2016 vs. 2017 Ford Models: What’s Changed?
Ford is about making vehicles that are fun to drive, with refined features that make each model enjoyable. After reviewing the significant changes in some of Ford’s best-selling cars, you can easily choose between a 2016 or 2017 without wondering what could have been.
Fusion
The Ford Fusion is one of the best vehicles in Ford’s new lineup thanks to its affordability and practicality. Each year, Ford works to make features a little better with small tweaks and the 2017 Fusion definitely follows this trend. It has subtly revised exterior styling around the nose, headlights, lower bumper, and rear taillights. Additionally, there are a few changes to the interior, with a new rotary shifter and upgraded Sync infotainment system.
They’ve also introduced two new trim levels: the luxury Platinum trim and the V6-powered Fusion Sport. The Platinum has a lower price tag when compared to Lincoln’s MKZ, but offers the same deluxe features such as premium leather seats with contrast piping and a stitched leather dash. The starting MSRP for the Fusion increase slightly in price to $22,610 from last year’s $22,110. Fuel economy for the 2017 Fusion also saw a minimal decrease at 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway versus the 2016 Fusion with 22 mpg/34 mpg.
Mustang
The Mustang is possibly one of the best Ford vehicles, and this year it saw some major upgrades. The best addition was Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity as part of the Sync 3 infotainment system, an upgrade made across Ford’s entire 2017 lineup. Plus, the optional Track Package for the Shelby GT350 models are now standard, but it does increase the price to $54,295 from the 2016 price of $47,795.
The 2017 model also had smaller changes. They reintroduced three shades: Grabber Blue, Lighting Blue, and White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat. The hood-mounted turn-signals, a throwback to the classic 1967 and 1968 Mustangs, have also been removed with the 2017 model. The fuel economy remained the same with 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Finally, the price increased slightly to $24,645 from a starting MSRP of $24,145 for the 2016 Mustang.
F-150
America’s best-selling truck is due for a refresher to keep it modern, and the 2017 F-150 saw a huge upgrade. Unlike previous models, the 2017 Ford F-150 will have a stronger, improved 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Engine which allows it to have 450 lb-ft of torque, which is 30 lb-ft more than the 2016 truck. Additionally, the better engine gives it the opportunity to use Ford’s all-new 10-speed automatic.
All of this means that the new 2017 F-150 could have better fuel efficiency than the 2016 model’s 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The new gas mileage hasn’t been released as of yet, but the new engine shows promise. Even with this new, better engine, the MSRP of the new F-150 will remain the same at $26,540.
