In 2005, Ford introduced the 2006 Fusion mid-size sedan to Americans. Replacing the Taurus as the Dearborn, Mich., automaker’s bread-and-butter family car, the Fusion was the first model to showcase the company’s new triple-bar chrome grille design and marked a definitive shift away from previous “jellybean” and “retrofuturism” styling themes. The public responded positively, and while the car wasn’t a class-leader in terms of sales, the Fusion is nevertheless considered a hit.

For 2010, Ford has performed a significant mid-cycle freshening of its money-making sedan. Though it looks new inside and out, under the significant cosmetic and engineering updates the bones of last year’s car are plainly evident.

Highlights of the 2010 Ford Fusion include:

• Restyled, inside and out
• New Fusion Hybrid model rated at 41 mpg city
• New Fusion Sport model with performance enhancements
• New blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert function
• New rearview camera system
• New 911 Assist feature for Ford SYNC technology
• More powerful and fuel-efficient standard four-cylinder engine
• More powerful and fuel-efficient optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine with flex-fuel capability
• New six-speed manual and automatic transmissions
• New electric power steering on all but Sport models
• New Sony premium surround sound audio system
• New cabin air filtration system
• Tightened turning radius by one foot

Model Lineup

There’s a Ford Fusion to fit just about any need. There’s a hybrid model, a sport-tuned version, and enough optional goodies to outfit one like an entry-level luxury car. Ford even offers the Fusion with all-wheel drive, unusual in the midsize family sedan class.

The Fusion S is the base model. It’s equipped with power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes for comfort. A trip computer is also standard, along with a CD player and an audio input jack for portable music players. The Fusion S also includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, a split-folding rear seat, and a remote trunk release. The S model is available only with a four-cylinder engine. A manual transmission is standard, and an automatic transmission is available.

The Fusion SE adds floor mats, illuminated visor mirrors, and cruise control with controls on the steering wheel for cruise and audio functions. Additionally, the SE includes a better sound system with Sirius satellite radio, a fold-flat front passenger’s seat, manual driver’s lumbar adjustment, and seatback map pockets. On the outside, the SE can be identified by its body-color side mirrors, fog lights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets, and 17-inch alloy wheels. When equipped with the available V-6 engine, the SE also has ambient interior lighting.

The next rung on the trim level ladder is the luxury-themed Fusion SEL. The SEL adds an automatic transmission with manual shift feature, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamp control, leather upholstery and trim on the shift knob and steering wheel, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a 6-way power passenger’s seat, heated front seats, exterior security lighting, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. The upscale SEL also has Ford SYNC technology standard, which includes voice-activated Bluetooth cell-phone linking and portable audio device control. SYNC also features 911 Assist, which automatically contacts emergency personnel in the event of an airbag deployment, and Vehicle Health Reports that can notify the owner of necessary service requirements. When equipped with the available V-6 engine, the SEL also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Buyers looking for a little more excitement behind the wheel can select the new Fusion Sport. The Sport comes with a more powerful V-6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, sport-tuned air intake, hydraulic rather than electric steering, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Exterior identification cues include a rear spoiler and side rocker panel moldings, while inside the Fusion Sport has special interior trim and unique leather upholstery. In terms of features, the Fusion Sport builds from the Fusion SE V-6 model’s standard equipment list, adding an auto-diming rearview mirror, Ford SYNC technology, and an 8-way power driver’s seat.

The fuel-efficient Fusion Hybrid starts with Fusion SEL specification, replacing the SEL’s standard leather with an eco-friendly fabric made from post-industrial 100-percent recycled materials. And because it’s equipped with a completely different powertrain capable of traveling up to 47 mph on the battery pack alone, the rear seat doesn’t fold forward because the batteries are stacked between the seat and the trunk. In terms of standard features, compared to the SEL, the Hybrid adds a standard reverse sensing system, a 110-volt power point in the back seat, ambient interior lighting, a six-disc CD changer, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Options are dependent of trim level selected. For example, all-wheel drive requires a V-6 engine and SEL or Sport trim. An Appearance Package for the SE and SEL includes bigger wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, special interior trim, and a chrome or body-color grille. Other options include a power sunroof, a premium Sony audio system, a reversing camera, and a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert function. The Fusion can also be equipped with a touch-screen navigation system that includes Sirius TravelLink and a 10-gigabyte hard drive that can store up to 2,400 songs.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Ford Fusion is equipped with one of four powertrains. Fusion S, SE, and SEL start with a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual on S and SE or a six-speed automatic on SEL. Fuel economy ratings are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. Optional on these models is a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine with flex-fuel capability, hooked to the automatic transmission. On SEL models, all-wheel drive is offered with the V-6 engine. Fuel economy ranges from 18 mpg city with all-wheel drive to 27 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.

The Fusion Sport is exclusively powered by a 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, driving the front or all four wheels through an automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. Our review vehicle was a Fusion Sport with front-wheel drive, and it averaged 18.4 mpg in mixed driving with an emphasis on suburban commuting. Combined with the Fusion’s standard 17.5-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 320-mile range between fill-ups of regular unleaded.

The Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. It is a full hybrid, meaning it can operate on electricity alone, and unlike other hybrids that switch over to the gasoline engine at 25 mph, the Fusion Hybrid can travel up to 47 mph on the battery pack’s juice before burning gasoline. The gas engine is a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, and the nickel metal hydride battery pack is good for 275 volts of power. Combined horsepower is 191, and the powertrain is rated to return 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on every 2010 Ford Fusion includes dual front airbags, side impact airbags for front seat occupants, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The Fusion Hybrid also has a driver’s knee airbag. Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability and traction control system is also standard, and the braking system is a four-wheel-disc antilock setup with electronic brake-force distribution.

A reverse sensing system, reversing camera, and blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert function are available on the Fusion, welcome new additions considering the number of owners that complain about rear visibility while backing up. The Fusion is also offered with 911 Assist technology as a part of the optional Ford SYNC package. With 911 Assist, emergency personnel are automatically contacted when the Fusion’s airbags deploy, sending help to the car’s location immediately.

The Competition

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2010 Ford Fusion competes against other midsize cars such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.

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Note: This review was published on October 2, 2009. It may not reflect data that has become available for this vehicle since that date.