2016 Ford Fusion: What's Changed


- Most significant changes: On gasoline models, a new $305 Appearance Package dresses up the base S model with 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, a rear spoiler and body-color rocker moldings
- Price change: Base prices up $100 on all gas models; Hybrid and Energi both $900 less than last year
- On sale: Since April
- Which should you buy, 2015 or 2016? 2015 for gas models, 2016 for Hybrid or Energi
Ford has made few changes to the current Fusion since its introduction as a 2013 model (bigger changes are expected for the 2017 model year). Though it still looks fresh and offers all-wheel drive as an option, intense competition among midsize sedans mean that all brands are discounting these days, so you no longer have to pay top dollar for a Fusion, which comes well equipped in all price levels and lavishly so in Titanium trim.
All models have Ford’s Sync infotainment system, and Sync with MyFord Touch (larger dashboard screen with touch controls) is optional on the SE and standard on the Titanium. The good news is that Ford is discounting the $1,100 cost of MyFord Touch by $515 on the SE. The bad news: The Fusion isn’t due to get Ford’s new — and supposedly improved — Sync 3 system until the 2017 models, so for now the often problematic current MyFord Touch is all that’s available.
Related: Research the Ford Fusion
With the gas models, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard on the S and front-drive SE. Turbocharged 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinders are optional on the front-drive SE, and the 2.0 is standard on the all-wheel-drive SE and the Titanium. Prices start at reasonable levels in S and SE trim, but can quickly zoom past $30,000 with optional engines and other features.
Besides a $900 price cut, the slow-selling Hybrid and Energi also get a new EcoSelect button that maximizes efficiency by reducing acceleration and the power used by the heater and air conditioner.
The price cut reflects the realities of the marketplace. Sales of hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles have been falling while low gas prices encourage more consumers to buy SUVs instead of midsize sedans. In addition, competitors also are cutting prices. The 2016 Chevrolet Volt, for example, will start at $33,995 (all prices include destination), $1,175 less than the 2015 Volt. In comparison, the 2016 Fusion Energi plug-in starts at $34,725. The Energi is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $4,007, and the Volt qualifies for up to $7,500.
Nearly three-fourths of the Fusion new-car national inventory on Cars.com was 2015 models when this was written, and the 2016s are rolling in. Ford dealers should be offering good discounts on their remaining 2015s. The only real advantage to paying more for a 2016 gas model is the higher resale value of the newer model year. With the Hybrid and Energi, the $900 price cut on the 2016s is like getting a bigger rebate.


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