2012 Ford Fusion Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Ford Fusion review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Fusion, and includes Ford Fusion safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

A midsize sedan that is entering its seventh year on the market, the Fusion might be aging but it remains a competitive choice in a crowded field. A completely redesigned Fusion is expected for the 2013 model year.

The popular Fusion SE gains a standard six-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch alloy wheels this year. Ford also restyles the side mirrors to help reduce wind noise, new door seals are added to help quiet the cabin, and suspension modifications are designed to minimize road noise. Finally, a new Sync AppLink technology allows Fusion owners to control smartphone apps using voice commands.

With five trim levels, four engine choices, and an available all-wheel-drive system, the 2012 Ford Fusion provides nothing if not variety. Base models have an S designation, and they comes with a six-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power blind-spot side mirrors, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack, a trip computer, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Ford also includes its MyKey programmable feature technology on the Fusion S. Floor mats and an automatic transmission are optional on this model.

The Fusion SE is the most popular model, and for 2012 it is upgraded with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and attractive 17-inch alloy wheels. This model also has floor mats, a power driver’s seat, a front passenger’s seat that folds flat to carry long items inside the car, satellite radio, and stereo controls on the steering wheel. You can identify the Fusion SE by its fog lights and body color mirrors. A variety of options are available on the SE, including a 3.0-liter V6 engine, a power sunroof, a reverse sensing system, and Ford Sync technology. An Appearance Package adds bigger 18-inch wheels and sporty exterior trim.

The Fusion SEL is the luxurious version, equipped with leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual power heated front seats, Sync, ambient cabin illumination, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Thanks to its six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, the driver benefits from manual control over gear changes. The SEL also has Ford’s SecuriCode keyless entry pad, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, and automatic headlights. A 3.0-liter V6 is available, along with a power sunroof, a reverse sensing system, and all-wheel drive. Options for the SEL model include a Sony surround sound audio system, a Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, and a navigation system with a reversing camera. Buyers can also choose a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels, and a Luxury Package provides premium leather with contrast stitching and special interior detailing.

The Fusion Sport is, not surprisingly, the performance-oriented model. To a Fusion SE, the Sport adds a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a SelectShift automatic transmission, a sport suspension, and hydraulic rather than electric steering. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, and a decklid spoiler dress up the exterior, while interiors have leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, Sync, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and sport-themed interior trim. The options list is a long one, and buyers can add AWD and nearly all of the features that come standard or optional on the Fusion SEL.

People looking to maximize fuel economy or simply live a greener lifestyle will want to consider the Fusion Hybrid. In terms of equipment, this car mirrors the Fusion SEL’s standard features list, with a few exceptions. The 17-inch alloys are a unique design, the seats are upholstered in an eco-friendly cloth rather than leather, and the Hybrid includes a 110-volt power outlet, a reverse sensing system, and a CD changer. Leather, heated front seats, navigation with reversing camera, Sony premium sound, BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert, and a power sunroof are optional.

Ford offers no fewer than four different engines, three transmissions, and two drivetrains for the 2012 Ford Fusion. A 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the most popular choice. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox (S models only) or a six-speed automatic transmission (optional on S). On the SEL model, the automatic has Ford’s SelectShift manual shifting feature. Final fuel economy figures were not published as the review was written, but last year the four-cylinder engine proved more fuel-efficient when combined with the automatic transmission. Manual models got 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway and 23-mpg city/33-mpg highway with the automatic. If you get SelectShift, mileage drops to 22/30.

A 3.0-liter V6 is optional on the Fusion SE and SEL. It comes standard with SelectShift, is flex-fuel capable, and makes 240 horsepower. If you want all-wheel drive on the SEL, this is the only engine available. Last year, fuel economy ratings were 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 18/26 with AWD.

The Fusion Sport’s standard 3.5-liter V6 develops 263 horsepower, is bolted to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and is available with AWD. In 2011, this powertrain was rated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 17/24 with AWD.

Fusion Hybrids are equipped with an advanced gasoline/electric powertrain. An Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack recharged through regenerative braking, and a continuously variable transmission provide 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, according to last year’s EPA estimates. Ford says the Fusion Hybrid can get up to 47 mph on electric power alone, and claims a 700-mile maximum city driving range. Last year, we test drove a Fusion Hybrid and averaged 31.7 mpg, far short of expectations.

Ford equips every 2012 Fusion with six airbags, traction control, stability control, antilock brakes, and blind-spot side mirrors. Ford’s SOS Post Crash Alert system is also standard, and will unlock the doors and activate both the horn and flashers in the event of an airbag deployment. Additional safety features, available depending on the model selected, include BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert, Sync with 911 Assist, a reversing camera, a reverse sensing system, and rain-sensing wipers.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the 2012 Fusion receives a 3-Star frontal impact rating, a 4-Star side impact rating, a 4-Star rollover resistance rating for front-wheel-drive models, and a 5-Star rollover resistance rating for AWD models. Considering the Fusion’s structural age and recent modifications to NHTSA test procedures that make it harder to get top scores, these results remain good if not great.

As this review is published, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not released official crash-test results for the 2012 Fusion. Last year, however, the IIHS was bullish on the Fusion’s ability to protect occupants, naming the essentially identical car a Top Safety Pick.

When it comes to reliability, Consumer Reports gives the Fusion its best possible prediction, expecting long-term dependability to rate much better than average. Last year, J.D. Power and Associates thought the Fusion would impress on this front, predicting that dependability levels would be better than average.

The Fusion comes standard with Ford’s thoughtful MyKey technology, which allows the car’s owner to set specific vehicle settings, such as maximum vehicle speed, maximum stereo volume, relentless seatbelt warning chimes, and eliminating the ability to switch off the stability control system. MyKey is particularly effective with young drivers in the household.

Fusions with Sync technology offer a 911 Assist feature. With 911 Assist, an operator attempts to get in touch with vehicle occupants if the car’s airbags deploy. If passengers cannot respond, the operator will go ahead and send rescue personnel to the Fusion’s location to speed assistance. For 2012, Ford will roll out an AppLink feature for Sync, which will allow voice-activated command of smartphone applications.

Another Fusion feature that deserves mention is exclusive to the Fusion Hybrid. This model comes standard with a SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD cluster that the driver can configure to Inform, Enlighten, Engage, or Empower with specific vehicle information. The more economically you drive, the more “leaves” that appear on the efficiency display, communicating with a glance how “green” you’re driving.

Though the Fusion is rapidly approaching the end of its current lifespan, Vehix continues to recommend the 2012 model. The Fusion offers variety, ranging from an affordable family car to a luxurious sedan, with a performance-oriented model and a fuel-efficient hybrid available as well. Buyers in regions with lots of snow and rain appreciate the available AWD system, and all Fusions are fun to drive, comfortable, dependable, and reasonably safe. Plus, Ford provides a wide range of technologies on this car. The Fusion is an oldie, but a goodie.

Christian Wardlaw