Ford rolled out the latest members of its Fusion family in Detroit at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), two of which were brand new to the lineup.
The 2017 Ford Fusion Lineup
The Ford Fusion lineup has always been extensive, and now that family is getting even bigger. Ford revealed the performance-inspired 2017 Fusion Sport and the upscale 2017 Fusion Platinum at the Detroit auto show. The Dearborn automaker also showed the updated Fusion Hybrid and the plug-in Fusion Energi.
These changes are more of a mid-cycle refresh for Ford's popular midsize sedan for its 10th year anniversary, as opposed to a full reboot.
The interior of the 2017 Ford Fusion is all-new and roomier, complete with a high-tech rotary dial in favor of a shift lever. The exterior remains largely unchanged, as Ford continues to roll out the stylish look the Fusion adopted in 2013.
The majority of changes come in the form of safety features and technology; Ford is calling this the "smartest, most technology-packed" Fusion ever.
New available features include SYNC 3 and SYNC Connect, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Assist, a Ford-first Pedestrian Detection system, and a hands-free parking feature that allows for perpendicular maneuvers.
2017 Ford Fusion Sport
The Ford Fusion Sport has been reborn. Gone since 2013, the performance model Fusion is back with a vengeance.
The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive and runs on a 2.7L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, allowing it to deliver a projected 325 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. This kind of power, plus the drivetrain, makes it unlike anything else in the segment.
The Fusion Sport has been given a more aggressive exterior that includes a rear spoiler and dual-twin exhaust ports. It has a uniquely shaped lower fascia with a glossy and blacked-out mesh grille.
This model is also equipped with continuously controlled dampers - a suspension system that changes in real-time to adjust for road conditions. It's complete with pothole detection technology that can adjust the shock absorbers to minimize the impact transmitted to occupants.
2017 Ford Fusion Platinum
Also new to the Fusion lineup for 2017 is the Platinum trim level, which is a more upscale and refined version. A Fusion Hybrid and Energi version of the Platinum edition will also be available.
The Platinum has 19-inch wheels and the same continuously controlled damping suspension system as the Sport. However, non-hybrid Platinums are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. All-wheel drive is standard.
The exterior is complete with a unique honeycomb grille finished in "Magnetic" paint, but the true attention was put into its posh interior.
This swanky Fusion's instrument and door trim panels are wrapped in Cocoa leather, while the hand-wrapped steering wheel is finished in luxurious Venetian leather.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Energi
Back are both the Fusion Hybrid and plug-in Fusion Energi, which have been slightly updated. Both get mildly restyled grilles and new LED headlights, along with some interior changes.
Updated powertrain control software will deliver an even more refined and natural driving experience, though it's not expected to change the fuel economy by much. The 2016 Fusion Hybrid gets an EPA estimated 44 city/41 highway mpg.
The Energi is powered by a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that gives an estimated all-electric range of 19 miles before the vehicle seamlessly switches to its 2.0L gas engine. Combined, Ford says drivers can expect to get 500 miles out of a tank. The battery can be recharged in 2.5 hours and EV speeds top out at 85 mph.
Both of these models come with an advanced EcoGuide system that displays powertrain performance and provides drivers with real-time coaching to get the best fuel economy possible.
2017 Ford Fusion Pricing and Availability
The new Ford Fusion lineup will arrive at dealerships this summer, supposedly in May, though the Sport edition will be arriving a few weeks after its brethren. Here's what you can expect to pay:
- Fusion S base price: $22,995
- Fusion Sport base price: $34,350
- Fusion Hybrid starting at: $26,060
- Fusion Energi starting at: $33,995
- Fusion Platinum base price: $37,495
- Fusion Platinum Hybrid starting at: $37,895
- Fusion Platinum Energi starting at: $41,995
All in all, the updates for the Fusion lineup are subtle for the 2017 model year, but the V6 Sport has many car enthusiasts very excited. The new styling updates, standard features, and trim level changes effectively take the Fusion up another notch.