2020 Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
Midsize sedans are known for being some of the most practical cars on the market. Many automotive journalists consider the 2020 Toyota Camry to be the best car in the segment. It’s dependable, spacious, and more stylish than ever. Some major updates were made to the 2020 model. Not only does the new Camry finally offer an AWD system, but a track-inspired TRD model also hits the lineup.
The Ford Fusion is another appealing midsize sedan. Many people love the Fusion’s great value and excellent seat comfort. Sporty handling also makes the Fusion pleasing to drive. Let’s find out how the 2020 Toyota Camry compares to the 2020 Ford Fusion.
The Powertrain
Most Camry buyers are expected to choose the sedan’s base four-cylinder engine. It delivers strong fuel economy without forcing drivers to give up a lot of performance. Toyota rates it to develop a more than reasonable 203 horsepower. Drivers who desire a more inspirational performance should move up to the Camry’s V6 engine. Output increases to a class-leading 301 horsepower. Both engines are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2020 Ford Fusion has a trio of four-cylinder engines in its lineup. Its base four-cylinder engine pushes out 175 horsepower. However, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower is available for drivers who desire a better blend of performance and fuel economy. Topping the lineup is the Fusion’s larger turbocharged engine, which kicks out 245 horsepower. All three engines use a six-speed automatic transmission.
For 2020, Ford decided to remove the high-performance Sport trim from the Fusion's lineup. It was the quickest car in the segment. A twin-turbo V6 engine rested under the hood.
All versions of the new Toyota Camry feel strong. Meanwhile, Fusion models equipped with the base engine could use a little more oomph under the hood. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, the V6-powered Camry is especially lively. While the Fusion Titanium isn’t nearly as quick, most people won’t complain about its 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.
Both cars have a well-designed transmission. Although the Fusion’s six-speed automatic gearbox may not be quite as modern, it does an impressive job of transferring the available power. The Camry’s eight-speed unit helps enhance performance and efficiency.
Aside from packing more performance, the new Camry also delivers better fuel economy. Its EPA-rating stands at 29 mpg town/41 mpg freeway. No other non-hybrid car in the class is more efficient. Upgrading to the Camry’s V6 engine drops economy to 22 mpg town/33 mpg freeway.
When equipped with its base engine, the Ford Fusion delivers 21 mpg town/31 mpg freeway. This is the exact same fuel economy delivered by the most powerful trim in the lineup. Drivers seeking the best gas mileage should go for the Fusion’s smaller turbocharged engine. It enables the sedan to return a decent 23 mpg town/34 mpg freeway.
Fortunately, both cars can now perform well in light snow. After years of going without an AWD system, the Camry finally offer this cold-weather feature. The Fusion also offers all-wheel drive. Keep in mind that a lower ground clearance makes these cars less capable than a modern crossover SUV.
When it comes to road handling, there’s a big debate over which car is better. Like the Camry, the Fusion feels poised and athletic. Drivers also appreciate the Fusion’s sporty steering feel. However, only the Camry has a true performance model in its lineup. It comes equipped with a lowered sport suspension and extra bracing for reduced body roll. Expect the Camry TRD to drive more like a serious sports sedan.
Driving enthusiasts will also enjoy the Toyota Camry TRD’s upgraded performance exhaust. While this exhaust doesn’t boost performance, it does give the Camry an aggressive sound. This feature certainly adds an additional fun factor.
Both cars can stop quickly during emergencies. While traveling at a speed of 60 mph, the Camry takes 118 feet to come to a complete halt. Remember, high-performance front brakes help the exciting Camry TRD to stop even quicker. Meanwhile, it takes around 122 feet for the Fusion to stop.
These are two of the most dependable family sedans in America. The Toyota Camry receives a 3.5 out of 5.0 rating in predicted reliability. While the Camry is reliable, drivers can expect the new Fusion to be even more bulletproof. It received a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating in long-term reliability.
Neither car has an advantage in warranty coverage. They both come with a 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan and a 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Drivability
After test driving these midsize sedans, it’s difficult to determine which has the better ride. They both feel extremely smooth on the highway. Ride comfort on rough city streets is also better than average. Families will find both the Camry and the Fusion to be great cars for traveling.
The Toyota Camry is generally a quiet car. However, some owners have reported hearing a bit of road noise. Expect the Ford Fusion to be a bit more hushed on the inside. Its quietness helps create a more relaxing atmosphere for passengers.
These five-passenger family cars are spacious. However, the 2020 Ford Fusion is actually a tad bigger on the inside. It has a total passenger volume of 102.8 cubic feet. By comparison, there’s 99.9 cubic feet of passenger space in the Fusion.
In the rear, the Fusion only provides just a touch more legroom. However, its front seats are noticeably more spacious. Occupants will have an additional 2.2 inches of legroom. While this fact won’t impact shorter drivers, tall people will enjoy the extra space.
The Camry’s seats feel nice, especially the SE trim’s sport seats. Passengers of all sizes can fit comfortably. However, some car reviewers find the Fusion’s seats to be even more relaxing on long trips. Car shoppers should also consider the fact that the Camry only offers heated front seats. Cooled front seats are available for the Fusion, which can promote greater comfort on summer drives.
When it comes to trunk space, the Fusion tops the Camry. It provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Meanwhile, there’s 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the Camry’s trunk.
The Ford Fusion receives high marks for its outward visibility. Drivers will be able to clearly see from all directions. Outward visibility in the Camry is nearly just as good. A low dashboard helps shorter drivers to obtain a commanding view of the road. Although these cars have some rear blind spots, they aren’t too distracting.
Both cars have well-organized interior controls. They also feature a hassle-free infotainment system. Physical buttons enable drivers to quickly adjust the audio and climate settings. Navigation is offered on the upper trims. However, some drivers may find the Fusion’s voice controls to be more effective.
To avoid overpaying on a new car, shop prices online first. Get up front pricing before you walk into a dealership. We recommend the following free services; Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect & & Motortrend.
These free services will offer you the lowest prices and supply you with multiple competing price quotes. You will know the best price before you visit the dealer.
Safety
The Toyota Camry breezed through every NHTSA crash test, thus scoring a five-star overall rating. While the Fusion also received a five-star overall safety rating from the federal government, its frontal crash scores were not quite as impressive. A lower rollover rating also puts the Fusion a notch behind the Camry.
Only the new Camry was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus. While the Fusion's crash tests were solid, its headlights received a poor rating. Meanwhile, the Camry’s upgraded headlights received a good rating.
Fortunately, both of these family sedans are loaded with advanced safety tech. Auto braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure intervention are standard. While the Fusion comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, this popular safety innovation is optional on the Camry. On the other hand, only the Camry received adaptive cruise control as standard equipment.
Parents will enjoy the Fusion’s MyKey system. It allows them to set driving restrictions for their teenagers. Toyota does not offer a similar feature on the Camry.
Some advanced driving aids are exclusively offered on the Camry. While a 360-degree camera lowers stress levels in crowded parking areas, rear automatic braking helps provide more protection when traveling in reverse. A head-up display is also only offered on the Camry.
Which Has the Best Value?
Ford has given the new Fusion a starting price of $23,170. Meanwhile, the base Camry has an MSRP of $24,295. By picking the Fusion, buyers can save a little more than $1,000.
While the base Fusion may be slightly more affordable, it does not have as many premium features on its list of standard equipment. Ford’s SYNC 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto must be purchased as an option. These popular infotainment features are standard on the new Camry. A six-speaker stereo with satellite radio is also standard on the Camry.
The range-topping Fusion Titanium and the Camry XSE are both quite luxurious for the money. While the Fusion Titanium demands $34,450, the Camry XSE starts at $29,875. Some car shoppers may consider the less expensive Camry XSE to be the better bargain. However, most automotive critics consider the Fusion Titanium to have a nicer cabin. Remember, ventilated seats aren’t even available on the Camry XSE.
Which is Better?
The 2020 Ford Fusion and the 2020 Toyota Camry match up well. Neither car will prove to be a disappointing purchase. They are both reasonably priced.
Drivers seeking the most performance will want the Camry. While the Fusion can be fun to drive, some people will miss the high-performance Fusion Sport model. The all-new Camry TRD really brings a high level of excitement. Amazingly, the Camry’s powerful V6 engine is also better on gas than the Fusion’s base engine.
Both of these sedans have a sleek, modern look that will appeal to today’s drivers. While some drivers love the Fusion’s large grille opening, others find it to be a bit too much. Meanwhile, an available black roof helps give the Camry a contrasting appearance. Folks seeking a more intimidating look will love the ground-hugging Camry TRD, which has a unique spoiler and performance wheels.
In terms of overall comfort, the Fusion has a slight advantage over the Camry. It provides more front-seat legroom and offers cozier seating. However, most families will be more than happy to take a road trip in the new Camry.
Like the Fusion, the Camry is a secure family hauler. However, better front crash protection gives the Camry the edge. Camry buyers will also have access to a few extra accident-avoidance features.
The winner of this head-to-head comparison is the 2020 Toyota Camry. It's quicker and offers far better fuel economy. It also comes loaded with a more rewarding number of standard features.
Drivers who do decide to buy a new Ford Fusion won’t regret their decision either. It’s an extremely comfortable family hauler. One of the Fusion’s biggest disappointments of 2020 is the discontinuance of its high-performance Sport trim. Very few cars in the class offered such a stimulating driving experience.
