What do we love about midsize cars? Well, they're are small enough for every day commuting but large enough to fit the whole family on weekend drives or daily errands with the kids. They're also far less expensive, both in purchase and fuel costs, than SUVs with the same passenger seating. In this comparison guide, we put some of the greatest midsize sedans next to each other and see which has more of what you love. Say hello to the 2018 Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.
Price: 2018 Ford Fusion
The 2018 Ford Fusion is a steal, starting at just $22,120 for the base model. The Fusion comes standard with manually adjustable front seats, push-button start, Ford MyKey, rearview camera, four-speaker stereo system, and voice-activated SYNC interface. At this level, the few optional features include fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and spoiler. After that, there are four other trim levels, the SE ($23,490), the Titanium ($30,490), the Sport ($33,845), and the Platinum ($36,990).
The 2018 Honda Accord starts somewhat higher, at $23,570. Standard features include Honda Sensing, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED low-beam headlights, multi-view rear backup camera, 7-inch display audio with Bluetooth connectivity and auto on/off headlights. There's more there than what's on the base Fusion, but you may not want or need some of those features.
Cargo Room: 2018 Ford Fusion
The 2018 Ford Fusion offers 16 cubic feet in the trunk while the Honda Accord offers 16.7 cubes. Though the Honda Accord technically holds 0.7 cubic feet more, we prefer the Fusion. This Ford has a wide mouth and low lip so big and bulky options can easily pass through. That accessibility, together with the 60/40 folding back seats make it a much more useful and adaptable space.
Transmission: 2018 Ford Fusion
If you want all-wheel drive, you only have one option between these two midsize cars. Though front-wheel drive is standard on most trim levels of the 2018 Ford Fusion, all-wheel drive is available on all of them except the base Fusion S. It's mated to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 generating 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. If you really want a ride that goes all-out, consider the Ford Fusion Sport, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 325-horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
The Honda Accord has potent engine options, but if you want one with all-wheel drive for accelerating on slippery surfaces and getting unstuck from the mud, you're out of luck. This midsize car comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers nothing more. The transmission is paired with one of three engine options (half as many as the Fusion boasts), the base being a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine delivering 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. That's pretty good but if all-wheel drive is a dealbreaker, not good enough.
If you want an all-wheel drive vehicle, or an inexpensive one, or one that hauls even bigger items, you'll want the 2018 Ford Fusion.