2017 Ford Fusion

Ford needs a substantial refresh for its mid-size offering, the Fusion. It has gone relatively unchanged since a 2013 redesign. Bested by sales from competitors, Ford finished fourth in US mid-size sedan sales in 2015 netting only 300,170 sales. Toyota's Camry for the 14th consecutive year retained its crown as the best selling car in America with 429,355 units sold. The newly refurbished Camry beat the Fusion by over 120,000 units. Ford obviously isn't pleased with this but there is hope on the horizon.

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The mid-size sedan segment has seen several players up the ante. Hondarevamped theAccord, Nissan gave the Altimasome serious cosmetic surgeryand Chevrolet debutedan entirely newMalibu. The Blue Oval took notice and at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show Ford delivered a substantially updated Fusion. An all new front fascia, revised interior, and updated infotainment system covers the sedan's large portfolio. There's also a "Sport" model. Ford has taken advantage of the current low gas pricesand given us an STFusion of sorts with a 325-horsepower twin-turbo V6 mated to an all-wheel-drive system. The new Fusion Sport seems destined tooust the mundanefrom the mid-size sedan segment.

At $34,450 the Sport would seem to be thetrue successor to theSHO Taurus of old. Price and performance of this caliber would put the Fusion in the cross-shopping radar of potential Dodge Charger R/T buyers. The Charger may sit a size up from the Fusion but at only $33,895 and with 370 horsepower practicality, performance and price point may come into play. The practicality of AWD may sway buyers who live in more seasonal climates. (Yes, the Charger offers AWD but on less beefier engines.) The Fusion family will be distinguishable by three separate grille designs. The Sport will feature a monochromatic mesh grille, the Platinum ($37,495) features a similar mesh pattern with a chrome finish.