2019 Ford Fusion

Pros: Broad range of powertrains and trim choices, including well-designed Hybrid and Energi plug-in-hybrid models; one of the quieter cars in the class; crisp-for-the-class handling; invigorating performance of new Sport model

Cons: Top-line trim levels are expensive; swoopy styling intrudes a bit on rear visibility

CG Says: The 2019 Ford Fusion has revised rear styling and the SE model gains a turbocharged 181-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in place of the previous 175-hp 2.5-liter four. The Platinum model has been dropped. Sport and Titanium are the top trim levels. Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive and an adaptive suspension system with pothole-detection technology; it’s powered by a 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter V6. Titanium is fully loaded with luxury features, including a leather interior with heated and cooled front seats. All-wheel drive is optional on SE and Titanium. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Energi are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor with a combined output of 188 horsepower. Technology features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and hands-free perpendicular and parallel parking. Ford’s Sync3 multimedia system, which is available in most Fusion models, replaced the finicky MyFord Touch setup. All Fusions have push-button starting, and a rotary dial gear-shift knob that replaces a traditional shift lever. The basic Fusion platform debuted as a 2013 model, and the extensive updates for 2017 help keep it competitive against a strong class of midsize-sedan rivals. We’re especially fond of the gutsy Fusion Sport model, which delivers real driving excitement while giving up little in everyday practicality.