2013 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD

The previous generation Fusion was a very respectable car, and Ford offered consumers’ a fairly wide portfolio from which to choose.  But that’s nothing compared to what they’ve got up their sleeve this time.  Between gas, hybrid and plug-in, 3 different engines, 2 with turbos, front and all-wheel drive, stick or automatic and trims ranging all the way to Titanium status, the Fusion seemingly has a model for everyone.

And where do I begin?  This is the range topping Fusion Titanium AWD fueled by a standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and 6-speed auto with paddle shifters.  If you’re looking for a V6 you won’t find one.  This is the powerhouse engine producing 240 horsepower and 270 pound feet of low hitting torque.  It’s capable of 22mpg city/31mpg highway on regular gas and achieves the same 25mpg combined as Honda’s front-wheel drive Accord V6.  And even in this heaviest model it feels more than sufficiently energized, foregoing turbo lag on its way to 60mph in only 6.5-seconds.

The Fusion stands apart from the rest of the newly introduced family sedan crowd by bringing an unmatched level of youthful exuberance.  Whether it is the Aston-Martin inspired design or its effervescent turbo, the Fusion is cast from a different mold.  It drives smaller with more verve.  The steering is tight and eagerly follows your eyes and the 6-speed has a sport mode and manual shifting that further extracts this car’s athleticism.  Cutting through country roads, the Fusion displays deft moves and excellent grip from the optional 19” Conti’s and surefooted all-wheel drive.  If you’re willing to trade in a piece of the Accord’s uptown sophistication for a helping of the Fusion’s spunkiness you’ll find a car that’s more pleasing to drive than any in its class.

But don’t think that means the Fusion doesn’t bring it when it comes to advanced features.  I was really surprised to see the vast arsenal of convenience and driver aides in a car outside the luxury realm.  A plethora of options on my tester adds a lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and blind spot detection.  I’ve also got voice activated navigation with Sync and MyFord Touch, HD radio and incredibly comfortable heated leather sport seats with driver side memory.  And Ford’s digital gauge cluster has become one of my favorites in terms of appearance and readily available functions that keep your hands on the wheel.  Again, looking back to the Accord, the Fusion’s cabin skews less refined and sportier in its look and feel, in step with its personality.  It’s also noticeably smaller in the rear seats though by no means to a detriment…there’s just not the large car leg and headroom you’ll find in some others.  Trunk space is right in the sweet spot at 16.0 cubic feet.

The Titanium AWD starts at just under $33,000 and when you go all the way with options you’ll end up at $37,670.  The Ford Fusion injects yet another excellent choice in the segment though one with a stronger personality.