2024 Ford Fusion: All-New Ford Fusion Sedan Exclusive Review

Posted on

2024 Ford Fusion since 2018, Ford has been making plans to discontinue its sedan lineup in North America. After the 2019 model year, Ford discontinued the Fusion Sport trim and even stopped promotional advertising for their sedan in North America.

The manufacturer intends to focus on pickup trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and Ford Mustangs. With production starting in 2006, the Ford Fusion now has two generations. Due to Ford and Mazda’s relationship, the first generation of Fusion was built on the CD3 platform designed by Mazda.

Most of the engine options for the first generation were also from Mazda. Ford Fusion also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims for the first and second generations. There has been speculation that Ford is discontinuing the Fusion altogether, but Ford engineers have been spotted testing the new Fusion on the test track.

The new sedan is the 2023 model, and this is what we expect from the upcoming Ford Fusion.

2024 Ford Fusion Review

With sedan sales plummeting and SUV purchases skyrocketing, Ford is seeking to unite the two vehicle segments by reviving the Fusion nameplate for an all-new crossover-like station wagon.

2024 Ford Fusion

While there aren’t many details about the upcoming Ford model, it is expected to target the Subaru Outback. That means the Fusion Active must have an all-wheel drive, a plastic body cover, and an elevated ride height. There are also rumors that a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrain will be offered. We won’t have the full picture until Ford decides to reveal it, but here’s what we know so far about the Fusion Active.

Although there are still many people who buy sedans, the numbers are not as promising as SUVs. In 2019, SUVs accounted for 47.4% of total car sales in the United States, with sedans making up only 22.1%. Sales of SUVs, pickup trucks, and crossovers are expected to grow in the coming years, so manufacturers such as Ford and Fiat Chrysler have decided to focus on the SUV market.

The new Ford Fusion may not be available in the US, but it will be available in the Chinese market. Ford may also make the sedan available as the new Mondeo in Europe. Ford brings back the Fusion with a tasteful new design. This is what we expect from the new sedan.

Read next: 2024 Ford Escape: New Ford Escape PHEV Review

Next Ford Fusion Specs

In the first generation Ford Fusion, the manufacturer provided a variety of Duratec engines. There is a choice of 2.3 liters, 2.5 liters, 3.0 liter V6, and 3.5 liters. Ford also has a hybrid trim with nickel-metal hydride batteries. Most of the engines in the first generation came from Mazda.

The second generation has a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, a 1.6-liter EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter Duratec for the hybrid, and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for the Sport trim. We expect plenty of engine options and trim levels for the upcoming Ford Fusion. Also, hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims will be available.

2024 Ford Fusion Mondeo

Ford has started taking orders for the new generation Mondeo in China, with prices starting at 159,800 (equal to $25,069 at current exchange rates).

Surprisingly, despite introducing significant improvements to the design, powertrain, and technology, the new Ford Mondeo is cheaper than its predecessor in the Chinese market.

More specifically, the entry-level 2022 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Fashion costs 159,800 ($25,069), 33,000 ($5,178) cheaper than the equivalent but underpowered 2020 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 180 Fashion on offer for 192,800 ($30,251).

Even at the top of the lineup, the 2022 flagship Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 ST-Line is listed for 219,800 ($34,487), which is 7,000 (1,098) less than the 2020 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 200 Luxury which retails for 226,800 ($35,584). ).

Mondeo combines Ford’s latest design language with an aerodynamic body measuring 4,935 mm (194.2 inches). All trims come standard with LED headlights, with three of the four getting the duo-tone treatment with a black roof.

The Fashion Base is equipped with 17-inch wheels, against the 18-inch Deluxe and the 19-inch Extreme, and the ST-Line. The latter is more distinguished by a sporty body kit that looks good even though it doesn’t produce more performance.

Inside, a large 27-inch 4K touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are standard equipment on the Deluxe, Extreme, and ST-Line as standout features of the new generation. The entry-level model gets a simpler 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while it comes with manual seats with simple fabric upholstery, and single-zone climate control (dual-zone in other trims).

In terms of ADAS, ST-Line gets the full Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite that delivers Level 2+ autonomous capabilities, Extreme and Deluxe are featureless while Fashion loses everything for a more basic approach.

All Mondeo variants are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp (175 kW / 238 PS) and 376 Nm (277 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, enabling a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The same powertrain is used in the Ford Evos and Lincoln Zephyr which are also based on the same C2 architecture. Like the model mentioned above, the Mondeo comes standard with McPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension.

Ford Mondeo is a China-only affair since the automaker decided to retire the nameplate in Europe and discontinue Fusion in North America.

Production is already well underway from Changan Ford in China, with the first examples having reached Chinese dealers as suggested by local media. Below you can see prices for the entire Mondeo range:

  • Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Fashion – 159,800 ($25,069)
  • Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Deluxe – 179,800 ($28,211)
  • Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 Extreme – 199,800 ($31,349)
  • Ford Mondeo EcoBoost 245 ST-Line – 219,800 ($34,487)

Read next: 2024 Ford Ranger: Discover The Next-Gen Ranger Performance Review

2024 Ford Fusion Active

The Blue Oval’s pivot towards utility vehicles and crossovers resulted in the Ford Fusion being extinct in 2020 when the sedan paved the way for the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Maverick at the Hermosillo Assembly plant some time ago, however, the nameplate is expected to reappear as the Ford Fusion Active, a crossover.

The wagon was designed to emulate the Subaru Outback, which hasn’t had real competition in years.

As Ford Authority previously reported, a prototype of the vehicle has been spotted recently, an indication that it will be officially launched at some point in the future. With that in mind, we decided to give an example of what it might look like in production form.

Details about the upcoming Ford Fusion Active remain scant, but based on a heavily disguised prototype, the vehicle appears to be ditching the sporty hatchback silhouette featured on the Chinese market Ford Evos for a more functional layout designed to maximize cargo space behind the first row.

As the vehicle is ostensibly positioned to face the Subaru Outback, some strategically placed body cladding makes an appearance above the wheel bays, along the rocker panels, and rear, where the rear bumper gets the same treatment.

On the Ford Mondeo China, the area received a matching paint job. The two-tone roof also allows the Ford Fusion Active to visually separate itself from its main competitors as well, as the Outback doesn’t have the option of a specific paint pattern.

While our rendering of the Ford Fusion Active features its own distinct roof profile, they will likely see a preview of what the Blue Oval expects to sell in North America at some point in the future.

No specifics have been revealed yet, but it will likely use the Ford C2 platform that the company has used on a number of vehicles so far, including the Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, and Ford Maverick, in addition to the Ford Mondeo and Ford Evo.

The Active will likely share a fair share of the last two vehicles, as the visible prototype appears to boast a front end that bears an uncanny resemblance to the product, which is currently limited in China.

2024 Ford Fusion Active Crossover

There’s a lot we don’t know about the camouflaged prototype you see here, which is believed to be a new crossover SUV from Ford called the Fusion Active.

We know it was spotted recently near the Ford development center and testing ground in Dearborn. And we think it’s aimed at the US market in the next year or two.

It’s also not the first time we’ve seen this boxy, wagon-Esque Fusion in public. A test vehicle wearing a similar camo was captured in the Arctic in March, and since then, it appears that different taillights have been installed.

It also appears that some of the faux panels at the rear have been removed, as the test vehicle is not very bulky along the roof and rear. Looking closely at the rear hatch, there is a kind of bar or sharp body line that runs horizontally that connects to the taillights, curving downwards.

There are several Chinese market Fords that could work behind the scenes of this new Fusion. The Equator is an SUV that debuted last year, offering three rows of seating in a package that is very similar to the test vehicle we see here, at least in terms of the overall form.

There’s also the Ford Evos, a curious crossover coupe with a face similar to the Equator, wrapped in a slimmer package that sits slightly lower to the ground. We see aspects of both in this Fusion Active prototype. The shape of the Equator fits well but sits lower like the Evos.

Enlarging the front of the prototype, you can see that there are notches on the camo wrap at the corners of the fascia, similar to the driving lights on the Equator. Both Chinese models have wide grilles with narrow headlights, and we suspect that’s what you’ll find under the cover of this test car.

How about under the hood? If it borrows from the Equator or Evos, it’s likely to run the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with an eight-speed automatic in Ford’s version of the C2 platform. It was also the platform used for the Maverick, meaning the Fusion Active could offer standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.

With the Ford Edge expected to end next year, the time is right for Ford to inject new blood into the midsize SUV segment. That could mean a debut later this year or sometime in the first half of 2023.

Read next: 2024 Ford Explorer: All-New Ford Explorer EV SUV Review

2024 Ford Fusion Exterior

With a new grille and rear design, the Ford Fusion looks more sophisticated. Like the 2017 model, the Fusion 2023 gets a facelift. The grille has been changed and now looks like a Ford Edge grille. While the grille design is attractive, it’s not the most surprising change. The rear of the upcoming Fusion looks like a crossover or rear hatchback.

While this design is not typical, it makes sense for Ford to incorporate a hatchback design into their sedan as they prefer SUVs and the like.

2024 Ford Fusion Interior

Although the Ford Fusion is not a luxury vehicle, the interior design is sharp and comfortable. There’s nothing fancy about the sedan’s interior, but it looks one-of-a-kind. The Ford Fusion is a five-seater, and the latter model has adequate legroom and headroom for passengers. With the 70/40 rear split seat, you can maximize the load of the car’s interior.

The 2021 Ford Fusion has a cargo capacity of 16.0 cu-ft, rivaled by the Honda Accord’s 16.7 cu-ft. Ford may decide to increase Fusion’s cargo capacity in future models. For infotainment, the 2020 Ford Fusion model sports a 4.2″ LCD screen and an AM/FM compatible stereo with a CD player.

For a larger media screen, drivers can opt for the optional SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect gives drivers access to 4G LTE Wi-Fi. About ten devices can be connected, and a hotspot can be accessed 50 feet from the sedan. We expect the new Fusion to get a modern infotainment media screen and Apple CarPlay standards.

New Ford Fusion Engine

The 2020 Ford model has a standard 2.5-liter engine with 175 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The base engine doesn’t sound appealing, but more powerful options like the 1.5-liter turbocharged power train and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 245 horsepower are available. For handling, the Fusion 2020 is smooth on the road and does not have much body roll. The new Fusion may get a more powerful base engine option and, hopefully, a more advanced transmission system.

The 2020 Ford models have a range of important safety and driver assistance features. Most of the features are also standard. Like most newer Ford models, the 2020 Fusion has Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. The sedan also has a standard blindspot monitoring system, traffic warning, lane control system, pre-collision assistance, emergency braking, and more.

Voice commands and hands-free driving are also available. As Ford has made more safety features standard on their new model, the Fusion 2023 will get more safety features than the previous model.

2024 Ford Fusion Price

Since it will probably fill a hole in Ford’s lineup that the midsize Edge SUV will soon vacate, it makes sense that the Fusion Active would start somewhere in the mid-$36,000 range.

  • SE $36,000 (est)
  • CELL $39,000 (est)
  • Titanium $42,000 (est)

2024 Ford Fusion Release Date

We predict the 2024 Ford Fusion came in the Fall of 2023

People also ask about Ford Fusion 2024

Q: Is Ford bringing back the Ford Fusion?

A: Ford is bringing back the Fusion with a tasteful new design. This is what we expect from the new sedan. Since 2018, Ford has been making plans to discontinue its sedan lineup in North America.

Q: Is there going to be a 2023 Ford Fusion?

A: What’s New in 2023? The Ford Fusion—discontinued after the 2020 model year—will be reimagined as a raised station wagon to better fit among the brand’s lineup of nearly all SUVs. We’ve only seen spy photos so far, but it looks like the new crossover is nearing its debut. We hope to know more before the end of the year.

Q: Is Ford making the Fusion in 2022?

A: The 2022 Ford Fusion has four trim levels to choose from S, SE, SEL, or Titanium. Under the hood, you’ll find one of three engine options: 1.5-liter four-cylinder, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Q: Is Ford phasing out the Fusion?

A: The Fusion last left the assembly line on July 31, which means Ford is no longer making sedans for America. It all started with Gran Turismo.