speeds on the highway. Ford’s engineers have done a great job adding proper noise dampening in the right spots of the car to keep this vibration to a minimum. At most, you’ll hear some wind noise when it’s gusty outside, but the general vibration from highway driving is barely noticeable.

8. Comfortable Seats

The standard trim level’s seats with cloth padding are extremely comfortable. The headrests adjust nicely to match the angle of your neck and head, and the back seats are also well-designed.

9. Full Package Upgrades

Sometimes cars have package upgrades that are lacking in substance, but the Ford Fusion’s packages are chock full of options. The Driver Assist package is good for those who panic in high-pressure situations. It includes automatic high-beam control and automatic window wipers, as well as a blind-spot and rear traffic alert and monitoring system. The Appearance package offers specialty Ford foglights, an optional rear spoiler, and special upholstery.

10. Front Seat and Back Seat Space

The 2018 Ford Fusion is the best mid-size car for front seat space, measuring in at around 39 inches of headroom and 44 inches of legroom for the front seat passenger. Its backseat is more standard for the class, with about 38 inches of headroom and legroom. This means that the car is great for long trips without anyone in the car feeling overly cramped.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Ford Fusion – The Cons

1. Poor Acceleration

If you want a car that has a lot of power right out of the gate, then the 2018 Ford Fusion isn’t the best car for you. To get from 0 to 60 takes almost 9 seconds, a relatively slow time. It also feels somewhat sluggish when forced to accelerate quickly.

2. Steering Takes Time to Get Used To

While most steering systems are relatively intuitive and similar, the Fusion’s seems to be somewhat unique. Particularly at higher speeds, it feels as if the steering doesn’t perfectly match what the tires are feeling on the road. This disparity takes some getting used to.

3. Large Blind Spots

The Fusion has two extremely large pillars that are somewhat unusual for a mid-size car. These can block portions of your view. That said, the Fusion offers rear traffic indicators for this reason, and once you’re aware there are blind spots this is easy to deal with.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition

Though there are some obvious competitors, such as the Honda Accord, the 2018 Ford Fusion is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and safe mid-size car. Its package and trim upgrades give it more customizability than any of its competition.

Conclusion

For its class, the 2018 Ford Fusion is definitely a top-tier option. Five trim options, a hybrid option, and relatively few downsides make this a car you may go for after just one test drive. Overall, the Fusion is a spectacular choice that you’re sure to relish driving in.