Flash Drive

2014 Ford Fusion SE

2014 Ford Fusion_02Model 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.