Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fusion SE four-door sedan
Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 178 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive
EPA Ratings: 25/City—37/Highway—29/Combined
Base Price: $23,935
As Tested: $27,590
Performance:
Good torque for small displacement engine
Auto start-stop feature can be turned on/off with console switch
Pleasant ride characteristics
Comfort:
Stretch-out front legroom
Very good headroom
Power lumbar support for driver
Thick, contoured steering wheel
OK auxiliary controls
Three-temp heated seats
Very soft, comfy headrests
Rear seat sized for large adults
Good quality interior plastics
Big rear doors
Solid door shut
Utility:
Deep center console storage bin
Big, two-level locking glovebox
Full-length front door bins
Two seatback pouches
Big, deep trunk, but covered hinges take up a lot of room
Flat trunk floor
Super wide pass-through to split folding rear seats
Seats don’t fold very flat
WOW Factors:
Handsome styling
Roomy interior
Optional inflatable rear seat belts
Whines:
Automatic start-stop feature not as seamless as some competitor versions
Didn’t match EPA estimates even on steady highway driving
Small info/entertainment screen
Very small rear door bins
Bottom Line:
The 2014 Ford Fusion SE has the new 1.5-liter four-cylinder, but it’s as competent as larger engines while returning very good fuel economy. The Ford Fusion is one of the better family sedans on the market.
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