The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport arrived with a bold prophecy, touted by some as an affordable American sports sedan ready to challenge the German giants. Boasting all-wheel drive and a potent engine, expectations were high for this new offering from Ford. After spending time behind the wheel, it’s clear the Fusion Sport delivers on performance, but perhaps not in the way some initially imagined.
The hype surrounding the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport was substantial. Many automotive publications, including ours, highlighted its potential as a compelling, budget-friendly all-wheel drive sports sedan capable of taking on rivals from Audi and BMW. The specifications certainly fueled this anticipation.
Under the hood lies a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the F-150 and Edge Sport, producing an impressive 325 horsepower and a substantial 380 lb-ft of torque. This power is distributed to all four wheels through a traditional torque converter and automatic transmission. Complementing this powertrain is Ford’s Continuously Controlled Damping system, a standard feature that dynamically adjusts damping rates based on driving conditions. Furthermore, a dedicated sport mode sharpens steering, modifies transmission shift points, enhances throttle response, and amplifies engine sound, painting a picture of a serious performance sedan on paper, seemingly ready to compete with the likes of an Audi S4 or BMW 340i.
However, Ford’s intention for the Fusion Sport was never to directly challenge those luxury performance sedans. As Ford representatives clarified during the press event, the goal was to inject more excitement into the mid-size sedan segment. The Fusion Sport is designed to offer existing Fusion customers, and mid-size sedan buyers in general, a step up in power and a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing the practicality and comfort expected in this class. In essence, the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport prioritizes its role as a family sedan, with a significant emphasis on sporty driving capabilities as a secondary, but very welcome, attribute.
This positioning became immediately clear at the media drive event. Instead of a racetrack, the location was a luxurious golf course near Hell, Michigan. While Ford did emphasize the powerful V6 engine and the Continuously Controlled Damping’s ability to minimize body roll during cornering, the focus quickly shifted to the Fusion Sport’s convenience and comfort-oriented features.
One of the first demonstrations showcased the Continuously Controlled Damping system. Ford presented a comparison against two competitors in the segment, a Toyota Camry XLE V6 and a Honda Accord EX-L V6, to highlight the Ford’s ride quality. The key takeaway was that the Fusion Sport stands out as the only vehicle in its class offering an active damping system. This technology promises not only improved handling but also, and perhaps more importantly for daily driving, a more refined and smoother ride. While the difference in ride quality on the controlled demonstration course was subtle, the technology’s presence is a notable advantage.
Following the ride quality demo, the event transitioned to showcasing the Fusion Sport’s Enhanced Active Park Assist System. This demonstration involved simply pressing a button as the car drove alongside a parking space. The Fusion’s sensors detected the space, prompted the driver to shift into reverse, and then autonomously steered the vehicle into the parking spot, requiring only brake pedal input. The system functioned effectively, highlighting the Fusion Sport’s suite of convenience technologies.
The press drive for this highly anticipated “sports sedan” thus featured parking demonstrations and pothole ride simulations rather than track times and cornering G-forces. This approach underscored the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport’s true identity: a well-rounded, powerful, and comfortable family sedan with a sporty edge, designed for drivers who appreciate performance but prioritize everyday usability and practicality. It’s not an “Audi-slayer,” but it is a compelling option for those seeking a mid-size sedan with a significant boost in power and technology.
