2017 Ford Fusion Sport

2017 Ford Fusion Sport
The 325-hp family sedan is here.
AUGUST 2016 BY DON SHERMAN

VIEW 24 PHOTOS
2017 Ford Fusion Sport
How does any automaker claw its way up the tortuous mid-size family-sedan staircase? Besides getting the basics right—like packaging and technology—power, performance, and driving poise are three P’s that most tickle our fancy. Realizing this, Ford aspires to move its Fusion up from the bottom half of the pack with a new Sport package for the otherwise mildly revised 2017 model. Having now driven the Sport, we can say that those who own our favorite mid-sizers—the Mazda 6, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord—had better watch their mirrors for a black mesh grille closing fast in the passing lane.
HIGHS
Best-in-class power, all-wheel drive to put it to the ground, trick dampers that allow for athletic handling and a family-friendly ride.
LOWS
Seats could better support sporty driving, more steering feel would be welcome.
Dropping in a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 borrowed from the F-150 and the Edge Sport between the Fusion’s front fenders vaults this sedan to 325 horsepower and a husky 380 lb-ft of torque, making it the first modern mid-size family sedan to snap the 300-hp leash. That’s an excellent start—but the Fusion development team kept their heads down to deliver a well-rounded package to support the newfound horsepower. The six-speed automatic is a heavier-duty unit controlled by paddles attached to the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Behind that, there’s computer-controlled all-wheel drive consisting of the usual front-drive transaxle plus a longitudinal driveshaft and a rear differential engaged on demand by a clutch. The crowning touch is what Ford calls continuously controlled damping. Borrowed from the Lincoln camp, these computer-controlled dampers give the Fusion the legs it needs to run competitively in the sport league.