It might seem strange that Ford refreshed the Fusion for 2019, just two years after it facelifted the family sedan for 2017, but one look at the car’s competition is all the explanation needed. Toyota and Honda launched new generations of the Camry and Accord for 2018, both of which were significant steps forward, and this is Ford’s response. The 2019 Fusion debuts the new Co-Pilot360 safety suite and brings slightly tweaked front and rear fascias, an improved plug-in hybrid powertrain, and a few minor changes to the lineup.
Ford recently announced its intentions for the new Co-Pilot360 package at an event called Ford Uncovered, and now the technology is debuting in a real-world product. The 2019 Fusion is the first Ford vehicle to come with the Co-Pilot360 Protect package as standard. This safety suite includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, a backup camera, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Another tier, called Co-Pilot360 Assist, is standard on Titanium, Sport, and hybrid models. It brings adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, navigation, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. S and SE buyers will have the option to add 360 Assist for an as yet unnamed price.
SE trims and above now come standard with the turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine rather than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder (which still powers the S model). The Titanium continues with the 2.0-...