The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion are two brand favorites battling it out in the sedan segment this year. As you shop for your next vehicle, consider this comparison guide to help you decide which of the two — the Ford Taurus or Ford Fusion — works best for you.
Trim Variety
The Ford Taurus is available in four trims: the SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. The 2018 Ford Fusion triples that amount with an astounding 12-trim lineup, which includes a mix of standard trims, plus Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid variants.
Both models start for less than $30,000, but the Ford Fusion’s base comes in at $5,475 less than the Ford Taurus SE, making it a likelier choice for buyers on a budget.
Exterior Accents
The Taurus and Fusion are undeniably attractive in appearance. They both feature similar elements, such as body-color door handles, LED taillamps, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, and an optional power moonroof. On the other hand, the Fusion adds an additional paint option to its lineup (Lightning Blue), giving you one extra color choice to consider.
Performance Specs
The Taurus offers a quieter ride thanks to its cabin and engine insulation, but the Fusion has a shorter turning radius that handles corners and tight spaces like a pro. Fuel efficiency also varies between models. In short, the Taurus SE, SEL, and Limited offer the best model rating at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Fusion Energi trims reach an MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway, a driving range that’s hard to beat.
Interior Space
These sedans both accommodate up to five passengers, though the Fusion’s added head and legroom provide a slightly more comfortable fit than the compact Taurus. However, the latter’s 20.1-cubic-foot trunk ranks among the largest in its class for cargo capacity, while the Fusion offers 4.1 cubic feet less.
Technology Features
You don’t have to settle for basic tech amenities in these two sedans. Ford’s signature MyKey system, for example, offers advanced functions such as allowing you to set speed and audio volume limits for young drivers, reminding you to buckle up before taking off, and alerting you of a nearly empty fuel tank.
A SYNC 3 infotainment system is also available with the 2018 Ford Taurus and Fusion. This interactive hardware features a touch screen that’s highly responsive and user-friendly. You can easily access features such as smartphone integration for Android and Apple devices, turn-by-turn navigation, satellite radio, and a variety of voice-activated functions.
Safety Systems
The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion both received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. That says a lot about these two models, but so do the many driver-assist features they offer. These include adaptive cruise control, individual tire pressure monitoring, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.
Where we see a difference in advanced safety measures is with the Fusion’s available inflatable rear seat belts, a first for the mid-size sedan segment. They reduce the amount of crash force to the head and neck following a collision.
Whether you’re shopping for your first sedan or upgrading from a previous model, we hope this guide has helped you decide which of these two Fords, the Taurus or Fusion, is right for you.
Photo: “Fusion” by Shawn Nystrand licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original
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