The Ford Fusion just got a makeover for the 2019 model year. This mid-generation refresh means the Ford car gets a front and rear fascia update and a new safety package. Most noticeably, the grille has changed from horizontal chrome bars to a cascading honeycomb look. In back, the tail lamp trim no longer connects across the trunklid. Overall, the Fusion has a more refined look than the previous model year. In safety, the Fusion now sports the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting.
The important question is how this affects the Fusion's ranking. This article is a comparison guide as we take a fresh look at the updated Ford Fusion, compared to the bestselling Honda Accord. Which gets our vote? You'll see.
Price: 2019 Ford Fusion
The Fusion is the more affordable option here, starting at just $22,840. Let's see what we get for that low price. There's a 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, push-button start, Ford MyKey, four-speaker stereo system, voice-activated SYNC, and rearview camera. There's also the aforementioned Co-Pilot360, a standard suite of safety systems, and quite a bargain at this price point.
The Honda Accord starts slightly higher at $23,720. What does a thousand more get you? A slightly better engine, the 192-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. There's also a generous standard safety package, similar to the Co-Pilot360. The Accord also comes with an infotainment system (not voice-activated) that includes four-speaker system, 7-inch display screen, Bluetooth, and USB port. As you can see, the cars are pretty similar at the base price, even though one dips a little deeper into your wallet.
Cargo Room: Tie
This one is very close. The 2019 Ford Fusion offers a 16-cubic-foot trunk. The Accord's is about the same, adding 0.7 cubes to its trunk. Though the Accord wins in terms of overall cargo space, we're calling this one a tie because the Fusion has a wider trunk opening and lower lip. In other words, the Fusion's trunk is easier to access and more versatile, though it doesn't provide that room for one more paper grocery bag.
Engine Options: 2019 Ford Fusion
For those who want some power in their corner, the Ford Fusion delivers. Though the base engine is nothing to write home about, the Fusion offers five other engines to choose from. The best one is the 325-horsepower 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 380 pound-feet of torque. That easily outpaces any of the Accord's engine options. The Honda car's best is a 2-liter turbocharged engine generating 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A great engine, to be sure, but not as great as that of the 2019 Ford Fusion.