The 2016 Ford Fusion is available in three trim levels, both in gas or hybrid form. However, the majority of the drivetrain options provide a less than satisfactory experience, leaving only the turbocharged inline-four upgrade to pick up the slack.
Key Points
- The 2016 Ford Fusion has three trim levels and both gas or hybrid configurations.
- Both Fusion SE and Fusion Titanium are available in all-wheel drive, while the Fusion Hybrid is offered only in front-wheel drive.
- The SE and Titanium trim levels offer considerably more options than the Fusion S, which feels exceptionally underequipped.
- The 2.0L turbocharged inline-four-cylinder is the way to go, whether in the Fusion SE or Fusion Titanium.
Entry-level 2016 Ford Fusion S is Paired with Underwhelming 2.5L
The 2016 Ford Fusion S, the base-level model, comes standard with Ford Sync, 16-inch alloy wheels, and paddle shifters to accompany the six-speed automatic found on all trim levels. However, the Fusion S level trim is only available in one powertrain configuration.
The base-level Fusion is equipped with the 2.5L inline-four, which produces a disappointing 175 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque and is rated at 22/33 miles to the gallon. In comparison, the higher option engine options will all provide the same or better mpg with higher horsepower.
The Fusion S Hybrid, SE Hybrid, and Titanium Hybrid are each equipped with the same four-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing 188 horsepower and 129 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid configuration on each trim level is rated 43/39 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
The interior offerings for the Fusion S and S Hybrid are severely limited, with one interior color option, Earth Gray. In contrast, the Fusion’s exterior is offered in a wide array of exterior color options. The entry-level trim is offered in nine colors, whereas the SE and Titanium level trims offer an additional metallic white.
Practical Mid-range SE can Provide the Best of the Best if Well Optioned
The mid-level SE trim option provides the Fusion with a considerable number of options and amenities over the entry-level offerings. In addition to the features found on the entry-level trim, the SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and three choices of 18-inch wheels. Additionally, the SE trim includes a six-speaker stereo system and satellite radio standard.
The Fusion SE offers the most engine options in the lineup, with the choice of the aforementioned 2.5L, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, or the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. The 1.5L produces 181 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, whereas the 2.0L produces a more spirited 231 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. While the 1.5L is undoubtedly an improvement over the 2.5L, the added power from the 2.0L inline-four provides a night and day difference for an excellent driving experience.
The SE trim also provides the option for all-wheel drive, with the 2.0L standard. However, the Fusion Hybrid is offered only in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
As opposed to the entry-level trim offerings, the interior options are considerable. The Fusion SE is offered in three cloth colors, tan, black, or the black EcoCloth. The SE trim also makes available black, tan, and red leather upholstery options. With these offerings, the fair purchase price for a 2016 Ford Fusion SE is $16,590, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Top of the Line Titanium Provides Luxury Standard for Slightly Higher Cost
Finally, the Titanium trim for 2016 equips the Fusion generously with standard 18-inch wheels, leather seat upholstery in a choice of three colors, and a 12-speaker stereo system. Several additional options are also available for the Fusion Titanium, including 19-inch wheels and heated/cooled front seats. Features that make the base-level Fusion S seem like a different car altogether.
The Fusion Titanium comes standard with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. With these additional amenities, a fair purchase price for a Fusion Titanium, gas or hybrid, sits at just over $18000, according to Kelley Blue Book. An approximately $1400 difference for the additional luxuries over the Fusion SE.
Out of the 2016 Ford Fusion’s Trim Options, the Turbocharged 2.0L is the Only Way to Go
The 2016 Ford Fusion SE and Fusion Titanium can provide a more than sufficient driving experience when paired with the turbocharged 2.0L. The Fusion S, only available with the underpowered 2.5L, will leave a highly unsatisfactory experience for most drivers, as will the Fusion Hybrid. Should you be looking to purchase a 2016 Ford Fusion, the only other significant decision will be whether you’re willing to pay slightly more for the luxury features. Either way, a Fusion with the turbocharged 2.0L will provide by far the best experience.
Photos: Ford
