Ford's Fusion family sedan moves into 2017 with updated styling and more power, courtesy of a 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine borrowed from the Edge crossover.
Armed with 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, Ford is eager for you to know the 2.7L Fusion has more power than a BMW 340i, and also out-powers other six-cylinder competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The 2.7L joins two other turbocharged engines -- a 1.5L and a 2.0L -- and a 2.5L naturally-aspirated motor used in the entry-level model. The 1.5L is expected to make 180 hp and 185 lb-ft, while the 2.0L should be good for around 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. The 1.5L engine uses auto start/stop to shut down at stoplights and save fuel that would be wasted in idling.
Speaking of saving fuel, a pair of hybrids returns for 2017. One uses a standard gas-electric powertrain, while the Energi is a plug-in hybrid that can travel a limited distance on electricity alone when fully-charged. Both use a 2.0L gasoline engine that works in concert with an electric motor.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard in all gasoline-powered models, with the hybrids use a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission. The Fusion starts as a front-wheel drive sedan, but AWD is an option with the 2.0L engine and standard with the 2.7L.
Ford hasn't published fuel consumption estimates yet, but expect numbers similar to 2016s ratings of 9.4/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 1.5L, and 10.5/7.0 for the 2.0L. Our educated guess is the 2.7L model will be rated a little better than 13.0/9.0 L/100 km.
Technology-wise, the 2017 Fusion gets Ford's SYNC 3, the latest generation infotainment system. Also available are a pedestrian detection system, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection. Also new is a dial-style gearshift that Ford says frees up the console space normally occupied by a shift lever.
