2016 Ford Explorer XLT SUV Ti-VCT V6

For 2016, the Ford Explorer receives a variety of changes and updates. These include refreshed exterior styling, minor interior revisions, updated safety features, revised suspension tuning and a new top-end trim level (the Platinum). There's also a new engine option, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that replaces the previous, less powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The old four-cylinder couldn't be paired with all-wheel drive, but the 2.3 can be.

Introduction

If you have a large family, chances are you probably want a large and spacious vehicle to haul around your brood. Maybe you think a useful amount of towing capacity would be nice, too. But you also want the vehicle to have decent road manners and fuel economy. The 2016 Ford Explorer meets those requirements and is newly updated this year, taking what was already an upscale offering and making it even better.
The 2016 Ford Explorer doesn't look vastly different from the outgoing model (the new LED headlights and grille are the most notable aspects), but there are quite a few hidden changes. Inside, you'll find added USB charging ports to keep your family's techno gear running, as well as new tactile buttons for the optional MyFord Touch system that are easier to use than the previous touch-sensitive ones.

The easiest way to identify the updated 2016 Ford Explorer is to look for the squared-off headlights and restyled grille.

Some features have been improved as well, including the enhanced automated parking system that not only can park in a parallel space but can pull into and out of a perpendicular parking space as well. Then there's the enlarged optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes more power and returns better fuel economy, according to Ford's estimates. Importantly, the new engine can now be paired with all-wheel drive and, when properly equipped, tow up to 3,000 pounds.
This year's Explorer also has a new top-end Platinum trim level. It comes with just about every tech and safety feature from the Explorer's arsenal as standard, plus upgraded interior upholstery and trim that just adds to the Explorer's already high-quality cabin. Revised suspension tuning for greater comfort should also further the Explorer's credentials as an upscale and refined three-row crossover.
Despite its many updates, though, there are some drawbacks that went unaddressed. Even in a segment of relative automotive behemoths, the Explorer feels pretty big behind the steering wheel and can be harder to park and see out of. This is particularly noteworthy when you consider that many crossover rivals also have superior cargo space and more third-row legroom (along with the option for eight-passenger seating). In other words, it feels bigger despite actually being smaller.
As such, it would be wise to consider its many competitors. For maximum cargo space, you'll want to check out the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse and its cousin, the 2016 GMC Acadia. A well-rounded option for efficiency and comfort is the 2016 Toyota Highlander. The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot is definitely worth consideration as well, as it offers improved driving dynamics and a more spacious, versatile interior. Even alongside these strong competitors, though, the 2016 Ford Explorer is a more compelling offering than it recently has been. We recommend that you do some shopping around before making a decision, but the Explorer is a vehicle to keep on your short list.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Ford Explorer is a large three-row crossover SUV available in five trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat, 50/50-split third-row seat, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.2-inch display screen, Sync (Ford's voice-activated phone/entertainment interface), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB/auxiliary audio inputs.
The XLT adds upgraded brakes, body-color door handles, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a keyless entry code pad and push-button ignition, an eight-way power driver seat, a six-way power front passenger seat and satellite radio.
For the XLT, the Equipment Group 201A package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, an eight-way power passenger seat, a nine-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect package that includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8-inch touchscreen display (MyFord Touch), configurable gauge cluster displays, an SD card reader and upgraded Sync functionality. The 202A package includes all of the 201A equipment plus leather upholstery, heated front seats and front parking sensors.
The Limited gets the XLT 202A's equipment, plus 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, power-folding exterior mirrors, a front-view camera, a hands-free power liftgate, driver memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third-row seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, a heated and power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet, a navigation system and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio.

The 2016 Ford Explorer comes well equipped with features. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on most models.

Optional for the Limited is the 301A package (a.k.a. 303A with the 2.3-liter turbo engine), which includes automatic high beams, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, an automatic parallel- and perpendicular-parking system, lane-departure warning/intervention system, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, massaging front seats and inflatable seatbelts for second-row outboard passengers. Stand-alone options include adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake priming and a Trailer Tow package.
The Explorer Sport is equipped similarly to the Limited, but some of the Limited's standard features are optional here. You get different 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and unique interior and exterior trim details. The Sport's 401A package adds the power-folding mirrors, front-view camera, hands-free power liftgate, 110-volt outlet, driver memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a navigation system, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert safety features. The adaptive cruise control is again optional.
Other options for the XLT, Limited and Sport include a dual-panel sunroof, second-row captain's chairs (with available power-assist fold) and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted displays.
At the top of the Explorer food chain is the new Platinum. It includes the Limited's 301A package items plus the dual-panel sunroof, LED foglights, adaptive cruise control, upgraded leather upholstery, aluminum and wood interior trim and a premium Sony audio system. The only options for the Platinum are the rear entertainment system and the second-row captain's chairs with power-assist fold.

Powertrains and Performance

Standard on the Base, XLT and Limited trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, you have your choice of standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The latter gets hill-descent control, hill-start assist and Ford's Terrain Management System, which is a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction electronically for different conditions.
According to the EPA, a front-drive 2016 Explorer with the V6 will deliver 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). With all-wheel drive, the V6 drops slightly to 19 mpg combined (16/23). In Edmunds testing, an AWD Explorer Limited with the base V6 went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.
Optional on base, XLT and Limited Explorers is the fuel sipper of the group, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine making 270 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy rises to 22 mpg combined (19/28) with front-drive and 21 mpg combined (18/26) with AWD. Properly equipped, the four-cylinder Explorer can tow 3,000 pounds.

The Explorer's standard V6 provides sufficient motivation, but we're particularly fond of the strong optional turbocharged V6.

The Explorer Sport and Platinum trims come with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard. The EPA says to expect 18 mpg combined (16/22). Properly equipped, an Explorer with either of the V6 engines can tow 5,000 pounds. In Edmunds testing, the Sport went from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, which is very quick for this segment.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2016 Ford Explorer includes stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a front passenger knee airbag and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can monitor speed carried into a corner and decelerate if necessary.
A rearview camera is standard on the Explorer, while a 180-degree front camera is optional. Rear parking sensors are also standard on all but the base Explorer. Optional on the Limited and Sport but standard on the Platinum is a forward-collision warning system with brake priming (bundled with the adaptive cruise control), lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist (Limited only), a blind-spot warning system (with rear-cross traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts for second-row outboard passengers.
In Edmunds testing, an AWD Explorer Limited with all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 118 feet, a few feet shorter than average. An Explorer Sport with summer performance tires stopped in just 108 feet, a remarkable stopping distance for a vehicle of this size and weight.
In government crash tests, last year's Explorer earned a five-star rating (out of a possible five) for overall crash protection, with five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave its top score of "Good" for the Explorer's performance in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. It received the second-lowest rating of "Marginal" in the small-overlap frontal-offset test. Its seatbelts and head restraints earned a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the Explorer has the commanding ride height expected of an SUV, its thick roof pillars, high hood and tall dash limit outward visibility. Even with all of the available parking aids, it's a handful in tight spaces and in general feels much bigger than it really is (not a good thing for such a large vehicle). From a fit and finish perspective, though, the Explorer's interior is pretty well-trimmed. Materials are attractive and luxurious, with a soft-touch dashboard and precise-feeling controls. The front seats welcome a wide variety of body types, and the cabin is particularly quiet as well.
The optional MyFord Touch interface contributes to the premium vibe, as it adds a high-resolution touchscreen to the center console, plus two additional screens for the gauge cluster. It isn't the most user-friendly system, but it has been improved over the years and now works reasonably well (especially compared to the standard MyFord system). A welcome change for 2016 is the replacement of the touch-sensitive audio and climate controls with physical buttons.
Cargo space in the Explorer is a mixed bag. The deep well left behind by the raised third row leaves a more useful cargo area with all rows in place than anything in the segment, save the mechanically related Ford Flex. On the other hand, its 81.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is less than in most rivals, especially the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.

Interior cargo space should be enough for most families, though a few rivals are roomier still.

The Explorer's seating may be a bit disappointing for families as well. Second-row comfort is adequate, but overall it's just not as roomy (particularly for installing rear-facing child safety seats) as we'd hope for in a vehicle of this size. Third row space, meanwhile, very much depends on the second-row design. If you get the standard fixed bench, there is a dearth of third-row legroom, allowing only small children to fit comfortably. Opt for the sliding second-row captain's chairs and move them up, however, and even larger adults will fit in the aft-most row. Of course, the Explorer is reduced to six seatbelts in that configuration.

Driving Impressions

The Ford Explorer has a smooth ride quality on the highway, with good composure that gets only a little busier with the available 20-inch wheels over broken pavement. It's also particularly quiet, which is an added benefit for any highway journey. It handles securely in typical driving situations, but overall it feels larger and less maneuverable than similarly sized rivals.
The same is true of the Explorer Sport, but thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and steering, it reacts more quickly to inputs and generally imparts greater driver confidence. And while the Sport gives up a bit of that cushy ride quality, it's still well within the realm of acceptability for this class of vehicle.
The Sport and Platinum trims also come standard with the turbocharged V6, and its V8-like power numbers result in quick acceleration that's unbeatable in the large crossover segment. The regular V6 isn't as peppy but should still readily meet the expectations for most three-row crossover shoppers. As for the new turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, it's the least powerful of the three engines and can struggle to hold a gear on grades or authoritatively help you merge with freeway traffic. We've yet to subject it to instrumented testing, though, so check back later for specific details.

2016 Ford Expedition EL Limited

Sometimes, you just need a vehicle that can tow a trailer and haul a big load of passengers and gear all at the same time. A regular crossover SUV just won't do. That's when traditional, full-size SUVs like the 2016 Ford Expedition step in, providing three rows of seating for up to eight people, heavy-duty towing capacity and copious amounts of cargo space.

With its truck-based platform and available four-wheel drive, the 2016 Expedition can tackle dirt trails without issue.

The 2016 Expedition, with its 365-horsepower turbocharged V6, adjustable suspension and loads of seating flexibility meets expectations nicely when size and power do matter. This is one of the few vehicles that can handle most anything you can throw at it. It can tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped, and with the rear seating folded away, standard-length models can hold 108 cubic feet of cargo and extended-length models have up to 130.8 cubic feet of room for stuff.
Ford's decision to use its new Sync 3 infotainment system in place of the previous MyFord Touch system makes the 2016 Ford Expedition even more user-friendly than its predecessor. The only significant drawback to owning an Expedition is its sheer size. This is a big SUV, and some may find it a real beast in tight spaces and even on the open road. Plus, there's a difference between wanting a big SUV like this and actually needing one. We recommend looking at some easier to drive and more fuel-efficient crossovers (such as Ford's Explorer) if you don't need to haul house-sized trailers, battleship-sized boats or seven other folks and all their gear on a regular basis.
If big is high your list, though, the Expedition is the best of the breed right now. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban (and their GMC Yukon twins) are quite capable, but we've found in testing that they aren't as quick and don't ride as comfortably as the Expedition. Their rear seating and cargo areas aren't as roomy, either. The Toyota Sequoia is also worth a look, though it's getting on in years. When all is said, the 2016 Ford Expedition is clearly a top contender.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Ford Expedition is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV available in standard and extended-length (EL) body styles. The EL Expeditions are 15 inches longer overall than the standard models. Each body style is offered in four trim levels (XLT, Limited, King Ranch and Platinum), and all trims can be had in two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive versions. All 2016 Expeditions come standard with seating for eight passengers, while optional captain's chairs for the second row reduce passenger capacity to seven.
Standard equipment on the XLT includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED foglights, running boards, a roof rack, parking sensors, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat with manual recline, power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat and a one-touch fold-flat third-row seat. There's also a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Ford's Sync voice-control system, a 4.2-inch screen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, USB interface, auxiliary jack and rear audio controls.
The XLT 201A package adds a power liftgate, heated mirrors, leather upholstery for the first- and second-row seats (the third row has vinyl), a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power front passenger seat and a power-folding third-row seat.
The 202A package gets those items plus a heavy-duty trailer tow package, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, a 10-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the Sync 3 interface with an 8-inch touchscreen and an upgraded 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio.
The Limited trim includes all of the above items along with 20-inch wheels, front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors (with a driver-side auto-dimming mirror), automatic wipers and heated second-row seats. The 301A Package adds a sunroof, retractable running boards and a navigation system.

There's not a whole lot of daylight between luxury-oriented 2016 Expedition trim levels and the related Lincoln Navigator.

The Western-chic King Ranch Edition is equipped similarly to the Limited, but has special two-tone paint, special exterior styling details, a blind-spot monitoring system, premium leather upholstery and wood grain interior trim. The Platinum is similarly equipped to the King Ranch, but it loses the Western theme and gets a sunroof as standard.
Stand-alone options for the 2016 Expedition, depending on the trim level, include many of the items in the pre-packaged equipment groups, plus a load-leveling rear suspension, 22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, second-row captain's chairs, power retractable running boards, a dual-screen rear seat video entertainment system and a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle.

Powertrains and Performance

All 2016 Ford Expeditions are powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making 365 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. But buyers can opt for four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.
The EPA estimates that the RWD Expedition will deliver 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway), or 17 mpg combined (15/20) with 4WD. Going for the EL versions drops those numbers by about 1 mpg. On our evaluation driving loop, we matched the EPA's 17 mpg combined estimate in a 4WD Expedition.
At the Edmunds test track, that same Expedition proved to be one of the quickest trucks in its class, as it made the dash to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, easily trouncing competitive full-size SUVs equipped with traditional V8 engines.

Safety

The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. At the Edmunds test facility, a 4WD Expedition came to a controlled stop from 60 mph in 126 feet, an average distance for its class.
Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify maximum speed limits and stereo volumes for secondary drivers, is standard. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are also standard across the board, and the Limited and King Ranch also have front sensors. A blind-spot monitoring system is standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels and optional for the others.
In government crash testing, the Expedition received a top five-star rating for overall protection, with a five-star rating for both frontal and side-impact protection.

Interior Design and Special Features

There's plenty of room and an attractive look inside the 2016 Ford Expedition. The Limited, King Ranch and Platinum models are especially classy, but there are a few low-budget surfaces that don't fit the upscale cabin theme. This year's Expedition gets the Sync 3 interface as an option on the XLT and as standard equipment on trims above the XLT level. With Sync 3, Ford ditches the old MyFord Touch touchscreen that caused so much user dissatisfaction in favor of a new, easier-to-use interface. It can be a powerful tool for configuring and controlling the vehicle and your smartphone.

The new-for-2016 Sync 3 infotainment system is a huge improvement, delivering fast and user-friendly functionality.

Everyone in a 2016 Expedition, regular or EL, has a good amount of room to stretch out. The standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat both slides and reclines for greater comfort, and includes a center section that can be scooted forward to put small kids within reach of mom or dad. The available second-row captain's chairs are a small luxury, even though they drop seating capacity to seven passengers. The third-row seat also folds flat into the floor when you need more cargo room, useful for any family going on a luggage-heavy vacation.
Speaking of cargo room, there's no shortage of it here. The standard 2016 Expedition offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Expedition EL sports 42.6 cubic feet. Fold down both rows of rear seats and you get a flat load floor with 108.3 cubic feet in the regular-size Expedition and 130.8 cubic feet in the Expedition EL. For comparison, that's about 10 cubic feet more than the Sequoia and Suburban.

Driving Impressions

Although the Ford Expedition is a sizable beast, its four-wheel independent suspension gives it exceptionally smooth ride qualities for a traditional full-size SUV. This cannot be said of similarly sized SUVs with live-axle rear suspensions. Opting for the 2016 Expedition's three-way adaptive dampers makes its excellent manners even better. Precise and responsive steering also contributes to an easy-to-drive nature, but the Expedition's considerable bulk is a notable limitation when negotiating tight spaces.

The 2016 Expedition drives quite well for such a sizable beast, and the 365-hp V6 makes quick work of passing and merging maneuvers.

The turbocharged V6 engine is surprisingly well suited for this big SUV. The turbocharger lights quickly, and the immediate shove it produces will convert even the most stubborn critic bemoaning the loss of the V8

2016 Ford Fusion SE Sedan I-4

When it was completely redesigned three years ago, the Ford Fusion sprinted from the middle of the pack to front-runner status in the super competitive midsize sedan segment. As a testament to just how right Ford got this car, there have been only minor changes since then, yet the 2016 Ford Fusion remains one of our top picks.
Strengths include handsome styling, refined ride and handling characteristics, a quiet cabin and a peppy yet fuel-efficient engine lineup. Two of the Fusion's available engines are turbocharged. Go with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine for maximum fuel economy or the 2.0-liter for robust acceleration. All-wheel drive is also available, which is a rarity for this class of car.

The Fusion's attractive exterior design helps set it apart from competitors in a segment that traditionally favors conservative styling.

There are also enough high-tech luxury and safety features to please a lifetime subscriber to Wired magazine. The Fusion can be had with everything from adaptive cruise control to automatic parallel parking. There's also the MyFord Touch electronics interface, which governs various audio, climate, navigation and phone tasks. While it's occasionally tricky to use, it offers useful customization options and voice control functionality.
Still, Ford isn't the only automaker that knows how to build a midsize sedan that combines stylish design, high-tech features and strong fuel economy. Efficiency has long been a leading attribute for the Honda Accord, a brilliantly executed sedan in almost every sense, even if it's not quite as handsome as the Fusion. Hyundai's recently redesigned and well-regarded Sonata presents a great value. The well-rounded Nissan Altima and popular Toyota Camry are other midsize sedan favorites. Overall, though, the 2016 Ford Fusion is right there at the top with its abundance of practicality, technology and style.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Ford Fusion is a four-door, five-passenger midsize sedan available in three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. There are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid (known as the Fusion Energi) versions, which are covered in separate reviews.
The Fusion S comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, full power accessories, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, audio and phone voice commands (Sync), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, smartphone app integration and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a USB port/iPod interface. Optional for the S is the Appearance package, which features 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, color-keyed lower side sills and a rear spoiler.
Moving up to the Fusion SE gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior keypad entry, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power passenger seat, rear air ducts, a rear center fold-down armrest and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The SE is also eligible for additional optional equipment. As with the S, an Appearance package (Equipment Group 201A) is available that adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and special cloth upholstery. The Luxury package (Equipment Group 202A) adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver-side mirror, leather upholstery, driver memory settings and heated front seats.
Opting for the SE's MyFord Touch Technology package equips the Fusion with rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (with 8-inch central LCD touchscreen and two configurable gauge cluster displays), an upgraded version of Sync, two USB ports, an SD card reader and an RCA video input jack.
The Fusion Titanium comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition and entry, remote start, sport front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the passenger seat, a premium 12-speaker Sony sound system, HD radio and all of the SE's optional features mentioned above.
The Fusion SE (with the Technology package selected) and Titanium can also be equipped with a navigation system, an automated parallel-parking system, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control with frontal collision warning. For the SE and Titanium, Ford additionally offers the Luxury Driver Assist package, which includes automatic high beam control, a 110-volt power outlet, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and a lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist system. A sunroof is optional for both the SE and Titanium, and the Titanium can be had with 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats.

Powertrains and Performance

The Fusion S and SE come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's rated at 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
For the SE, there are two additional engine options. There's a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, which comes matched to a six-speed automatic. Power output is 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for maximum performance should consider the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It also comes only with the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters).
The Fusion Titanium comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. All-wheel drive is optional on any 2016 Ford Fusion with the 2.0-liter engine.
In Edmunds track testing, a Fusion Titanium with the turbo 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, about average for a midsize sedan with an upgraded engine and all-wheel drive. (Although we have yet to test a Fusion with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, we tested a 2013 Fusion with that engine's precursor, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, and got a 0-60-mph time of 8.8 seconds, which is average for four-cylinder family sedans. We'd expect near-identical performance with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.)
The EPA's fuel economy ratings for the Ford Fusion are pretty solid across the board. For the base 2.5-liter engine, EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at a combined 26 mpg (22 city/34 highway), which is average for this class.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can be had with optional automatic engine stop-start functionality to optimize fuel economy. The 1.5-liter with stop-start delivers a combined 29 mpg (25/37); without the stop-start feature, it is rated at 28 mpg combined (24/36).
With the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, front-wheel-drive Fusions earn 26 mpg combined (22/33). The AWD version rates 25 mpg combined (22/31).

Safety

The 2016 Ford Fusion comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system includes an emergency crash-notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. Also standard is Ford's MyKey, which can be used to set certain parameters for secondary drivers such as teens or valets.
Optional equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, driver drowsiness detection, a combined lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist system, a frontal collision warning system with brake priming, and inflatable rear seatbelts.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Fusion Titanium stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average distance for this class of car.
The government gave the Fusion five out of five stars for overall crash protection, with five stars for total frontal protection and four stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Fusion the highest possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength crash tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, the Fusion earned a second-best rating of "Acceptable." Its head restraints and seatbelts earned a "Good" rating for their whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Interior Design and Special Features

Cabin design and execution of the 2016 Ford Fusion echoes that of its exterior. There's a cool and urbane style to the seats and dash, a tone set largely by the high-quality finishes and, of course, the lack of center-stack buttons afforded by the optional MyFord Touch touchscreen system. The emphasis is on having large, nicely textured surfaces and removing extraneous clutter, and it mostly works.

The 2016 Ford Fusion has one of the most visually appealing cabins in its class, replete with high-quality materials and a clean center stack.

The driver seat is easy to adjust into a just-right position and provides good sight lines out the front and sides of the car. It's harder to see through the sloping rear window, so it's helpful that a rearview camera comes standard. The roof's rearward slope also cuts into rear seat headroom, though not so much as to make most average-height rear passengers uncomfortable. The front seats also are mounted high enough off the floor that those in the rear can at least partially fit their feet under the front seats. Trunk space, at 16 cubic feet, is about average for the midsize sedan segment.

There's a price to pay for the Fusion's swoopy roof line. Headroom for rear seat passengers is diminished somewhat compared to others in the class.<

Any review of a contemporary Ford must also address the optional MyFord Touch infotainment interface. Without it, the base radio and climate controls are still somewhat complicated to use and less aesthetically pleasing. You get a much sleeker look with MFT, thanks to its 8-inch touchscreen. Backed by many redundant voice commands, it can be a powerful tool for configuring and controlling the car and your smartphone. But depending on your comfort level with technology, it might take you a while to get accustomed to using MyFord Touch even for basic functions. And although the system works significantly better than when it debuted, it can still be sluggish at processing touch inputs.

While most other vehicles in the Ford lineup have switched over to the new Sync 3 infotainment system, the 2016 Fusion soldiers on with the last-gen MyFord Touch interface.

Driving Impressions

There's a comfortable and assuring tautness to the way every Fusion rides, and the steering is accurate and nimble-feeling. It all comes together to make the driver immediately feel comfortable with its responses. Highway cruising is commendably quiet and composed, and the well-engineered seats make the 2016 Ford Fusion a good companion for all-day interstate hauls.
Although it's fully competitive with similarly sized engines from Chevrolet and Honda, for instance, the Fusion's base 2.5-liter engine isn't very inspiring. Perhaps it's because the optional turbocharged engines are markedly more entertaining. In spite of its small size, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four is smooth and eager and provides an appealing blend of fuel efficiency and performance, even if its absolute performance isn't exactly eye-opening. On the other hand, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four noticeably ups the performance aspect and pairs well with the Fusion's optional all-wheel-drive system.