The initial plan was clear: put the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport through its paces at Virginia International Raceway. However, nature had other plans, dumping inches of snow and plummeting temperatures, effectively canceling the track session. Faced with icy conditions and no circuit available, the question remained: could the Fusion Sport, with its sporty badge, truly deliver on its promise? To answer this, we sought out challenging roads far from the racetrack, venturing into Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, a locale known for its demanding curves, unpredictable ice patches, and roads heavily treated with salt. This environment would be the ultimate test for the Fusion Sport.
2010 ford fusion sport front grill and badge
It’s crucial to establish from the outset what the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport is and isn’t. It’s not a spiritual successor to the legendary SVT Contour. Purists looking for a manual transmission and track-focused suspension tuning will be disappointed. The Fusion Sport prioritizes ride comfort over outright track grip. Furthermore, its 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine, while potent, doesn’t aim to compete directly with the power figures of performance icons like the Subaru WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Instead, the 2010 Fusion Sport targets competitors such as the Toyota Camry SE and V6-powered Honda Accord, while also inheriting some of the sporting spirit from its platform sibling, the Mazdaspeed6. This positions the Fusion Sport as a compelling option for drivers seeking a balance of everyday usability and engaging driving dynamics in a mid-size sedan.
As the Fusion Sport tackled the steep, winding roads of Hocking Hills, the Duratec V6 engine truly came alive. It proved to be a responsive and eager partner, effortlessly pulling the Fusion, with its distinctive Super-Duty-inspired grille, from one corner to the next. The engine note was a refined growl, hinting at the performance within. Engaging the “SST” (SelectShift Transmission) manual mode showcased the responsiveness of the six-speed automatic transmission. Shifts were quick and smooth, with minimal slippage. While the shift lever itself could offer a more tactile feel, Ford correctly configured downshifts to be initiated with a forward motion – intuitive for spirited driving.
Launching from a standstill, a hint of torque steer is noticeable, a characteristic typical of front-wheel-drive based platforms, even with all-wheel drive. However, once in motion, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system effectively distributes power, providing confident, wheelspin-free exits from corners. Remarkably, this power delivery is achieved without any unwanted feedback through the steering wheel, maintaining a composed driving experience. Reflecting on past drives through these same roads in a Porsche 993, the author noted that while the Fusion Sport couldn’t match the Porsche’s raw speed on straightaways, it offered superior confidence during corner entry and mid-corner phases, particularly in the challenging, low-grip conditions.
2010 ford fusion sport interior dashboard and steering wheel
Descending the hills revealed braking zones peppered with unpredictable patches of road salt. The Fusion Sport’s braking system demonstrated smooth transitions into and out of ABS activation, without excessive pedal pulsation. However, even in the frigid fifteen-degree weather, brake fade became apparent after sustained spirited driving. While the fade resistance proved better than an older BMW E46 330i, it was not comparable to the robust performance of a Brembo-equipped Porsche. Upgrading to high-temperature brake pads would likely significantly improve brake performance for drivers who frequently encounter demanding driving scenarios.
Adjusting driving style for the conditions, the Fusion Sport exhibited a pleasing neutrality through faster sweeping corners, a characteristic less common in front-wheel-drive biased family sedans. A gentle application of left-foot braking proved effective in maintaining balance on the slippery surface. The intelligent drivetrain allowed for early straightening of the steering wheel, enabling the V6 engine to be unleashed all the way to its rev limit. Notably, the SST software in manual mode held gears at the redline, without automatically upshifting, giving the driver full control.
After a day of enjoying virtually empty roads, it was time to head back onto the freeway. The 2010 Ford Fusion Sport’s interior, while not as expansive as some of the newer, larger competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, offers ample space and received class-competitive upgrades for the 2010 model year. The redesigned dashboard incorporated metal-look accents and soft-touch materials. The test vehicle featured bright red accents, a design choice that may divide opinions based on personal preference. The optional “Moon and Tune” package enhanced the in-cabin experience with the user-friendly SYNC system, a powerful and clear Sony sound system, and a sunroof.
Drawing parallels to Ford’s past, the review recalls how Ford engineers transformed the Mazda MX-6 into the acclaimed second-generation Probe GT. With the 2010 Fusion Sport, they have taken the foundation of the Mazdaspeed6 and delivered a vehicle that fulfills the potential of that platform. The Fusion Sport strikes a compelling balance: it’s sufficiently fast, spacious, comfortable, and even reasonably fuel-efficient (achieving 25.1 mpg over 480 miles of highway driving). While it won’t challenge high-performance all-wheel-drive sedans, it will handily outperform “sporty” versions of the Camry or Accord on winding roads. For drivers seeking an engaging and capable family sedan that breaks away from the mundane, the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport emerges as a genuinely appealing option.
However, the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport does face a significant challenge: its price. At an as-tested price of $29,590, it’s positioned at a premium. For similar money, buyers could opt for newer platforms from Honda and Toyota, often offering more interior space and potentially greater perceived social status. This highlights a key issue Ford faces: the Camry and Accord have become the default choices in the mid-size sedan segment. Choosing a Fusion requires justification. Yet, for those who prioritize driving enjoyment and appreciate a vehicle that comes alive on twisty roads, the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport provides more than enough explanation within just a few exhilarating corners.
