Since 2018, Ford has been making plans to discontinue its sedan lineup in North America. After the 2019 model year, Ford discontinued the Fusion Sport trim and even stopped promotional advertisements for their sedans in North America. The manufacturer intends to focus on pickup trucks, SUVs, CUVs, and the Ford Mustang.
With its production beginning in 2006, the Ford Fusion now has two generations. Due to Ford and Mazda's relationship, the first Fusion generation was built on the CD3 platform designed by Mazda. Most engine options for the first generation were also from Mazda. The Ford Fusion also offered both hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims for its first and second generations. There have been speculations of Ford altogether discontinuing the Fusion, but Ford engineers have been spotted testing a new Fusion on the testing tracks. The new sedan is a 2023 model, and here's what we expect from the upcoming Ford Fusion.
8 Revised Exterior Design
With a new grille and rear design, the Ford Fusion looks more sophisticated. Like the 2017 model, the 2023 Fusion has gotten a facelift. The grille has been changed and now looks like the Ford Edge's grille. Though the grille design is attractive, it's not the most surprising change. The upcoming Fusion's rear looks like a crossover or hatchback rear. While this design is not typical, it makes sense that Ford is incorporating a hatchback design on their sedan because they're more into SUVs and the like.
7 It Might Be Unavailable In The US
Though many people still buy sedans, the numbers are not as promising as SUVs. In 2019, SUVs made up 47.4% of total car sales in the United States, with sedans making only 22.1%. The sales figures of SUVs, pickup trucks, and crossovers are expected to grow in the coming years, so manufacturers like Ford and Fiat Chrysler have decided to focus on the SUV market. The new Ford Fusion might be unavailable in the US, but it will be available in the Chinese market. Ford might also make the sedan available as the new Mondeo in Europe.
6 Powertrain Specifications
In the Ford Fusion's first generation, the manufacturer provided a variety of Duratec engines. There's a 2.3-liter, 2.5-liter, 3.0-literV6, and 3.5-liter option. Ford also has a hybrid trim with nickel-metal hydride batteries. Most engines in the first generation were from Mazda.
The second generation has a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, 1.6-liter EcoBoost, 2.0-liter EcoBoost, 2.0-liter Duratec for the hybrid, and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for the Sport trim. We expect many engine options and trim levels for the upcoming Ford Fusion. Also, hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims will be available.
5 Performance And Handling
Ford's 2020 model has a standard 2.5-liter engine with 175 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The base engine doesn't sound exciting, but more powerful options like the 1.5-liter turbocharged power train and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with about 245 horsepower are available. As for handling, the 2020 Fusion is smooth on the road and doesn't have many body rolls. The new Fusion might get a more powerful base engine option and, hopefully, a more advanced transmission system.
4 Safety And Driver-Assistance Features
Ford's 2020 model has a suite of important safety and driver assistance features. Most of the features are also standard. Like most newer Ford models, the 2020 Fusion has the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. The sedan also has a standard blindspot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist, emergency braking, and more. Voice commands and hands-free driving are also available. Since Ford has been making more safety features standard on their new models, the 2023 Fusion will get more safety features than previous models.
3 Infotainment And Connectivity
For infotainment, the 2020 Ford Fusion model uses a 4.2" LCD screen and an AM/FM compatible stereo with a CD player. To get a bigger media screen, drivers could opt for the SYNC 3 optional infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The FordPass Connect gives drivers access to 4G LTE Wi-Fi. About ten devices can be connected, and the hotspot is accessible at 50Ft away from the sedan. We expect the new Fusion to get a modern infotainment media screen and standard Apple CarPlay.
2 Interior Design And Cargo
While the Ford Fusion isn't a luxury vehicle, the interior design is crisp and comfortable. There's nothing fancy about the sedan's interior, but it looks put together. The Ford Fusion is a five-seater, and the last model had adequate legroom and headroom for passengers. With its 70/40 rear split seats, you can maximize the car's interior cargo. The 2021 Ford Fusion has a cargo capacity of 16.0 cu-ft, rivaled by the Honda Accord's 16.7 cu-ft. Ford might decide to increase the cargo capacity of the Fusion in the upcoming model.