The 2018 Ford Fusion Sport and the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi Platinum may look similar on the outside and fall into similar price categories, however they have some fundamental differences that make them possess unique characteristics. This makes choosing the correct variation of the 2018 Ford Fusion really important, but we help you make an informed choice by comparing both models and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.
ENGINES AND DRIVING PERFORMANCE
The 2018 Ford Fusion Energi Platinum is powered by a hybrid engine outputting 188hp from a 2.0L four cylinder gas engine combined with an electric motor. A bank of lithium-ion batteries is recharged when cruising and braking ensuring minimal loses of power and maximum efficiency. The hybrid engine is perfect for those who want to do their bit for the environment, by cutting down significantly on the amount of harmful emissions and using much less gas than traditional cars. If you are used to a regular internal combustion engine then getting used to the feel of driving a hybrid engine vehicle can take some time. The 2018 Fusion Energi is no different, but once you get used to it, you will come to appreciate how linear the power delivery is and how smooth the braking is compared to other hybrids.
The 2018 Ford Fusion Sport packs a turbo charged 2.7L six cylinder engine that churns out 325hp through an all wheel drive, while paired to a six speed transmission. The V6 in the 2018 Fusion Sport is for the purists and those who like the car to respond with a certain fury every time the gas pedal is pressed. Those who usually opt for the Sport model are usually after performance and the 2018 Fusion Sport does not disappoint!
Both engines are smooth, powerful and overall a pleasure to drive. Both engines will work as a daily driver, but if you are looking for better efficiency and fuel economy go for the Hybrid which has a combined fuel economy that’s just over two times better at 5.5 L/100km and if you want power and performance go for the more drive that’s more exhilarating in the Sport.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
While both the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Sport have an exterior that looks similar at first glance, once you start to pay attention to the details, the differences start to stand out. Once of the more obvious differences are the wheels. The 2018 Fusion Sport features sporty looking 19-inch dark tarnish painted aluminum wheels while the 2018 Energi Platinum features classy looking 18-inch regular aluminum wheels. Other than the wheels, the only other clearly differentiating features are the badges and the single exhaust on the Hybrid versus the quad exhaust on the Sport.
FEATURES AND OPTIONS
The main difference is that the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi Platinum comes with what is known as a SmartGuage on the dash, which helps guide the driver on best practices for braking, cruising and accelerating. Hybrids are usually the toughest cars to drive optimally, but the SmartGuage makes it easier to help you figure out the little things you have to do drive a hybrid the most efficiently.
The 2018 Fusion Sport also has something unique to it in the form of Continuously Controlled Damping, which takes care of one the most persistent issues that Sports versions of various cars suffer from – a very stiff suspension. In typical performance cars, the driver is made aware of every pothole and imperfection in the road in a bumpy and jarring way, however the Fusion Sport is smooth and comfortable. In our testing, we found the Sport more fulfilling to drive while the Energi Platinum is more for the perfectionist as it requires a bit more effort from the driver to ensure a smooth and efficient drive.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Between the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi and the 2018 Ford Fusion Sport, there is very little to choose and an easy decision is expected as long as you know what you’re looking for. As mentioned, it all depends on whether you want efficiency and fuel consumption savings, or raw power with sporty and aggressive performance. Both are very well equipped on the interior comfort side of things and both are great daily drivers. With a very similar price point, the decision really boils down to how often you will make use of the extra power and sporty performance.
In any case, you are well taken care of no matter which 2018 Ford Fusion model you decide to go with, but one thing is clear – the only way to truly experience the difference is to take both the Hybrid and the Sport for a test drive to see what the driving experience is truly like with each.
