Editor’s note: You may also want to read Autotrader’s 2013, 2014, 2016 or 2017 Ford Fusion review.
From the moment it was introduced, the Ford Fusion made big waves. A big car that was attractive to look at and very satisfying to drive, the 2015 Ford Fusion impresses us with its attractive design, roomy interior and fantastic driving manners. And with a huge selection of models and powertrains — including one naturally aspirated engine, a pair of turbos and two hybrid versions — buyers had plenty of Fusions from which to choose.
The Fusion didn’t change much between 2013 and 2015, aside from a bit of shuffling to powertrain availability the manual transmission was dropped for 2015) and the addition of a bit more standard equipment. The 2015 model year saw the addition of a standard-fit rearview camera and power front passenger seats for the SE (6-way) and Titanium (10-way) trims.
Also largely unchanged is our opinion of the Ford Fusion: Styling, interior space (particularly in the back seat) and the engaging driving experience are all high points. We like that Ford offers two hybrid variants, including a plug-in version that can drive up to 21 miles on battery power alone. Our biggest complaints: The MyFord Touch infotainment system can be difficult to use, especially while driving, and the plug-in hyrbid’s large battery pack eats up trunk space. See the 2015 Ford Fusion models for sale near you
What We Like
Handsome styling; roomy interior; fun to drive; hybrid and plug-in options
What We Don’t
Limited outward visibility; complicated infotainment system; hybrids compromise on trunk space
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The 2015 Ford Fusion S and SE are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are 22 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the standard-fit 6-speed automatic transmission. The Fusion SE offers an optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine developing 178 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque; it’s EPA-rated at 23 mpg city/36 mpg hwy (25 mpg city/37 mpg hwy with an optional auto-start system).
Optional for the Fusion SE and standard on Titanium is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine good for 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. EPA ratings are 22 mpg city/32 mpg hwy. This engine can also be had with all-wheel drive in the Titanium trim; EPA ratings for this configuration are 22 mpg city/31 mpg hwy.
The Fusion is also offered with a hybrid drivetrain based on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Total system output is 188 hp, and EPA ratings for the Hybrid are 43 mpg city/39 mpg hwy. The plug-in Fusion Energi offers 21 miles of electric-only range. The EPA rates the Fusion Energi at 38 mpg in combined driving when using gasoline power and 88 mpg equivalent when using both electricity and gasoline.
Standard Features & Options
The least expensive 2015 Fusion is the S, which comes with air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, a backup camera, 16-inch alloy wheels and SYNC voice control for the stereo and the Bluetooth speakerphone.
The SE trim adds alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power front seats (10-way adjustment for the driver and 6-way for the passenger) and satellite radio. Options include the Appearance Package (larger wheels, fog lights, upgraded upholstery and a rear spoiler), the Luxury Package (leather upholstery, power adjustable heated front seats with memory and an auto-dimming rearview mirror), the Technology Package (a MyFord Touch display stereo with an 8-in touchscreen and gauge-cluster displays, dual-zone climate control, extra USB ports and a rearview camera) and the Luxury Driver Assist package (a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and assistance, automatic high beams and an 110-volt power outlet), plus remote starting, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, navigation, automatic parking, adaptive cruise control and collision warning and mitigation.
The Titanium trim comes with everything in the SE’s Luxury and Technology packages, plus 18-in wheels, keyless ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, a sport-tuned suspension, rear parking sensors, sport front seats with 10-way power adjustment for the passenger and a 12-speaker Sony stereo. Options include the Luxury Driver Assistance package, all-wheel drive, ventilated front seats, rear inflatable seatbelts, a sunroof, navigation, automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and mitigation and 19-in wheels.
The Fusion Hybrid is offered in S, SE and Titanium trims, with standard equipment similar to other Fusions. The plug-in Hybrid Energi is offered in SE Luxury and Titanium trims, the former similar to the Fusion SE with Luxury package.
Pricing
Thanks to its advanced feature set and favorable ratings from critics, the Ford Fusion has held its value well, though it failed to place in KBB’s 2015 Best Resale Value Awards (after finishing third among midsize cars in 2014 and second in 2013). Even so, the Fusion has a home-field advantage: Prices tend to be lower than its Japanese rivals.
For a good idea of the 2015 Fusion’s price range, check out KBB.com. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are for sale in your area.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls for the 2015 Ford Fusion:
In states where road salt is used, the bolts that attach the power steering-assist motor can corrode, allowing the motor to detach and causing a loss of power steering.
Some 2015 Fusions have a faulty ignition lock that allows the key to be removed when the car is not in Park, which could cause the car to roll away unexpectedly.
Some 2015 Fusions have faulty seat-belt attachment cables, which can fail in a crash due to heat generated by the seat-belt tensioner.
Recall repairs are required by law, even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed, and if not, they’ll fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
The NHTSA gave the 2015 Fusion a 5-star overall rating, with five stars for frontal impacts and four for side and rollover crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Fusion a Top Safety Pick. It scored Good in all but the difficult small-overlap front crash test, in which the Fusion earned an Average rating.
When new, the Fusion came with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Hybrid components are under warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Ford’s certified pre-owned program includes a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty and extends powertrain coverage to 7 years or 100,000 total miles.
Other Cars to Consider
2015 Mazda6 — There’s truth in Mazda’s "zoom-zoom" tagline. If the Fusion’s European road manners appeal to you, you’ll like the Mazda6 as well.
2015 Honda Accord — The Accord is one of the champs when it comes to room and reliability, though it’s not quite as engaging to drive as the Fusion.
2015 Subaru Legacy — The Legacy is another roomy 4-door that comes with standard-fit all-wheel-drive, a feature that improves traction in foul weather.
Autotrader’s Advice
All of the Fusion models are pretty good: The SE offers great driving dynamics. The Titanium is chock full of useful technology, and the hybrids deliver excellent real-world fuel economy, especially when you consider what a large car this is. All Fusions are good for family duty, though the Hybrid and Energi do compromise trunk space — something to consider if your family likes to travel. Look for clean models that have been carefully maintained, and check with the dealer to make sure all recalls have been addressed. Shop carefully for a good example, and you’ll have a handsome family sedan that’s roomy and rewarding to drive.
