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Which 2019 Ford Fusion Is Right for You?

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 Titanium, 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 (PHEV), for a total of 9 Fusion models. If you'd like to know more about hybrid and electric vehicle types, our explainer can clear up any confusion.

S

The 2019 Ford Fusion S is the cheapest trim you can purchase. It has a starting MSRP of $22,840, and it offers quite a bit for that price. It comes standard with 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 a 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. MyKey is great for parents: it'll limit highway speeds and send notifications for other important reminders. It also comes with the usual airbags, an individual tire pressure monitoring system, and SOS post-crash alerts.

SE

The 2019 Ford Fusion SE is the next step up from the S. It has a starting MSRP of $24,120. Under the hood, you'll notice the 1.5L Ecoboost engine will impress you with its surprising strength. Otherwise, it comes with everything the Fusion S has and more. The stepped-up feature package introduces a SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, 17-inch Sparkle Silver-painted Aluminum wheels and LED signature lighting.

There are also quite a few upgrades to the rear passenger area. You’ll see a rear armrest with cupholders, rear roof-grab handles, and rear A/C and heat vents. In the front, the entertainment system gets an upgrade from 4 speakers to 6 as well as two 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD panels 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.

The SE is also the first trim level to offer a hybrid electric engine. For a starting MSRP of $27,555, drivers will see their fuel economy boosted to 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

SEL

Starting at $28,580, the 2019 Fusion SEL brings even more to the table. The first thing you'll notice with this model is the heated seas with ActiveX Seating Material.  You'll also notice the leather-wrapped steering wheel with an optional heated steering wheel. The MyKey system featured in the SE is replaced with a remote start system here. Outside the car, you'll find 18" Premium Painted Aluminum Wheels. You'll also have options for an intelligent All-Wheel Drive, adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go, and a power moonroof.

There is also an available Fusion Hybrid version of the SEL trim that starts at $31,520. It has the same 43 mpg city and 41 mpg highway fuel economy ratings at the Hybrid SE model.

Titanium

The 2019 Ford Fusion Titanium checks in with an MSRP of $34,340 and has even more than the previous models have. 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. Sport leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, mounted paddle shifters, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Titanium also comes with MyKey, remote start system, and two 4.2-inch LCD screens inside.

In addition to the gasoline engine model, the Titanium also has a traditional hybrid electric model (the Fusion Hybrid) as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (the Fusion Energi). The 2019 Fusion Hybrid Titanium has a starting price of $34,485. Drivers can expect the same 43 mpg city and 41 mpg highway fuel economy as previous Fusion Hybrid trims.

The Titanium trim is the only trim option for buyers looking at the Fusion Energi. This model differs from the Fusion Hybrid in that it can operate (though for a very limited number of miles) on electric power alone, whereas the Fusion Hybrid has a continually operating gasoline engine supported by an electric battery. However, the Fusion Energi must be plugged-in to recharge its electric battery while the Fusion Hybrid is never tethered to a charging cord. As a PHEV, the Fusion Energi can travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine takes over. This is thanks to a new, larger 9 kWh battery for the 2019 model year. With an MSRP of $35,595, the Fusion Energi also comes with the added benefit of rain-sensing windshield wipers.

V6 Sport

The 2019 Ford Fusion Sport is a trim that favors performance over interior accessories or fuel economy. The Sport has a starting MSRP of $40,015 and provides numerous upgrades to the trim. That includes a 2.7-liter 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. It has the lowest fuel economy of any Fusion model at 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Unlike last year's Sport model, the 2019 V6 Sport doesn't compromise on the inside. It still has an automatic climate control and both 4.2-inch LCD screens. The sound system does drop 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.

(Featured image via Facebook.)

Last Updated: December 12, 2018