Is a Ford Fusion automatic or manual?
The Ford Fusion is generally automatic in the United States, and its hybrid versions use an electronic CVT rather than a traditional automatic." In Europe, the Mondeo variant (the European equivalent of the Fusion) has offered manual gearboxes in some generations.
Transmission options by market
To understand what you might encounter when shopping for a Fusion or Mondeo, it helps to separate U.S. market offerings from Europe and to note the hybrid variants.
- United States: The non-hybrid Fusion models have been sold with automatic transmissions only; a factory manual option was not offered for the U.S. lineup.
- Hybrid and Energi variants: These use Ford’s electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) rather than a traditional stepped automatic.
- Europe (Mondeo/ Fusion counterpart): Some generations offered manual transmissions in Europe, reflecting regional preferences; this is distinct from the U.S. Fusion lineup.
In short, for typical U.S. buyers, the Ford Fusion is automatic, with hybrids employing an eCVT. European versions could be manual in certain years, and the model line was discontinued after 2020.
How to identify the transmission in a given car
When evaluating a used Fusion, check the window sticker or owner's manual to confirm the exact transmission. If you’re looking at a hybrid, expect an eCVT rather than a conventional automatic. For European Mondeo variants, look for a traditional manual gearbox as specified by the regional model.
Impact on driving experience and maintenance
Automatic transmissions provide straightforward operation, while eCVTs in hybrids offer seamless acceleration with different maintenance considerations, especially around belt wear and battery system maintenance. Manual transmissions, where offered in Europe, require clutch and gear-shift upkeep typical of manual setups.
Summary
The Ford Fusion sold in the United States is predominantly automatic, with hybrids using an eCVT. A manual option was not available in the U.S. lineup, though European Mondeo variants have offered manual transmissions in some generations. The Fusion nameplate was retired after the 2020 model year.
