Is the Ford Fusion a fast car?

Not in the broad sense. The Ford Fusion is primarily a comfortable, efficient mid-size sedan, with the notable exception of the Fusion Sport, which is capable of quicker acceleration than typical family cars.

The Fusion lineup spanned several engines and trims over its lifecycle, with performance peaking in the Sport variant. Ford stopped selling the Fusion in North America after the 2020 model year, moving focus to SUVs and crossovers, so today the car is more of a used-market consideration for those seeking reasonable speed in a practical package rather than a dedicated performance vehicle.

Performance by trim

To give a clear picture of speed, here is a concise breakdown of typical 0-60 mph times across the lineup. Times can vary by model year, drivetrain, and testing method.

• Base models (2.5L I4 or hybrid) generally post slower acceleration, roughly in the upper 8 to 9 seconds for 0-60 mph and are not designed for speed.


• EcoBoost trims (1.5L or 2.0L turbo) are noticeably quicker, commonly achieving around 6 to 7 seconds for 0-60 mph depending on drivetrain and year.


• Fusion Sport (2.7L EcoBoost V6, often with AWD) is the quickest variant, typically posting 0-60 mph in the low to mid 5 seconds range.

In short, the Fusion Sport stands out for speed; the rest of the lineup emphasizes comfort and efficiency rather than outright performance.

What makes the Fusion fast (or not)

Performance in the Fusion lineup hinges on engine power, drivetrain, and weight. Turbocharged EcoBoost engines provide the most noticeable gains, while hybrids trade outright acceleration for efficiency. All-wheel drive on the Sport helps with traction, but the car remains a mid-size sedan rather than a dedicated sports car.

Discontinuation and current availability

Ford ended U.S. sales of the Fusion after the 2020 model year, shifting emphasis to SUVs and crossovers. If you’re shopping for speed in a Fusion, you’ll be looking at used examples of the Sport variant, and even then the car sits in the “fast for a family sedan” category rather than a true performance car.

Summary

The Ford Fusion is not generally a fast car, with the notable exception of the Fusion Sport, which offers brisk acceleration for a family sedan. Since the model was discontinued in 2020, interested buyers should look to used examples or compare current sportier offerings from competing brands if speed is a priority. For most buyers, the Fusion’s strengths lie in comfort, space, and efficiency rather than outright performance.

Why do cops use Ford Fusions?

Crown Victorias and Explorers, in addition to the Taurus, Fusion, and even F-150 models, were also used as responders. Police like Ford vehicles because of their performance, durability, and reliability.

Which Ford Fusions to stay away from?

To avoid, steer clear of model years with high numbers of complaints, such as the 2011 and 2013 Fusions, which have significant issues with power steering and engine/fuel system problems, respectively. Additionally, the 2014 model had many recalls for safety-related components like brakes and steering. For later models, be wary of early Fusion Energi and hybrid models (especially 2013-2016) as they experienced some mechanical and transmission reliability issues, and some 2019-2020 Energi models were recalled for a power/charging issue. 
Years with significant issues

• 2011: Known for power steering failure and transmission problems, according to CarBuzz. 
• 2013: Had recalls for potential engine fires due to oil leaks and issues with the fuel delivery system. 
• 2014: Had a high number of recalls for various safety-critical parts, including brake hoses, steering wheels, and engine shutoffs, notes autopom!. 

Models with specific concerns

• Early Fusion Energi and Hybrid Models: The early second-generation models (2013-2016) had some mechanical and transmission reliability issues, but reliability improved in later years. 
• 2019-2020 Fusion Energi: A recall was issued that disabled the charging ability, though this will be fixed for free. 
• 2014 Fusion with 1.5L EcoBoost: This engine can have problems with coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, says this Facebook post. 
• 2013-2018 Fusions (including some 2019-2020 Energi models): Some are affected by a recall where the front brake hoses may rupture, as listed on Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal. 

Key factors to check

• Engine problems: Be aware of the specific engine in the model you are considering. The 2.5L engine is generally considered reliable. 
• Hybrid/Energi models: While generally reliable, later hybrids can have some mechanical updates that improve transmission reliability. Be wary of older models, especially 2019-2020 Energi models, as they were part of a recall affecting the charging capability. 
• Recalls: Always check if a specific vehicle has been subject to recalls using its VIN before purchasing, say Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal. 

Is a Ford Fusion a sports car?

No, a standard Ford Fusion is not a sports car; it is a mid-size family sedan. However, the "Fusion Sport" trim was a performance-oriented version of the sedan, featuring a more powerful engine and other upgrades that gave it sports-car-like acceleration and handling.
 
Standard Ford Fusion

• Vehicle type: Mid-size sedan designed for comfort and everyday driving. 
• Engine options: Typically came with a range of engines, from a standard 2.5L four-cylinder to turbocharged four-cylinders. 
• Focus: Versatility and family-friendly features. 

Ford Fusion Sport

• Vehicle type: A performance variant of the sedan, not a dedicated sports car. 
• Engine: Featured a powerful 325-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine with standard all-wheel drive, making it significantly quicker than the standard models. 
• Performance: Had sporty features like a sport mode, performance-tuned suspension, and quick acceleration, but it was still a heavy sedan at heart. 
• Target audience: Aimed to compete with performance sedans from other brands, offering a powerful and capable, albeit family-friendly, option. 

Is the Ford Fusion fast?

The Ford Fusion's speed varies significantly by model, with the standard models being moderately quick while performance-oriented models like the Fusion Sport are surprisingly fast. The 2017 and later Fusion Sport trims, with their 325-horsepower 2.7L twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.3 seconds, making it a strong performer in its class. Other models, like the one with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, are much slower.
 
This video reviews the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport, highlighting its performance capabilities: 55sShooting CarsYouTube · May 4, 2025
Performance breakdown by model

• Fusion Sport (2.7L EcoBoost V6): This is the fastest version. 
  • Horsepower: 325 hp 
  • 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.3 seconds 
  • Key features: Twin-turbo V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive 
• Standard Models (e.g., 1.5L or 2.5L engines): These are much less powerful. 
  • Horsepower: Around 170-180 hp 
  • 0-60 mph: Roughly 7.5 seconds 
  • Key features: Lower power output and less acceleration compared to the Sport model