The 2018 Ford Fusion is a competent midsize sedan with a perfect five-star safety rating and available AWD. However, it is less impressive in important areas like fuel economy and overall value.
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2018 Ford Fusion: A Quick Overview
- The 2018 Ford Fusion offers five trims with FWD, AWD, gas, and hybrid powertrain options. The gas engines range from a 175 horsepower four-cylinder engine to a twin-turbo, six-cylinder with over 325 horsepower.
- The interior of the 2018 Fusion is functional and minimalistic, but comfortable, with high-quality materials. The exterior offers a wide variety of color options.
- When it comes to fuel economy, a base 2018 Ford Fusion with a 2.0L engine gets just 20 mpg in the city, falling short of rivals like the Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Honda Accord.
- The 2018 Fusion excels at safety. The sedan scored a perfect five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA), and it also scored well with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
2018 Ford Fusion Comes in Five Distinct Trims, from a Base Commuter to a 325-horsepower Family-Hauler
The 2018 Ford Fusion is offered in five trim levels that range from the basic Fusion S to the fast and luxurious Fusion V6 Sport.
Fusion S is a Basic Trim with 175-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder Engine
The base S features remote keyless entry, a standard backup camera, and Ford’s voice-activated SYNC entertainment and information system. Underneath the hood, you get a 175 horsepower, 2.5L four-cylinder engine, plus FWD and a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Equipment Group package costs around $900 and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels, all-season tires, and halogen fog lamps.
Fusion SE Adds Available AWD & Two Optional Turbo Engines
The Fusion SE includes AWD and optional 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engines. Inside, creature comforts include a 4.2-inch LCD screen, cruise control, Ford’s MyKey system, and more. Optional packages range from a $500 Cold Weather package to a $1,600 Luxury Driver Assist package.
Fusion Titanium Offers AWD & a 240-horsepower Engine
The Fusion Titanium trim comes standard with a 240 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost, along with AWD and 18-inch aluminum wheels. In the cabin are heated leather sport bucket seats with 10-way adjustability, and three LCD screens. Ford’s SYNC 3 multimedia system is included with an upgraded eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There are two option packages, with one adding voice-activated touchscreen navigation, and the other is a driver assist package that includes automatic high beams and blind-spot monitoring.
Fusion Platinum is Costliest Trim, with 19-inch Aluminum Wheels, Power Moonroof
The highest trim level of the 2018 Fusion lineup, the Platinum is well equipped, with a Fair Purchase Price of around $37,885. Included are 19-inch aluminum wheels, satellite navigation, a power-operated moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and other standard features. Plus, there’s built-in Sirius XM radio, a telescoping steering column, and an assortment of safety and driving technology like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.
Fusion V6 Sport Packs a 325-horsepower Engine & Comes with Standard AWD
The V6 Sport trim puts out 325 horsepower thanks to its 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, propelling it from 0-60 mph in under six seconds. The Fusion V6 Sport has adaptive suspension, which, when combined with AWD, delivers impressive handling. Although not as luxurious as the Platinum trim, any missing features can be added as extras.
2018 Fusion Has Five Available Engines: Naturally-aspirated I4, Three Turbocharged EcoBoosts & a Hybrid
Ford’s 2018 Fusion is offered with five different engines (a plug-in hybrid powertrain is sold as a separate vehicle.). The entry option is a non-turbo 2.5L four-cylinder, followed by a turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost, a 2.0L Hybrid, and a twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with the Platinum, Titanium, and V6 Sport trims also offering paddle shifters.
Base 2.5L I4 Will Make You Wish You Chose a More Potent Engine
The base engine with the 2018 Ford Fusion is a 2.5L four-cylinder offering 175 horsepower. It packs just barely enough grunt to get the job done as a daily driver, and you may struggle when attempting to pass other drivers on the freeway.
1.5L EcoBoost I4 Adds Turbo for Some Much-needed Extra Pep
The 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost engine has 181 horsepower and is a good step up from the standard, naturally-aspirated 2.5L engine. It is a great choice if you want to save money but still have more horsepower and torque than the base engine.
2.0L EcoBoost I4 is Standard on Top Trims, Offering Decent Extra Power
If the marginal increase in horsepower and torque with the 1.5L engine isn’t enough, there is the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that has 240 horsepower. The 2.0L engine has more torque and plenty of grunt for you to pass trucks on the highway.
2.0L Hybrid I4 Gets Decent Fuel Mileage & Excels in Stop-and-Go Traffic
If performance is not a top priority, and fuel economy is a bigger concern, the 2.0L engine has a hybrid version available that gets considerably better fuel economy. The 2.0L Hybrid I4 powertrain is excellent for consumers who live in urban areas with heavy traffic.
Twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is a 325-hp Monster Under the Hood
The 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine has not one, but two turbochargers, along with 325 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-of-the-line engine delivers acceleration that will help you breeze past highway traffic with ease. With the exception of the V6 engine (only available with the V6 Sport trim), the four-cylinder powertrains are optional with all the other trims.
2018 Ford Fusion isn’t as Fuel Efficient as its Rivals Except in Hybrid Trim
Sadly, the Fusion struggles with fuel economy, with the exception of the hybrid and plug-in models. Its rivals, the Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Honda Accord, outclass it by a lot. For example, the EPA shows an entry-level Toyota Camry gets 29 mpg city and 41 highway. A base Mazda6 gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The base engine gets just 25-mpg combined, which, compared to a key competitor like the Mazda6’s 29 mpg, is well below average. The more powerful the 2018 Fusion’s engines get, the worse fuel economy becomes. Below is the EPA data by individual engine.
- 2.5L with FWD: 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway/25 combined; 1.5L EcoBoost with FWD: 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway/27 combined; 2.0L EcoBoost with AWD: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 combined; 2.0L Hybrid: 43 mpg city/41 mpg highway/42 combined; and 2.7L V6 EcoBoost: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 combined
2018 Fusion Driving Performance is Dull with Base 2.5L Engine, but Very Quick with Twin-turbo V6
The base Ford Fusion with the 175 horsepower engine and FWD is not exactly a performer. It has just enough grunt for daily driving, but the second you need some power you’ll wish you got something more potent. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 325 horsepower twin-turbo V6 Sport hits 60 mph in under six seconds, and has adaptive suspension for better handling. In the middle, there is the 2.0L EcoBoost. When paired with AWD, it makes the 2018 Fusion a balanced sedan with ample power and torque.
In Car and Driver‘s review of the 2018 Ford Fusion, the sedan was rated at seven out of 10 for its amount of trims and options, but the driving experience received a mixed reaction. “In most guises, the Fusion blends a comfortable ride with decent handling for an engaging driving experience, though it isn’t sharp enough to be thoroughly convincing,” reported Car and Driver. “Many buyers will be happy with this Renaissance car, but we can’t help but think that some might be happier in something else.”
Prices for 2018 Fusion Range from $17,000 to $28,000 When Fully Equipped with AWD
Prices on a used 2018 Ford Fusion depend on the trim level. A reasonable price for a 2018 Fusion is in the ballpark of $24,000 to $26,000 for a nice AWD Platinum with a 2.0L engine or V6 Sport trim, which is the best bang for your buck. As of 2021, and according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Market Range Tool, the 2018 Fusion prices range from $17,049 to $27,980.
2018 Fusion FWD:
- Fusion S with 2.5L: $17,049-$19,792; Fusion S Hybrid: $17,452-$19,905; Fusion SE with 2.5L: $17,149-$19,982; Fusion SE with 1.5L: $18,072-$20,905; Fusion SE with 2.0L: $18,439-$21,272; Fusion SE Hybrid: $17,866-$20,359; Fusion Titanium: $18,731-$21,826; Fusion Titanium Hybrid: $20,040-$22,677; Fusion Platinum: $22,234-$25,907; and Fusion Platinum Hybrid: $21,429-$24,156
2018 Fusion AWD:
- Fusion SE with 2.5L: $18,673-$21,506; Fusion SE with 1.5L: $19,596-$22,429; Fusion SE with 2.0L: $19,963-$22,796; Fusion Titanium: $20,244-$23,339; Fusion Platinum: $24,135-$27,880; and Fusion V6 Sport: $24,013-$27,980
2018 Fusion Maintenance Costs Run Around $522 Annually
The 2018 Ford Fusion has a fairly average annual maintenance cost. According to Repair Pal, the average annual cost of maintenance for a 2018 Ford Fusion is $552. The most expensive repairs include replacements for parts like an exhaust muffler and timing chain tensioner, which cost $711-$725, and $551-$684, respectively.
In terms of reliability, the 2018 Fusion scores an 84 out of 100 on J.D. Power’s reliability rating. It also takes fourth place in their “Top 10 Rated Consumer Sedan” for 2018.
2018 Fusion Has Had One Recall and Several NHTSA Complaints Over Engine Failure and Hard-shifting Transmissions
There is just one recall for the 2018 Ford Fusion, and it involves a serious issue in which the steering wheel may detach due to a faulty retaining bolt. Additionally, the 2018 Fusion has some notable common problems, with over 50 consumer complaints registered with the NHTSA. The majority of them are focused on engine issues. Many 2018 Fusion owners reported that after their “check engine” light randomly came on, they had to have the engine replaced. One owner said his engine failure occurred at approximately 82,700 miles.
Repair Pal reports two more common problems with the 2018 Fusion: harsh shifting of the automatic transmission, noted by over 1,000 drivers, and swollen lug nuts, which was a problem for nearly 400 owners.
2018 Fusion Safety Rating Receives High Praise from NHTSA and IIHS, Wins ‘Top Safety Pick’ Award
The 2018 Ford Fusion excels in safety. The midsize car has a perfect overall safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA. It also was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The vehicle scored the IIHS’ highest rating of “Good” in the majority of crashworthiness categories.
Fusion’s Technology Features are Scarce in Lower Trims but Include Most Modern Options in Upper Levels
The 2018 Ford Fusion’s technology features include safety components like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection. Depending on the option package, the center touchscreen ranges from 4.2-inches to a whopping eight-inch in upper trims. It includes Ford’s adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability. The Fusion has AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, and an individual tire pressure monitoring system. In addition to a push-button start and the MyKey system, the Fusion offers the SYNC and SYNC 3 (depending on trim level) multimedia system for music and satellite navigation.
2018 Ford Fusion Sports 10 Exterior Colors & Four Earthy Interior Hues
The 2018 Fusion was available in 10 different exterior colors. Of these, three are metallic, including White Platinum, Burgundy Velvet, and Ruby Red. Others include the standard Blue, as well as Oxford White, White Gold, Lightning Blue, Ingot Silver, Magnetic, and Shadow Black. As for interior colors, the Fusion is offered in four earthy interior hues, including Medium Light Stone and Soft Ceramic, Dark Earth Gray, and Ebony.
2018 Fusion Provides Plenty of Cargo Space and Has Ample Interior Dimensions to Comfortably Seat Family & Friends
The interior of the 2018 Ford Fusion provides enough space for a few friends and their luggage. The interior volume is 118 cubic feet, with generous cargo space at 16 cubic feet. The vehicle has room for five, with passenger volume at 102.8 cubic feet. Front and back headroom offers 62.7-inches and 62.4, respectively. Legroom is 39.2-inches up front, and 37.8 in the back.
2018 Ford Fusion vs. the Camry, Mazda6, and Accord
The 2018 Ford Fusion has some tough competition, from the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Honda Accord.
2018 Toyota Camry Has More Potent Base Engine but Offers Limited Tech
The 2018 Toyota Camry gets better fuel economy than the Fusion, but it also has a more powerful base engine. Toyota’s famous sedan is available with several powertrains, including ones with their critically-acclaimed hybrid technology.
The Car Connection praised the 2018 Camry, noting its “sleeker design, higher fuel economy, and carefully calibrated features and options.” Their Overall expert rating of the Camry is 7.2 out of 10, with a consumer rating of 4.1 out of five stars. If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Mazda6 is a Stylish Alternative to the Fusion with a choice of Both Manual and Automatic Transmission
This is arguably the 2018 Fusion’s biggest rival. Its cabin is regarded as the best in its class by Car and Driver. The 2018 Mazda6 received a 10/10 score and their Editor’s Choice Award. Under the hood, you get a choice of two engines, a turbocharged 2.5L engine or a naturally-aspirated engine, with a choice of both manual and automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine is only available with the automatic transmission. If you want a manual, the Mazda6 is your best choice. It has superior fuel economy to the 2018 Fusion and is also arguably classier-looking. If styling is an important factor, this is a top choice.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Honda Accord Scores Owner-satisfaction Reports Nearly Identical to the Accord
For 2018, the Honda Accord got a whole new look and offers five trims and three different engine options: a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0L hybrid four-cylinder engine. There are also three transmissions: a six-speed manual, CVT with Sport Mode, and a 10-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book rated the 2018 Accord highly, giving it a 4.8 out of five stars and a consumer score of 4.3 out of five stars. KBB found the Accord to be a top contender in its class. The 2018 Honda Accord is tough competition for the Fusion with owner-satisfaction reports being nearly identical.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is a Used 2018 Ford Fusion a Good Car?
If you are looking for a minimalistic base sedan, you’re better off going with the Kia Optima, which has better fuel economy. But, the 2018 Fusion’s upper trims are a lot of fun, with plenty of tech upgrades, safety features, and powerful engines. The Fusion is a respectable, safe sedan with nice amenities, AWD, and a comfortable interior. Plus, it can be found for a reasonable price on the used market.
Photos: Ford; Kia; Toyota; Mazda; Honda
