Ford Refreshes the Fusion Again and Debuts Co-Pilot360 Safety Package

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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.

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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 Co-Pilot360 as standard. The safety suite includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, a backup camera, and automatic high-beam headlamps. A secondary 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.

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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-liter EcoBoost (with optional all-wheel drive), while the Sport carries on with the 325-hp V-6 and all-wheel drive as standard.

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Regarding alternative powertrains, the Fusion hybrid still comes with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid and a continuously variable automatic transmission, but Ford updated the 9.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack on the plug-in Fusion Energi. The shape, size, and 84-cell configuration remain the same, but because of changes in the battery chemistry, it is now capable of 25 miles of electric range, up from 21.

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The 2019 Fusion also features more luxurious technology and packaging. Starting with the SE trim, all models are equipped with a Sync 3 8.0-inch touchscreen and an embedded 4G LTE modem. Replacing the SE Luxury package, Ford has brought back the SEL trim, which includes a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED headlights. The Titanium trim comes standard with a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, and 19-inch wheels. In all, Ford claims to have paired the available configurations from more than 2000 to only 36.

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Although it might not be immediately obvious, Ford also gave the Fusion a couple of figurative shots of Botox. It has a slightly leaner front fascia, a revised grille, a new trunklid panel, and new LED taillights. The rear fascia has been nipped and tucked, and Ford has replaced the wide chrome bar with chrome trim accenting the lamps.

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The 2019 Fusion will make its public debut at the upcoming New York auto show and will hit dealerships near the end of summer 2018. Look for more information on pricing and EPA numbers in the weeks to come.

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