I have to admit that every time I drive a Ford Fusion, I feel like I am in something really special. Since its launch in 2013, this is my third time driving it. The first time, I was in a base Fusion and people were doing a double-take at the stoplights because the car was still relatively new.
Last year, I was driving the mid-level Fusion SE and once again, the reaction from the pedestrians was the same.
So, last week I decided to get behind the wheel of the top-of-the-range 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD with white exterior and terracotta interior. Based off my two previous outings in the Fusion, I was expecting to see more pedestrians and fellow drivers to do a double-take at the stop lights. Guess what, it happened again.
This time however, a dude in a new C7 Chevrolet Corvette yelled out “nice Aston Martin Rapide!” as he took-off from the stop light. That statement just made my day.
The American mid-size family sedan segment is highly competitive and really boring. Every car I looked at made me yawn. The Toyota Camry has the same amount of sex appeal as my dish washer. Same goes for the Honda Accord, KIA Optima, and especially the Volkswagen Passat.
However, this is not the case the Ford Fusion. Which other $40,000 mid-size family sedan makes an individual in a $75,000 sports car say that your vehicle looks like a $140,000 exotic?
What’s New For 2015?
When something looks, feels, and drives as good as the Ford Fusion Titanium AWD, you would be really stupid to mess with it.
For 2015, the only noticeable difference in the Fusion is the SYNC infotainment system. The 2013 and 2014 models featured the SYNC system with “smart touch” buttons, which worked decently, but were a pain to see during the daylight with the sun’s glare.
In the 2015 model, the sensors have been thankfully replaced by tangible and legible soft keys, which makes the new system a lot easier to live with on a daily basis.
Aside from this one needed modification, the rest of the Fusion’s interior remains unchanged compared to the previous models and I have no problems with that.
Options
Where do I start?! My 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD featured so many standard and optional features, I swear that it could have easily shamed the Mercedes-Benz E Class, Audi A6, and the BMW 5 Series.
Standard features on the Fusion Titanium includes a 2.0 L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, leather trimmed heated and cooled sports seats, Sony Audio system with 12 speakers, and reverse sensing system.
Optional exterior features include Driver Assist Package ($1,200) which includes Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Monitoring, Automatic High Beams, and Rain-Sensing Wipers. It also features Active Park Assist with Forward Sensing System ($895), Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Waring with Brake Assist ($995), and Moon roof with Universal Garage Door Opener ($1,095).
For those living in the snow belt, the Fusion Titanium can be optioned with AWD for $2,000.
If for some reason you are still not impressed by the Ford Fusion’s exterior, then I am sure the interior will win you over.
Inside, the Ford Fusion Titanium features SYNC and sound discount package, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent access with push button start, lane keeping system which includes lane keeping alert, lane keeping aid, and driver alert system. It also includes a rear view camera, HD radio, Sirius XM satellite radio, Sony premium audio, and SYNC with MyFord touch.
Optional interior features include Terracotta Package ($795) which features leather trimmed seats, door-trim inserts, premium front and rear floor mats, and 18-inch machined and polished aluminum wheels. Other features include all-weather floor mats ($75), cooled front seats ($395), heated steering wheel ($195), rear inflatable seat belts ($190), trunk cargo net ($25), and voice controlled navigation ($795).
Engine Features and Fuel Mileage
The only engine available in the Fusion Titanium is a 2.0 L EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 240 horsepower at 5500 RPM and 270 lb.ft. of torque at 3000 RPM.
The engine is backed by a fairly quick shifting six-speed automatic with manual shift mode and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The EPA rates the 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD at 22 mpg in city, 31 mpg on highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, on my brief test drive, the trip computer indicated an average fuel consumption of 20 mpg.
The Fusion’s fuel tank holds 17.2 gallons on regular unleaded fuel. On a full tank, Ford estimates that the Fusion with AWD can travel up to 385 miles in the city and 542.50 miles on the highway.
Driving Dynamics
The Fusion might look like an Aston Martin, but its performance falls well short of the famed British marque.
The Fusion shares its chassis with the European Ford Mondeo, but the Fusion is tuned for the long stretches of the American Interstate system rather than the twisty European back roads.
That, however does not mean that the Fusion is a slouch, no, that is not what I am saying. Compared to its mainstream mid-size sedan rivals, the Fusion drives a lot better than most of them.
Steering in the Ford Fusion is a traditional Rack and Pinion unit. The suspension setup up front is comprised of struts, while the rear setup comprises of the traditional multi-link unit. Combined, the Fusion delivers a good balance between comfortable and sporty driving dynamics.
The stopping power on the Fusion Titanium AWD is also very good. Brakes are power assisted discs on all four corners with anti-lock braking system. The rotors up front are 11.8 inch vented discs and out back are 11.9 inch solid discs. Even after a few rounds of heavy braking, there was minimal brake fade and the pedal felt firm.
When the roads got a bit curvy, I was surprised with the amount of grip the Fusion’s tires provided at low speeds. All Fusion Titanium models are fitted with 235/45VR18 rubber on both axles. Thanks to the tall tire wall, the Fusion’s suspension and chassis were able to absorb majority of road imperfections.
Conclusion
The 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium starts at $30,390 with front wheel drive. All wheel drive models cost an additional $2,000. My tester, which came loaded with a lot of standard and optional features had a sticker price of $40,515 (this also included the $875 destination fees).
Compared to the Toyota Camry XLE and the Honda Accord EX-L, the Ford Fusion feels and looks more premium. The Fusion definitely oozes some of its European cousin’s DNA and in a sea full of mid-size family sedans, this car really stands out.
So, if you in the market for a mid-size family sedan and would like to stand out from the crowd, then you should definitely checkout the Ford Fusion, especially in the Titanium trim.
Information Source: Ford Motor Company
Additional 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD Images:
