Which 2018 Ford Fusion Is Right for You?

a red 2018 ford fusion driving down the road

The Ford Fusion has been out for a few years now, and it’s starting to really come into its own. However, you may feel a little bombarded with all the trims that are available. Is it worth it to upgrade to the Platinum, or can the basic S model stand on its own?

This trim comparison can help you figure out your next purchase. It’s worth noting that many of these trims are also available as a hybrid or as an “Energi” plug-in hybrid, for a total of 12 Fusion models. But since those choices are offered as “engine technology packages,” we’re simply focusing on the trims themselves.

S

The 2018 Ford Fusion S is the cheapest trim you can purchase. It has a starting MSRP of $22,120, and it offers quite a bit for that price. It comes standard with the 100A equipment package which includes a 2.5-liter engine, Sync technology, and a rearview camera.

One of the unique features of the Ford Fusion, compared to other sedans, is the rotary gearshift dial. The interior has plenty of standard comforts including manual climate control, front floor mats, two 12-volt power points, and push-button start. The entertainment package is average compared to most sedans. Since it has Sync technology, you can expect Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 capabilities, and four speakers.

A standard rear-view camera puts the Ford Fusion S in a better class than some of its competitors for safety. It also comes with the usual airbags, an individual tire pressure monitoring system, and SOS post-crash alerts.

SE

The Ford Fusion SE is the next step up from the S and has a starting MSRP of $23,395. Naturally, it comes with everything the Fusion S has and more. The stepped-up feature package introduces a keyless entry keypad, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, 17-inch painted luster nickel wheels and LED signature lighting.

There are also quite a few upgrades to the rear passenger area. You’ll see rear floor mats, a rear center armrest, and rear A/C and heat ventilation. In the front, the entertainment system gets an upgrade from 4 speakers to 6 as well as a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD panel in the instrument cluster. The SE also comes standard with SiriusXM radio.

Safety systems remain relatively similar from the Fusion S to the Fusion SE. The biggest addition is the keyless entry keypad. This gives you the option to enter your vehicle with a code instead of a key.

Titanium

The Titanium checks in with an MSRP of $30,395, and has everything the SE offers and more. Its upgraded feature package adds Sync 3, a Sony Audio system with 12 total speakers, heated front seats, and a reverse sensing system.

Interior features see a significant upgrade at this price point. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an aluminum front scuff plate are included. The Titanium also comes with an intelligent access key, capable of remote start, and two 4.2-inch LCD screens inside.

Sport

The Ford Fusion Sport is a trim that favors performance over interior accessories. The Sport has a starting MSRP of $33,750 and upgrades the sedan to a 400A equipment package. That includes a 2.7-liter, 365-hp twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine, Intelligent AWD that kicks in when sensors deem it necessary, pothole sensors, 19-inch painted “Tarnished Dark” wheels, leather-trimmed seats with Miko suede inserts, and LED fog lamps with a bright bezel.

But the beefed-up powertrain and sporty intelligent driving assists come at a cost. The Sport sees some downgrades to the interior. The manual climate control comes back, and you lose one of the Titanium’s 4.2-inch LCD screens. The sound system drops to 9 speakers from the Titanium’s 12, and you get basic Sync rather than Sync 3. However, it does come with premium floor mats with the Sport logo, active noise control, and voice-activated navigation, keeping the interior far from spartan, by any means.

Platinum

As the name might suggest, the Ford Fusion Platinum is the high-end option. At a starting MSRP of $36,895, it comes with everything the Titanium has and more. The engine gets bumped back down to the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, but the creature comforts are kicked into overdrive. The Platinum comes with equipment package 350A, which includes heated and cooled front seats, Sync Connect, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and premium leather-trimmed seating.

The interior also comes with a lot of upgrades, as you’d expect at this price point. With the Fusion Platinum, you get premium floor mats, rain-sensing wipers, a 110-volt power outlet, a power tilt steering column with memory settings, a moonroof with universal garage opener, and a heated steering wheel.

The safety upgrades are also notable with the introduction of a blind-spot monitoring system featuring pedestrian detection that displays on your side mirrors. Plus, it comes with lane-keep assist and enhanced parking assist.

(Featured image via Facebook.)