2010 Ford Fusion Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Ford Fusion review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Fusion, and includes Ford Fusion safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Halfway through its lifecycle, the Ford Fusion receives a significant update in the form of a redesigned exterior, a revised interior, additional technology features, and new Sport and Hybrid models. Three new powertrains join an updated 3.0-liter workhorse V6, two new transmissions debut, and electric steering is added to most models. Other changes include significant reductions in wind and road noise, a revised suspension for improved ride and handling, and modified brakes for better pedal feel.

The new 2010 Toyota Prius is offered in five levels of equipment, denoted by Roman numerals. The least expensive model is the Prius I, and this version is reserved for purchase by corporate and government entities. However, these will become used cars one day, so you should know that it’s well equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning, push-button ignition, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. The Prius I includes three different driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power.

The Fusion SE is the more popular model, equipped with fog lights, body color mirrors, and 17-inch designed steel wheels. Inside, the SE includes a 6-way power driver’s seat, a fold-flat front passenger’s seatback, floor mats, satellite radio, and audio controls on the steering wheel. Popular options include an automatic transmission, a 3.0-liter V6 engine, a reverse sensing system, Sync information and entertainment technology, a power moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

SEL trim designates the luxury-oriented Fusion. Automatic headlights, heated side mirrors with security approach lamps, a SecuriCode keyless entry pad, and 17-inch aluminum wheels come standard, along with ambient interior lighting, Sync infotainment technology, and dual-zone climate control. Leather-trimmed, heated front seats, with 8-way power adjustment for the driver and 6-way power adjustment for the front passenger, are also included, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Options include a 3.0-liter V6, AWD, a Sony surround sound audio system, a power moonroof, a reverse sensing system, and a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels. The Fusion SEL is also available with Ford’s Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, a rearview camera, and a voice-activated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service.

The Fusion Sport is new for 2010, building from SE equipment with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sport suspension, hydraulic rather than electric steering, and a SelectShift automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. On the outside, the Fusion Sport is set apart by 18-inch alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler, and a body kit. Standard features include Sync, leather seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and unique interior trim. The Sport’s option list is a long one, making it possible for buyers to add AWD and remaining features that come standard or optional on the Fusion SEL.

New for 2010, the Fusion Hybrid builds from SEL trim by adding unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a 110-volt power point, a 6-disc CD changer, and a reverse sensing system. Instead of leather, the Fusion Hybrid comes standard with eco-friendly cloth made from 85 percent post-industrial materials. The Fusion Hybrid’s special SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD cluster can be configured to Inform, Enlighten, Engage, and Empower formats, and includes an efficiency leaves display that instantly communicates how “green” you are driving. Options for the Fusion Hybrid include leather, heated front seats, Sony premium audio, a power moonroof, navigation, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera system.

Of special note is Ford’s upgraded Sync technology, which gets 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports this year. Vehicle Health Reports are diagnostic checks of your vehicles that can be performed using the in-dash touchscreen. What’s more important here is the new 911 Assist feature, which can contact rescue personnel and send them to your location in the event of an airbag deployment, even if you cannot speak directly with the operator.

For 2010, the Fusion gains a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that Ford says gets 6 mpg more on the highway over the old 2.3-liter engine, while simultaneously realizing significant gains in horsepower and torque to 175 hp and 172 lb-ft. Paired with this engine are a new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 22 city/29 highway with the manual and 22 city/31 highway with the automatic.

Carried over from last year is a 3.0-liter V6, but minor tweaks produce slight gains in fuel economy, power, and torque. Now making 240 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0-liter V6 is flex-fuel capable for 2010. The V6 comes only with the six-speed automatic transmission, but AWD is available in combination with this engine. According to the EPA, the V6 returns 19 city/27 highway with front-wheel drive and 18 city/25 highway with AWD.

New for 2010 is the 3.5-liter V6 installed under the hood of the Fusion Sport. Paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic, this 263-hp V6 drives the front or all four wheels, returning 18 city/27 highway with FWD and 17 city/24 highway with AWD.

Also new for 2010 is the Fusion Hybrid, equipped with a sophisticated gasoline/electric powertrain comprised of an Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack stacked behind the rear seat, a continuously variable transmission, and a regenerative braking system. Ford’s sophisticated hybrid can achieve 47 mph on electric power alone, and the automaker claims a potential 700-mile city driving range. Fuel economy is estimated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Ford Fusion comes standard with six airbags, four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and an SOS Post Crash Alert system that unlocks the doors and activates both the horn and flashers in the event of an airbag deployment. Available safety features include Sync with 911 Assist, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, a reversing camera, and a reverse sensing system.

Even without the optional safety items, the Fusion proves exceptionally safe in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The NHTSA gives the Fusion 5-Star ratings across the board, including for rollover with the optional AWD system, with two the exception of 4-Star ratings for rear seat side-impact protection and for rollover with front-wheel drive. The IIHS calls the Fusion a Top Safety Pick, but only for models built after April of 2010.

Reliability is also expected to be excellent with the Ford Fusion. Consumer Reports gives the Fusion its highest reliability prediction, believing the car will be more dependable than most midsize sedans. J.D. Power and Associates is not quite as optimistic, but does expect the Fusion to deliver above average levels of reliability over time.

To find out how the revamped 2010 Ford Fusion drives, we borrowed a Fusion Sport with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and optional AWD system. Our test car also came with Ford’s new Blind-spot Information System (BLIS), Cross-Traffic Alert system, and rearview camera with the display embedded into the rearview camera.

After putting hundreds of miles on the Fusion, we’re happy to report that front seat comfort is excellent, thanks to the 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and softly padded armrests and upper door panels. You can drive the Fusion all day without complaint. Unfortunately, we dislike the interior design, from the busy dashboard detailing and glossy dash skin to the questionable location of the stereo and climate controls sitting down low close to the center console. Granted, the Fusion’s cabin is freshened for 2010, but we think Ford botched the update by carrying over the 2009 model’s underlying hard-points and structures, precluding improvement in the ergonomics. We can’t figure out why the new materials look so cheap, even if they feel like quality. Seems like some kind of corner was cut here to satisfy requirements in a cost-analysis spreadsheet.

Guess we should be thankful, then, that technology like the BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert made the cut. The BLIS employs an orange indicator that illuminates on the outside mirrors, right where you can’t miss it. If a car is sitting in your blind spot, and you’re using your turn signal to indicate a lane change, BLIS will tell you if you’re gonna swap paint with a fellow motorist. The Cross-Traffic Alert feature is great in crowded parking lots, especially when larger vehicles surround the Fusion. Our car also had a reversing camera with the display in the rearview mirror, a natural location for consultation when backing up. We wish all reversing cameras used this approach.

Twist the key, set off down the road, and you’ll find that the Fusion Sport is entertaining to drive. But it is clearly not a sport sedan, as we will explain.

The Fusion Sport’s 3.5-liter V6 certainly is energetic, refined, and emits a pleasant growl under acceleration. However, it is not very fuel-efficient. We got just 19 mpg (with AWD) despite plenty of highway cruising, which happens to be exactly what the EPA claims is this car’s combined rating. Still, we’re not impressed.

We’re also not fans of the way Ford has set up the manual shift gate for its six-speed SelectShift transmission. The manual gate is located to the right, and upshifts are executed by shifting the lever down while downshifts are performed by shifting the lever up. Yeah. Confusing to read, and even more confusing to do while driving.

For an alleged sport sedan, the Fusion Sport’s suspension is soft, but communicative. The underpinnings soak up nasty road imperfections while clearly communicating what’s happening at the contact patches. On your favorite twisty back road, the car feels a little squirrelly in really tight corners taken at speed, but is composed and confidence inspiring in faster bends.

The Fusion Sport’s steering also seems a bit slow, and the steering wheel itself a bit oversized, for a sport sedan. Nevertheless, the car features an impressively tight turning radius even with the AWD system and the steering delivers excellent road feel. Plus, the wheel rim is pleasurable to grip.

If it sounds like we’re a little disappointed with the Fusion Sport, you’re right. But the worst thing about our test drive was that the brakes faded on a very cool day, and we weren’t even going that fast in the first place because recent rainstorms had given our mountainous test loop a good soaking in previous days. Given the Fusion Sport’s mission as the sport sedan model in the lineup, this is quite unacceptable.

Not surprisingly, then, we find that the Fusion Sport is not an outright sport sedan. Rather, it’s a sporty-looking Fusion with a bigger engine that you really don’t need. Thus, as much as we generally like the Ford Fusion, we think most people are likely better served by the Fusion SE or SEL, saving a few bucks in the process both in terms of price and fuel economy.

Despite our disappointment with the Fusion Sport model, the 2010 Ford Fusion is a solid family sedan. Offered in a variety of trim levels from basic and affordable to tech-laden and luxurious, with a fuel-efficient hybrid model tossed in for good measure, and with AWD offered as an option for people living in cold-weather climates, the Fusion is able to meet almost any buyer’s requirements. Plus, the Fusion receives impressive safety and reliability scores. That the car is attractive and comfortable is frosting on the cupcake. Vehix recommends the 2010 Ford Fusion. Just not the Sport model.

By Christian Wardlaw