All wheel drive capability is very important in the winter and around the year. It provides all weather confidence, sure footed handling, and great performance. I recently spent a little time with the 2013 Ford Fusion which was equipped with the handy AWD. Specifically, I drove an Oxford White Fusion AWD with Titanium trim level and the 2.0 liter EcoBoost turbo motor.
I got to experience this car around Denver Colorado in the changing road conditions of melting snow in the wake of a recent storm. I did not see any snow or ice, but car handled the intermittent wet pavement with ease. Several things immediately stand out when getting into and driving the new Fusion around town and on the highway.
First, is the high style and the curb presence of this elegant sedan. It’s a big improvement over the previous model and possibly on the most stylish vehicles in its very competitive segment. My test car had the optional 19 inch Dark Stainless Aluminum wheels, which kept the bling factor very high. I fully agree with most other reviewers – this is one great looking sedan.
Second, is the very well weighted, direct, and communicative steering. This was perhaps the biggest surprise I got from the 2013 Ford Fusion. This car uses an electrically boosted steering, which usually numbs down the feel. Not in this car. Ford engineers carefully crafted this system and I would put it up against any electric system, even from much more expensive luxury sports sedans. I also found Fusion’s turning radius to be nice and tidy, as I got lost a couple time on the old side streets of Denver. I am impressed!
Next is the overall refinement of the Fusion. It’s very quiet at highway speeds, which is characteristic of all modern Fords. The driver’s seat is very comfortable and has enough adjustment to accommodate. The 6-speed automatic works well, but is sometimes reluctant to down-shift when passing. Of course, you can use the somewhat small paddle shifters to gain more control of the gears and also keep a lower cog on a downgrade.
Fusion’s familiar 2.0 liter EcoBoost four cylinder power plant churns out 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough grunt to move this nearly 3,700 lbs sedan down the road with ease, but it’s not an outright sports sedan. I wonder whether Ford’s 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost would fit into the Fusion? It would make for one great Fusion “Sport”!
The 2013 Ford Fusion starts at a very reasonable $21,700, but after you add the premium Titanium package, AWD, and the other options – my test car was priced at nearly $35,000. This is still a competitive price. The AWD Titanium model is rated at 22/31 MPG by the EPA. If you are looking for better efficiency, you have a plethora of choice. Anything from a lighter FWD 1.6 liter car, to the Fusion Hybrid, and all the way to the electric Energi model.
Check out this TFLcar Mashup video where the new Fusion goes up against the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
