2023 Ford Fusion Active

Overview

With sedan sales plummeting and SUV purchases skyrocketing, Ford looks to synthesize those two vehicle segments by reviving the Fusion nameplate for an all-new crossover-like station wagon. Although there aren’t a lot of details about Ford’s forthcoming model, it’s expected to target the Subaru Outback. That means the Fusion Active should have all-wheel drive, plastic body cladding, and a raised ride height. There are also rumors that a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrain will be offered. We won’t have the full picture until Ford decides to spill the beans, but here’s what we know so far about the Fusion Active.

What’s New for 2023?

The Ford Fusion—discontinued after the 2020 model year—will be reimagined as a lifted station wagon to better fit among the brand’s nearly all-SUV lineup. We have seen only spy photos so far, but it appears the new crossover is nearing its debut. We expect to know more before the end of the year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Since it may be filling a hole in the Ford lineup which will soon be vacated by the mid-size Edge SUV, it makes sense that the Fusion Active would start somewhere in the mid $35,000 range. Although we don’t have any idea what trim levels will fill out the lineup, we think it’ll align with other Ford models.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Without any official details about the engine and transmission options that will be available on the Fusion Active, we can only speculate on the possibilities. One thing we can almost guarantee is that all-wheel drive will be offered. There have also been rumors that Ford will offer a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrain on the wagon. Those two electrified setups could be the same or similar to the ones that power the compact Escape crossover. That means a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with two electric motors. The Fusion Active could also inherit the Escape’s gas-only 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission. We won’t know anything about the wagon’s performance or how it drives until we can get behind the wheel.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since we don’t have any information on which powertrains will be available on the Fusion Active, we have nothing to report on its fuel-economy ratings. We’ll update this section once its EPA estimates are released, and we’ll eventually put those figures to the test on our real-world highway route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Fusion Active’s interior design, passenger space, and cargo volume are a total mystery. We expect the styling to mirror newer Ford products such as the all-electric Mustang Mach-E crossover and the mid-size Explorer SUV. Those models suggest a fully digital gauge cluster, a vertically oriented center screen, and versatile interior cubby storage. We also expect the Fusion Active to provide a comfortable back seat and generous cargo space to compete with the Outback.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The latest version of Ford’s Sync infotainment system should be included on the upcoming Fusion Active. We expect a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard. Likewise, built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot will likely be on the roster of options. Ford usually offers an upgraded audio system, too.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While Ford hasn’t said what driver-assistance technology will be offered on the station wagon, we expect features such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist to be included. It’s possible the Fusion Active could also offer Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving mode as an option. For more information about the Fusion Active’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistAvailable adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford provides a competitive warranty that aligns with most other automakers. However, it doesn’t provide any complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance