Loading

What car is similar to Mercury Milan?

The Ford Fusion is the closest match to the Mercury Milan, since the Milan was Mercury’s badge-engineered version of the Fusion. A closely related premium alternative is the Lincoln MKZ, which shares the same platform and drivetrain.


Context: what the Mercury Milan was


The Mercury Milan was a mid-size sedan produced in the mid- to late-2000s as part of Ford’s Mercury brand. It was built on the same CD3 platform as the Ford Fusion, meaning it shared most mechanicals, chassis tuning, and often similar engines and transmissions. Mercury positioned the Milan with distinctive styling and trim aimed at a slightly more premium feel compared with its Ford counterpart. Production ran roughly from 2006 through the 2010 model year, after which Mercury was phased out as a brand.


Direct platform siblings


Before listing, here is a concise look at the most direct peers that share engineering with the Milan. These are the primary models a buyer would compare if evaluating the Milan against non-Mercury options.



  • Ford Fusion

  • Lincoln MKZ

  • Ford Mondeo (marketed outside the United States; shares the same underlying platform)


In short, the Ford Fusion is the direct non-Mercury alternative, while the Lincoln MKZ offers a more upscale interpretation of the same core design.


Other midsize sedans commonly compared in this class


Beyond its direct siblings, the Milan sits among the broader mid-size sedan field that buyers in this segment typically evaluate for value, features, and reliability.



  • Honda Accord

  • Toyota Camry

  • Nissan Altima

  • Hyundai Sonata

  • Kia Optima


These models illustrate the standard set of competitors in the mid-size sedan market during the Milan’s era, offering similar interior space and comfort, but with varied design philosophies and brand positioning.


Summary


The Mercury Milan is best understood as a Mercury-badged version of the Ford Fusion, with the Lincoln MKZ serving as the premium counterpart on the same platform. For a direct, non-Mercury alternative, the Ford Fusion is the closest match; for a more upscale take, the Lincoln MKZ is the go-to option. In the broader market, buyers also considered staples like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry when evaluating mid-size sedans from that period.

What car is similar to a Nissan Murano?


The main competitors to the Nissan Murano are other mid-size, two-row crossover SUVs, with key rivals including the Chevrolet Blazer, Mazda CX-70, and Honda Passport. Other competitors that are often compared include the Toyota Highlander (though it is larger and typically offers a third row), Hyundai Santa Fe (which also offers an available third row), and the Toyota Crown Signia.
 
This video compares the 2025 Nissan Murano with the 2025 Mazda CX-70, discussing their features and interiors: 1mWalser Automotive GroupYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
Key competitors

  • Chevrolet Blazer: Competes directly with the Murano as a mid-size, two-row crossover, though it leans more towards a sporty style. 
  • Mazda CX-70: Another direct competitor in the mid-size two-row segment. 
  • Honda Passport: A strong competitor known for its all-terrain ability and standard V6 power. 
  • Toyota Highlander: While it seats five, it's a larger SUV with an available third row, making it a competitor for space. 
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: Offers a more budget-friendly option with clever technology and the option of a third row. 
  • Toyota Crown Signia: Competes in the same price range, offering a refined ride and great fuel efficiency with its hybrid system. 

Other comparisons
  • Nissan Rogue: Although a compact SUV, the top-trim Rogue Platinum is often compared to the Murano due to similar technology and features, though the Murano is larger. 
  • Kia Sorento: A competitor that offers a third row and is often compared on features and size. 



Is a Mercury Milan a good car to buy?


Yes, the Mercury Milan is considered a good car, especially for its value, with many owners praising its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and upscale feel. While some issues like transmission and power steering problems have been reported, overall reliability is decent, with a 7.4 out of 10 rating from iSeeCars.com. It is a solid option for those seeking a reliable and comfortable family sedan.
 
Pros

  • Comfortable and quiet ride: Owners consistently mention the smooth and quiet ride, and the interior is spacious with ample legroom for adults. 
  • Good performance: Reviewers often praise the car's handling and performance, with the V6 engine offering more acceleration than the four-cylinder. 
  • Value: Many owners feel the Milan offers great value for the money, especially when considering its upscale interior materials and features. 
  • Spacious trunk: The 15.6 cubic-foot trunk provides ample storage space for luggage and other gear. 

Cons
  • Potential transmission issues: Some owners have reported rough shifting or other transmission problems, particularly in colder weather. 
  • Numb steering: The electric power steering can feel light and numb, which may not be ideal for drivers who prefer more feedback from the road. 
  • Engine noise: The four-cylinder engine can be noisy during acceleration, according to some reviews. 
  • Breakable interior parts: A few owners have noted issues like breaking interior door handles. 

Reliability and lifespan
  • Reliability rating: The Mercury Milan has a decent reliability rating, with one source giving it a 7.4 out of 10.
  • Lifespan: The average lifespan is around 131,483 miles or 9.5 years, based on data from iSeeCars.com. 

Overall
The Mercury Milan is a good car, especially if you prioritize a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a good value. While some potential issues with the transmission and steering exist, its strong performance and comfortable ride make it a worthwhile option to consider.



Is a Mercury Milan the same as a Ford Fusion?


Yes, the Mercury Milan and the Ford Fusion are the same car, built on the same platform and sharing many components. The Milan was essentially a rebadged version of the Ford Fusion, marketed by the Mercury division with minor differences like the grille, headlights, and badging.
 
This video shows a side-by-side comparison of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan: 1mEricAtMazdaYouTube · Jun 1, 2012

  • Shared platform: Both the Milan and the first-generation Fusion were built on the Ford CD3 platform. 
  • Similar design: They share the same body and design, with the main visual differences being the front grille, headlights, and badging. 
  • "Sister" vehicles: The Milan was a counterpart to the Fusion, similar to how the Lincoln MKZ was a luxury version of the same platform. 
  • Minor differences: The Milan was often positioned as a slightly more premium model, with potential differences in interior trim or available features. 



What is the Mercury Milan equivalent to?


Taking its name from the second-largest Italian city, the Milan was a divisional counterpart and rebadged variant of the first-generation Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.