2019 Ford Fusion Facelift Brings Updated Styling And New Tech

Ford might have cancelled the planned redesign of the Fusion but that hasn’t stopped the company from announcing plans to unveil an updated model at the New York Auto Show.

Set to go on sale in the United States this summer, the 2019 Fusion features a modestly revised exterior with a new grille and trunk lid. The car has also been equipped with updated fog lights and new LED taillights.

Interior changes are limited but Ford has simplified the model lineup and installed additional equipment. The entry-level Fusion S now comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Protect suite of driver assistance systems. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind spot warning system, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera and automatic high-beam headlights.

Moving up to the Fusion SE rewards buyers with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The model also has a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch display as well as a WiFi hotspot which supports up to ten different devices. Customers can also order a Fusion Hybrid SE which features a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission.

The Fusion SE Luxury Package has been dropped and replaced by the new Fusion SEL and Fusion Hybrid SEL. Both models come equipped with a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and “ActiveX” upholstery. Other highlights include LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and “warm interior accents.”

The Fusion Titanium and Fusion Hybrid Titanium go even further as they have a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and GPS navigation. The models also boast a moonroof, 19-inch wheels, inflatable rear seat belts and an adaptive cruise control system with stop and go functionality.

The plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi is available exclusively in Titanium trim and it has a new 9 kWh lithium-ion battery which enables the model to travel up to 25 miles (40.2 km) on electricity alone. This is an improvement of nearly 20% and Ford estimates 48% of current plug-in hybrid customers could now drive to and from their jobs on electricity alone.

Last but not least, the Fusion V6 Sport returns to the lineup with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing a class-leading 325 hp (242 kW) and 380 lb-ft (514 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.