The 2012 Ford Fusion Sport is an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the standard Ford Fusion model. The V6 engine features six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shfit mode and the car has excellent standard and optional features.
Consumers looking for a mid-sized sedan with plenty of power at a reasonable price should give this model a look. If you’re familiar with the 2011 model, this one should offer exactly what you’re looking for (and maybe a bit more).
Performance
The 2012 Ford Fusion Sport has a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder Duratec engine that delivers 263 horsepower @ 6250 and 249 lb-ft of torque @ 4500. Acceleration is good, but maybe not what one would expect from a V6 with so much horsepower. The automatic transmission has an optional manual-shift mode of operation.
In terms of handling, the 2012 Fusion Sport has the best control of all the Fusion trims. The vehicle handles bumps on the road well providing for a comfortable ride. The engine is a bit noisy especially during quick acceleration, but not so bad at cruising speed.
Fuel economy is EPA 18 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. The vehicle has a fuel capacity of 17.5 gallons and a maximum range of 472 miles.
Interior
The four-door sedan seats five passengers with average headroom and legroom. Seats are comfortable with firm support and the driver’s seat is high affording a good view of the road.
Cargo space is limited and the trunk cannot accommodate tall objects very well. The leather upholstery is a nice feature and the interior is pleasant, but not outstanding.
Exterior
The 2012 Ford Fusion Sport is a decent-looking vehicle with eye-catching front fascias and side rocker molding. The vehicle includes a rear spoiler and sport badging.
Standard exterior lighting includes automatic headlights, halogen headlights, quad beam halogen headlights and front fog-lights.
Comfort and Entertainment
Air conditioning is manual with interior air filter and rear HVAC ducts. The Fusion Sport has front and rear map lights, interior trunk light and illuminated entry.
Standard entertainment package includes a six-speaker sound system with AM/FM radio, CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months service, and MP3 player. SYNC provides access for Bluetooth wireless devices.
Instrumentation and Other Driver Features
Drivers have access to the SYNC voice-activated navigation system and SYNC Telematics. The SYNC system includes Automatic Collision Notification, Traffic Information, Vehicle Diagnostics and 911 Assist Emergency Response.
Dashboard and steering wheel instrumentation include tire pressure monitor, cruise control, trip computer, tachometer, clock, maintenance interval indicator, compass, audible seatbelt warnings and steering wheel controls for cruise control, audio and transmission.
The Ford Fusion Sport also comes with Multi-Function Remote that locks/unlocks doors, turns on lights, controls power windows and trunk, and operates anti-theft system.
Safety Features
To protect passengers in case of collision, the 2012 Fusion Sport features driver airbag, front side airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags. An SOS Post Crash Alert System features a sensor that automatically unlocks doors and activates flashers and horn after a collision. An electronic system known as MyKey allows you to limit the vehicle’s maximum speed and audio volume.
Front and rear 3-points seatbelts have height adjusters and the Personal Safety System operates pretensioners with force limiters. The Personal Safety System also activates and deactivates the airbags during and after a crash. The SYNC Crash Sensor can automatically send out a GPS location signal to emergency services when paired with a wireless enabled mobile phone.
Structural safety features include crumple zone, trunk anti-trap device, front and rear automatic locking retractors, LATCH system and side guard door beams.
The 2012 Ford Fusion Sport features front and rear power disc brakes with four-wheel anti-lock system and Electronic Brake Force Distribution. The AdvanceTrac system provides electronic stability control (ESC), while the Vehicle Stability Control System uses engine power reduction to provide added stabilization.
The vehicle anti-theft system includes alarm, engine immobilizer and exterior monitoring. The doors are lockable via key and internal switch, and the rear doors have child safety door locks.
The Verdict
The 2012 Ford Fusion Sport is a better than average vehicle for its class designed for people who want the extra power of a V6 engine. The car is on the low range in terms of price as compared to its competitors and it comes with a basic three-year, 36,000 mile warranty. Drivetrain and roadside assistance warranties are five years and 60,000 miles, and the corrosion warranty is unlimited.
Overall, this car is a good value and comes loaded with many good standard features including an impressive electronic navigation and safety system. Compared to the 2011 model, this version seems to be just as good, if not slightly better.