Used 2018 Ford Fusion SEL for sale 

The carmaker has added convenient features like satellite radio and power front seats in the Fusion SE. The optional fitments include a touch-screen infotainment system, leather seats, a moonroof, and a whole host of advanced safety and driver assistance features, depending on needs and budget. Few highlights of the sedan across the trims include-

Ford Fusion is also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims, known as Fusion Energi. Both sedans are front-wheel drive. The hybrid trim is powered by a 2.0-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a small electric motor, a Lithium-ion battery pack. The engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission. Ford Fusion offers a performance that is expected from a car in this segment. The base engine is quite disappointing, but the optional turbocharged engine is a better performer for sure. The handling turns out to be sporty and the ride quality somehow is decent on normal roads.

Which trim to go for?

Fusion SE trim offers a decent list of standard features. Opt for the optional 1.5 Liter EcoBoost engine. This engine offers more power and better mileage than the standard engine. If you want more power, opt for the optional 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine with all-wheel-drive.

Under the hood, Ford Fusion is gifted with four engine options. The base engine comprises of 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is quite underperforming. There are two turbocharged EcoBoost engines: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that is capable of delivering a maximum power of 181 hp and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 245 horses. 

For extra performance delivery, we have the Ford Fusion Sport that comes with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine that propels exemplary 325 horses. This model offers a thrilling driving experience. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard in all models. The acceleration from the base engine available with the 2018 Fusion S is unpleasant. It takes 8.9 seconds to go 0-60 MPH while other rivals like Sonata and Optima do it in 6.8 seconds. 

Since 2018 Fusion comes with standard front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive, it offers balanced and composed handling.  Ride the sedan with confidence and make easy turns on uneven terrains. The braking distance is also similar to the competitors, which is 122 feet for 60-0 MPH. Hyundai rules this section by offering the best in power and 0-60mph figures, measuring 245hp and 6.8 seconds, respectively.

The EPA has not tested the 2018 Fusion for the latest fuel economy yet. But, since the engine and other specs remain unchanged, we are providing the mileage figures taken from the previous year. The base model offered 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is the lowest figure in the segment.

We didn't get much from the EcoBoost engines either, as the 1.5-liter engine returned 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, whereas the 2.0-liter engine delivered 21/31 mpg. The standard mileage offered by the Toyota Camry is slightly better at 24/33/28.5 mpg. While, the Kia Optima returns even better, at 25/36/29 mpg.

The 2018 Fusion interior features the latest design layout and upmarket features. The use of high-quality material makes the interior look appealing and pleasant. There is generous cabin space and cargo space. Car's tech features are also user-friendly and easily accessible. The heated and cooled leather sport seats are ultimately comfortable and best suited for long drives. Overall, the interior looks well-appointed and attractive. 

The build quality of the sedan is excellent with the presence of controls and knobs in the right places. The rotary shifter resembles the design used by Land Rover and Jaguar. However, it gives a luxury feel. The 2018 Ford Fusion offers seating for five people. The seats come with a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and four-way manually adjustable rear seat. Fusion has also got two complete LATCH systems for connecting car seats.

There is ample cargo space in Ford Fusion. The 2018 Fusion has got two front cupholders with nighttime lighting. The rear cupholders are integrated with the center fold-down armrest. With the available 16 cubic feet of cargo space, the cargo volume is average for its class. For accommodating large items, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat is available as standard equipment. The Hyundai Sonata has a slightly larger cargo capacity of 16.3 cu-ft while all others have less than the Fusion. Few major interior features include-

• Front sport seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat,
• Six- or 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat,
• Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel

Infotainment

2018 Ford Fusion comes with a 4.2-inch SYNC infotainment system in lower trims and a Ford SYNC 3 touch-screen infotainment system in the higher trims. The infotainment system comprises an 8-inch touchscreen display that offers clear graphics. The screen is easy to access from the driver's seat.

The system is very responsive to gestures such as swiping to pinching. SYNC 3 can be easily integrated with the smartphone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which allow you to access your phone's media, apps, contacts, and messaging. Major infotainment features of the sedan are-

• 4.2-inch SYNC infotainment system in lower trims
• Ford Sync 3 Touch-screen Infotainment System on higher trims
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Integration
• Two 12-volt powerpoints
• A Stereo System Featuring Am/Fm Radio, A Cd Player And Mp3 Capabilities

Ford Fusion's body is beautifully crafted, and the carmaker has given a lean attire to the exterior. The design flow resembles the Mazda 6, and the shape looks inspired by the Audi A7. Ford revisited a few years back and introduced the Fusion with revised taillights and front grille.

The rear LED lights are bisected along the chrome strip outline. Dimension-wise, the 2018 Fusion remains unchanged and shares similarities with its close competitors. The 2018 Ford Fusion is available in nine exterior color options.

The Hyundai Sonata weighs the most of the bunch at 3,589lbs, and the Ford follows at second place with a curb weight of 3,431lbs. Then comes the Toyota Camry with a weight of 3,241lbs, and the Kia Optima is the lightest, weighing 3,219lbs. The Toyota Camry is slightly longer, while all others have the same length.

Ford Fusion has considerably done well in the crash tests. It has received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Fusion also got a four-star rating in the frontal collision test. IIHS has designated 2018 Fusion under Top Safety Pick, which is impressive. The IIHS has given "Good" scores on crash test and "Superior" score for front crash prevention. Ford Fusion comes equipped with some standard safety features such as a rearview camera and Ford's MyKey safety feature, which allows you to set speed limits and prevent audio from playing until passengers get buckled up. 

Other advanced safety tech includes rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. The top trims get more advanced safety features such as rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, an automatic parking function, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Other features include-

• AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Mykey System -inc Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes, and Beltminder w/Audio Mute

Ford Fusion vs. Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry is undoubtedly one of the best-selling sedan cars in the United States. The 2018 Camry offers well in reliability rating while the 2018 Fusion offers better performance. Unlike the Fusion, Camry comes with hefty standard equipment but misses out on the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford Fusion offers smartphone integration and easy access, making it an overall better proposition between the two.

Ford Fusion vs. Kia Optima

Kia Optima comes with excellent styling and is worth considering. While Fusion holds impressive interior space and advanced tech features, the better engine performance of Kia in the segment makes it a better of the two in the segment.

Ford Fusion vs. Hyundai Sonata

Sonata and Fusion are both available in front-wheel-drive configuration, but Fusion also offers all-wheel drive as an option. Fusion has added features this year after a redesign in 2013, while Sonata got redesigned in 2015. Sonata ranks seconds among the mid-size sedan cars while the Fusion can be spotted at 11th position. The choice remains yours. 

The Fusion base model lacks power, but the turbocharged model can be a better bet. The Fusion can be fun to drive for everyday commuting. The Sport trim is performance-oriented, and it will keep you thrilled wherever you take the car. The interior and cargo offer plenty of space. On the safety front also the sedan has scored well. If you are considering a decent family sedan to buy that is equipped with the latest tech features, then the 2018 Ford Fusion can be a smart choice. However, for better base models consideration, you should look upon alternatives like Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata.