2014 Ford Fusion Preview

By ,

Pros: Completely redesigned last year, the 2014 Ford Fusion continues to impress with a very classy and elegant design, numerous cutting-edge technologies, a spacious and quiet interior, dynamic handling (with available all-wheel drive), and fuel-efficient powerplants.

Cons: One of the Fusion's strengths is also a weakness. The MyFord Touch interface is prone to glitches, and many drivers feel frustrated with its use. Moreover, expect to sacrifice a good deal of trunk space when opting for the hybrid or Energi variant.

2014 Ford Fusion Price: This year, Ford offers 9 distinct trim levels including:

  • S ($22,499), SE FWD ($24,599), SE AWD ($29,999), and Titanium ($33,999) for the gasoline-powered Fusion;
  • S ($28,699), SE ($29,999), and Titanium ($35,499) for the Fusion Hybrid;
  • SE ($38,899) and Titanium ($41,399) for the Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid).


2014 Ford Fusion Fuel Economy: Ratings for the standard Fusion vary from 8.0-9.5L/100km in the city and 5.3-6.3L/100km on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid obviously fares better (4.0 and 4.1L/100km, respectively), but not as much as the Fusion Energi (1.9L/100km equivalent in the city; 4.5L/100km average).

Improvements and Changes: New colours and options are available with the 2014 Ford Fusion. A third, smaller EcoBoost engine (1.5L) can be specified, too, although official performance figures have not been released at the time of writing.

Powertrain: Ford Fusion buyers have a choice of 5 engines for 2014:
  • 2.5L 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine (175 hp, 175 lb-ft);
  • 1.5L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine;
  • 1.6L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine (178 hp, 184 lb-ft);
  • 2.0L 4-cylinder, turbocharged EcoBoost engine (240 hp, 270 lb-ft);
  • Hybrid system consisting of a 2.0L 4-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor (188 hp, 129 lb-ft total);
  • Plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.0L 4-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor (188 hp, 129 lb-ft total);

Gasoline models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission (a 6-speed manual is also available with the 1.6L unit), while the Fusion Hybrid and Energi use a CVT. All-wheel drive and paddle shifters are only available with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.

Photo: Ford

Cargo Capacity: The 2014 Ford Fusion has a big, 453-litre trunk. The Fusion Hybrid and Energi offer much less cargo space (340 and 232 litres, respectively) due to the location of the battery.

Safety: Eight airbags come standard with the 2014 Ford Fusion, along with AdvanceTrac stability control. Most trim levels are available with adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a rear camera, cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

Comparing the 2014 Ford Fusion: Interested in buying an entry-level midsize sedan like the Fusion? Plenty of alternatives exist out there including the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Mazda6 , Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy , Toyota Camry , and Volkswagen Passat.