2019 Ford Fusion: Refreshed and Ready for New York Debut

Competes with: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry

Looks like: A 2018 Fusion with minor cosmetic changes

Powertrains: A 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; a 181-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder; a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a 325-hp, turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6

Hits dealerships: Late summer 2018

Ford’s Fusion mid-size sedan gets a mild-refresh for 2019, and we’ll see it for the first time at the upcoming 2018 New York International Auto Show. The lineup is simplified, as well: Gas versions are available in S, SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport trims; hybrids in SE, SEL and Titanium; and the plug-in hybrid Energi models in SEL and Titanium.

Related: More 2018 New York Auto Show Coverage

The SEL trim returns for 2019, replacing the SE Luxury Package from previous model years. It comes standard with a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory settings, keyless access with remote start and LED headlights among other upscale features. Hybrid SEL models add a voice-activated touchscreen with navigation.

Exterior

The exterior changes to the Fusion are minor; put the 2019 Fusion side-by-side with the 2018 and you’ll be hard-pressed to notice many differences. The most notable changes are revamped front foglights and changes to the front grille: Titanium models get a chrome mesh while lower trims get a chrome five-bar design. In the rear, the trunk lid has been redesigned and the taillights are now LEDs.

Interior

Interior changes are even less significant than the exterior updates. Buyers of the 2019 Fusion will be able to build a car with new colors on the inside.

Under the Hood

The Fusion’s gas-engine lineup remains unchanged with a selection of four-cylinder engines, including a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter; a 181-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter; and a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter. That’s in addition to the Fusion Sport’s bonkers 325-hp, turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 making 380 pounds-feet of torque. The Energi plug-in hybrid will have a more powerful battery without changing the size of the battery pack, resulting in what sounds like a massive increase of nearly 20 percent in battery-only range; unfortunately, 25 miles of range is only slightly more than the outgoing model’s 20-mile range.

Safety

Ford will offer its new Co-Pilot360 Protect driver-assistance system across all trim levels of the Fusion, taking a cue from competitors like Toyota that make safety systems standard. Co-Pilot360 Protect includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warnings, lane keep assist, a rear backup camera and automatic high-beam headlights. Upgrading to the optional Co-Pilot360 Assist adds adaptive cruise control that works down to a full stop.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the new 2019 Ford Fusion as it debuts in New York next week.

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