The 2020 Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan that delivers a solid performance with a comfortable, spacious interior and a stylish design. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat offers a comfortable ride with enough power for your daily commute, but there are some differences to make you choose.
Design
The Ford Fusion is an attractive, four door sedan that seats up to five, with spacious seating in both rows and plenty of head- and legroom for adults. The Fusion’s solid interior is mixed with quality materials, while higher trims feel even more upscale. Cloth upholstery comes standard and leather upholstery, front sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. Its large trunk helps you transport all your needs, with 16 cubic feet of cargo room.
The Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car that seats five comfortably, with plenty of space for adults in both rows. It has a simple design but its cabin is made out of quality materials and a good finish. Cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard, and available options include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and synthetic leather upholstery. The Passat has a 15.9 cubic foot trunk, and you can also fold down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, to load bulkier items.
Safety and Technology
The base Fusion offers plenty of modern safety and technology features that include a voice-activated SYNC interface and Ford’s MyKey. Available features include a SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. These features come standard in the trims above the base S trim. It’s standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 protection package, with blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, rear view camera, and forward automatic emergency braking.
The Passat comes with Volkswagen’s easy-to-use MIB infotainment system. It features a 6.3-inch touch screen with standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional standard features include satellite radio, one USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo. Two additional USB ports, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system are available. Standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Power/Performance and Price
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 175-horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Fusion. If you’d like more power, the higher trim models offer a 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, with auto start-stop technology. Its cabin design remains quiet at highway speeds, and the well-weighted steering and agility lets you tackle twists and turns with composure. You will have four options when choosing your Fusion: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The Fusion pricing begins at $23,170 for the Fusion S and ranges to $34,450 for the top-of-the-line Fusion Titanium. The basic S model offers an estimated 21/31 mpg in the city and on the highway. The higher trim models offer similar numbers of 23/34 mpg for the city and highway. You may also choose their hybrid option to improve your vehicle’s driving range and reduce CO2 emissions, making for an eco-friendly sedan.
The Passat has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 174 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is strong enough for driving around town and commuting on the highway. It delivers a comfortable ride, controlled handling and precise steering, with a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The Passat offers four trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL. Pricing for the Passat starts at $22,994 for the S trim and ranges to $31,095 for the SEL trim. It will give you an estimated 24/36 mpg in the city and on the highway.
Conclusion
The Ford Fusion’s solid performance, with its available more powerful engine, as well as a comfortable, smooth and stylish ride, makes this sedan a strong contender. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat provides a roomy cabin with a cushioned ride and a capable engine; but if you’d like more power, the Fusion will deliver.