Ford Fusion Sport Review and Features

The mid-size sedan market has long been a battleground for practicality and efficiency, often at the expense of excitement. But what if you crave more than just a commute? What if you desire a family-friendly vehicle that can also deliver a thrilling driving experience? Enter the Ford Fusion Sport, a sedan that dared to defy expectations by blending everyday usability with surprising performance.

This comprehensive Ford Fusion Sport review and features guide will dive deep into what made this particular Fusion trim a hidden gem. We'll explore its powerful engine, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and the unique features that set it apart, helping you understand if this sporty sedan is the right fit for your needs.

Unpacking the Power: Engine and Performance

At the core of the Ford Fusion Sport's appeal is its impressive powertrain, designed to transform your daily drive into something far more engaging.

The Heart of the Beast: 2.7L EcoBoost V6

Forget the typical four-cylinder engines often found in mid-size sedans. The Ford Fusion Sport came equipped with an exclusive 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerhouse delivers a robust 325 horsepower and a hefty 380 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most potent options in its class. This level of power allowed the Fusion Sport to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.1 to 5.3 seconds, a figure that puts it on par with, or even surpasses, some dedicated sports sedans. Mated to a heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission, the engine provides ample grunt for spirited driving, whether you're merging onto a highway or overtaking on a back road.

Putting Power to the Pavement: All-Wheel Drive

To effectively manage all that power, the Ford Fusion Sport comes standard with an intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This system primarily operates in front-wheel-drive mode but can seamlessly shift torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected, ensuring optimal traction in various conditions, from wet roads to snowy paths. While it's not a true torque-vectoring system that can individually vary power to each rear wheel like some higher-performance Ford models, its active engagement from a stop and quick response to wheel slip makes it highly effective for daily driving and spirited acceleration.

Driving Dynamics: Sport Mode and Adaptive Dampers

What truly sets the Fusion Sport apart in the handling department is its continuously controlled damping (CCD) system. This advanced suspension technology uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust the dampers every two milliseconds, providing a remarkably composed and comfortable ride, even over rough pavement and potholes.

But the fun doesn't stop there. A dedicated "S" (Sport) button, conveniently located on the rotary shifter, transforms the car's character. Engaging Sport mode sharpens throttle response, increases steering effort for a more connected feel, and adjusts the adaptive dampers for a firmer, more athletic ride. The transmission also adopts a more aggressive shift program, holding gears longer and rev-matching downshifts for a truly engaging experience.

Design That Speaks Volumes (Quietly): Exterior and Interior Features

The Ford Fusion Sport isn't about shouting its performance from the rooftops. Instead, it adopts a more understated, "sleeper" aesthetic, letting its performance do most of the talking.

Subtle Aggression: Exterior Styling

Visually, the Fusion Sport distinguishes itself with subtle yet purposeful design cues. It features a high-gloss black mesh grille, a subtly integrated rear decklid spoiler, and a quad-tip exhaust system that hints at the power beneath the hood without being overly flashy. Unique 19-inch wheels with a dark tarnished finish further contribute to its sporty, yet refined, appearance. This approach ensures the Fusion Sport maintains the sophisticated lines of the standard Fusion while adding just enough aggression to signify its performance capabilities.

Step Inside: A Look at the Interior

Inside, the Ford Fusion Sport offers a blend of comfort, sportiness, and modern amenities. The cabin features Dark Earth Gray Miko® suede and leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching, providing both comfort and support during spirited driving. These seats are heated and can be optioned with cooling for enhanced comfort.

The interior also includes:

Rotary Gear Shifter: A sleek, space-saving rotary dial for gear selection.
Sync 3 Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen display (available as an upgrade from a standard 4.2-inch LCD) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, offering intuitive connectivity and entertainment.
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Ensures comfort for all occupants.
Digital Instrument Cluster Displays: Customizable digital screens flanking a physical speedometer, providing essential driving information.
Aluminum Sport Pedals: A subtle touch that enhances the sporty feel.
Ample Space: The Fusion Sport maintains the practicality of the standard Fusion, offering comfortable seating for five adults and a decent 16 cubic feet of trunk space. Rear passengers benefit from good legroom and even rear ventilation.

Tech and Safety: Modern Conveniences and Peace of Mind

Beyond performance and comfort, the Ford Fusion Sport also offered a suite of technology and safety features designed to enhance convenience and provide peace of mind on the road.

Available driver-assistance technologies included:

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps detect potential collisions and can apply brakes if necessary.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots and approaching traffic when backing up.
Lane-Keeping System: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
Enhanced Active Park Assist: Assists with both parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers.
Rearview Camera: Standard for improved visibility when reversing.

Living with the Fusion Sport: Practicality and Considerations

While undeniably performance-oriented, the Ford Fusion Sport remains a practical daily driver. However, like any vehicle, it has its unique considerations.

Fuel Economy and Daily Driving

Given its powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and standard AWD, the Fusion Sport's fuel economy is understandably lower than its four-cylinder counterparts. EPA estimates for the 2017 Fusion Sport were around 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This is a trade-off for the significant performance boost it offers.

Despite its sporty capabilities, the Fusion Sport excels as a comfortable cruiser. The adaptive suspension ensures a smooth ride, soaking up road imperfections with ease, making it suitable for long commutes and family trips.

Potential Points to Ponder

When considering a used Ford Fusion Sport, a few points are worth noting:

Oil Pan Leaks: Some early models with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, including the Fusion Sport, have been noted for oil pan leaks due to the design of the plastic oil pan and iron block. While Ford made corrections, it's something to be aware of when inspecting a used model.
PTU Maintenance: The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in AWD Fusions, while generally reliable, benefits from fluid changes every 20,000-30,000 miles, as the "lifetime" fluid claim may not hold true under all conditions, especially with exhaust heat.
Seating Position: Some drivers have noted that the seating position, even at its lowest setting, can feel a bit high.

Conclusion

The Ford Fusion Sport, particularly the 2017-2019 models, carved out a unique niche in the sedan market. It successfully combined the practicality and comfort expected of a family sedan with the exhilarating performance of a genuine sports car "sleeper." With its potent twin-turbo V6, confident all-wheel drive, and adaptive suspension, it offered a driving experience that was both thrilling and refined.

If you're in the market for a used sedan that defies the ordinary, offering surprising power and engaging dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability, the Ford Fusion Sport is certainly worth a closer look. It's a testament to Ford's ability to inject excitement into a mainstream package.

What do you think of the Ford Fusion Sport? Have you owned one, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What engine does the Ford Fusion Sport have?

The Ford Fusion Sport (2017-2019 models) is powered by a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

Q2: Is the Ford Fusion Sport All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Yes, the Ford Fusion Sport comes standard with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which helps manage its significant power and provides enhanced traction in various driving conditions.

Q3: What are the main differences between the Fusion Sport and other Fusion trims?

The Fusion Sport stands out with its exclusive 2.7L twin-turbo V6 engine, standard AWD, adaptive suspension with continuously controlled damping, unique exterior styling cues (like a black mesh grille and quad exhaust tips), and a sportier interior with Miko® suede and leather seats.

Q4: Are there any common issues with the Ford Fusion Sport?

Some owners of early 2.7L EcoBoost engines (including in the Fusion Sport) have reported oil pan leaks. Additionally, regular fluid changes for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) are recommended to maintain the AWD system's longevity.