When shopping for a Ford saloon, two models that often come into consideration are the mid-sized Ford Fusion vs Taurus. Both have carved out distinct reputations in Ford’s lineup, with the Fusion known for its versatility and the Taurus for its commanding presence and comfort. But which one delivers better value for your hard-earned pounds?
Though both models have been discontinued in North America (the Fusion in 2020 and the Taurus in 2019), they remain available in the second-hand market and relevant for buyers seeking reliable Ford saloons. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which model better suits your driving needs, lifestyle, and budget.
We’ll delve into design elements, interior features, technology offerings, performance specifications, safety ratings, and overall value propositions of both vehicles. Whether you’re drawn to the Fusion’s nimble handling and efficient engines or the Taurus’s spacious cabin and authoritative road presence, this guide will provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Design and Exterior Styling
First impressions matter, and a car’s exterior design often plays a crucial role in purchasing. The Ford Fusion and Taurus represent different design philosophies, one embracing sleek, European-inspired aesthetics and the other projecting a more substantial, commanding presence. Let’s examine how these two Ford saloons present themselves on the road.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion splashed when its second generation debuted with the 2013 model year. Its Aston Martin-inspired front grille and sleek, contemporary silhouette helped distinguish it in the crowded mid-sized saloon segment. The design language, Ford’s “kinetic 2.0,” brought a European flair to the model, with clean lines and dynamic proportions.
The Fusion balances presence and practicality at 4,872mm long, 1,852mm wide, and 1,478mm tall. Its wheelbase of 2,850mm provides stable handling while allowing for generous interior space.
Later models received subtle refinements, with the 2017 facelift introducing slimmer headlights, a wider grille, and more pronounced character lines along the bodywork. LED lighting technology became more prevalent in higher trim levels, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
The Fusion’s design approach emphasises sportiness and modernity, particularly in Titanium and Sport trims with larger alloy wheels (up to 19 inches), darkened exterior accents, and dual exhaust outlets that hint at its performance capabilities.
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus embraces a more substantial, authoritative design philosophy. The sixth-generation Taurus (2010-2019) presents a bold, muscular stance, communicating its flagship status in Ford’s saloon lineup.
The Taurus is noticeably larger, measuring 5,154mm long, 1,935mm wide, and standing 1,542mm tall. Its extended 2,868mm wheelbase contributes to its commanding road presence and spacious interior dimensions.
The front end features a prominent grille that varies by trim level, from the understated elegance of the SE and SEL models to the mesh-pattern aggressiveness of the SHO performance variant. Sculpted bonnet lines and pronounced wheel arches lend the Taurus a robust, purposeful appearance that sets it apart from its mid-sized sibling.
The 2013 refresh brought sharper headlights, a more refined grille design, and additional chrome accents emphasising the vehicle’s premium positioning. 20-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust tips enhance its upmarket appeal on higher specifications.
Design Verdict
While both vehicles exemplify different design approaches, they successfully execute their intended character. The Fusion offers a more contemporary, European-influenced aesthetic that appeals to drivers seeking modern styling and sportier proportions. The Taurus, meanwhile, delivers an unmistakably American interpretation of luxury, with imposing dimensions and comfort-oriented design cues.
Your preference will largely depend on whether you value the Fusion’s more youthful, dynamic appearance or the Taurus’s established, prestigious presence.
Interior Features and Technology
The cabin is where drivers and passengers spend all their time, making interior comfort, features, and technology crucial considerations. Fusion and Taurus offer distinct approaches to their interior environments, with different priorities regarding space utilisation, material quality, and technological offerings. Here’s how they compare when you step inside.
Ford Fusion
Step inside the Fusion, and you’re greeted with a cabin that balances functionality with a touch of sophistication. The dashboard layout is driver-centric, with controls positioned logically and within easy reach. Soft-touch materials adorn most surfaces that occupants regularly interact with, though some more rigid plastics remain in less prominent areas.
The Fusion offers comfortable seating for five, with front seats providing good support for longer journeys. Rear passengers enjoy 944mm of legroom—respectable for the segment—though taller individuals may find headroom slightly limited by the sloping roofline, particularly in models equipped with a sunroof.
The boot space is a competitive 453 litres, expanding through 60/40 split-folding rear seats when additional cargo capacity is needed.
Technology-wise, later Fusion models feature Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The interface is responsive and intuitive, significantly improving the previous MyFord Touch system. Available premium features include:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 12-speaker Sony audio system
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
- Ambient interior lighting with multiple colour options
Higher trim levels offer a convenient push-button start, keyless entry, and a power bootlid.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus elevates the interior experience with a more spacious cabin and enhanced comfort features befitting its position as Ford’s flagship saloon. The dashboard presents a wrap-around design that cocoons front occupants, creating a personal space that feels more premium than the Fusion’s more straightforward layout.
Material quality is generally superior, with expanded use of soft-touch surfaces, available leather upholstery, and wood or aluminium trim accents depending on specification.
The Taurus truly distinguishes itself in passenger accommodation. Front occupants enjoy multi-contour seats with massage functionality in higher trims, while rear passengers benefit from a generous 969mm of legroom—an appreciable increase over the Fusion. The flat floor in the rear further enhances comfort for the middle passenger.
The Taurus’s boot capacity impresses at 569 litres—about 25% larger than the Fusion’s, making it a superior choice for those who regularly travel with substantial luggage.
Technology offerings mirror the Fusion in later models, with the SYNC 3 system as the infotainment hub. The Taurus adds several premium touches:
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
- Power-adjustable pedals with memory
- Heated rear seats
- Advanced multi-zone climate control
- Enhanced active noise cancellation
- Auto-dimming mirrors
The Taurus SHO performance variant includes unique interior treatments with SHO-specific leather seats, aluminium pedals, and exclusive trim accents.
Interior Verdict
While both vehicles offer comfortable and well-appointed cabins, the Taurus delivers a more premium experience with greater space, enhanced comfort features, and a more upscale ambience. The Fusion, however, provides a more modern and cohesive interior design that many drivers will find appealing. You may prioritise the Taurus’s space and luxury touches or the Fusion’s more contemporary execution.
Powertrain and Performance
What’s under the bonnet often defines the driving experience as much as any other factor. The Ford Fusion and Taurus each offer distinct powertrain options that cater to different driving preferences and priorities. From everyday efficiency to surprising performance capability, here’s how these two Ford saloons perform when you press the accelerator.
Ford Fusion
The Fusion offers a diverse range of powertrains catering to different priorities, from efficiency to performance:
- 1.5l EcoBoost: The entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder produces 181 bhp and 240 Nm of torque, delivering a balanced combination of performance and economy. It achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds while returning up to 7.6 L/100km.
- 2.0l EcoBoost: Stepping up to the larger turbocharged four-cylinder brings 240 bhp and 366 Nm of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 6.9 seconds. Fuel economy remains reasonable at 8.4 L/100km combined.
- 2.7l EcoBoost V6 (Sport): Exclusive to the Sport trim, this twin-turbocharged V6 generates 325 bhp and 475 Nm of torque. It delivers genuinely sprightly performance with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy, however, understandably suffers, dropping to about 10.2 L/100km combined.
- 2.0l Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid: For the efficiency-minded, these electrified options deliver 188 bhp combined while achieving impressive fuel economy—4.3 L/100km for the hybrid and 2.4 L/100km equivalent for the plug-in hybrid, which also offers up to 21 miles of all-electric range.
Most Fusion models pair their engines with a six-speed automatic transmission, though the Sport variant includes paddle shifters for more engaged driving. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available on 2.0l EcoBoost and standard on 2.7l Sport models.
The Fusion’s handling characteristics earn consistent praise, with well-weighted steering, composed cornering, and a balanced ride quality that absorbs road imperfections while maintaining driver engagement. The Sport model adds continuously controlled damping for improved dynamics without compromising comfort.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus lineup offers fewer powertrain options, focusing instead on comfortable cruising with available performance enhancements:
- 3.5l Ti-VCT V6: The standard naturally aspirated V6 produces 288 bhp and 343 Nm of torque, propelling the Taurus from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy is approximately 10.7 L/100km combined.
- 3.5l EcoBoost V6 (SHO): Reserved for the performance-oriented SHO variant, this twin-turbocharged V6 delivers 365 bhp and 475 Nm of torque, bringing the 0-60 mph time down to approximately 5.2 seconds. Fuel consumption increases to around 12.4 L/100km combined.
All Taurus models utilise a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on mainstream trims, while all-wheel drive is optional on most variants and standard on the SHO.
The Taurus’s driving character prioritises comfort over agility, with a smooth, composed ride that excels on motorways and rough urban streets alike. Its substantial weight (approximately 1,900kg) limits athleticism compared to the lighter Fusion. However, the SHO’s sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system help counteract these dynamics for more engaging performance.
Performance Verdict
The Fusion offers a broader range of powertrain options, including efficient hybrid variants unavailable in the Taurus lineup. Its lighter weight and more agile chassis deliver enthusiasts a more engaging driving experience. The Ford Taurus counters have robust power delivery, particularly in SHO guise, and a refined ride quality that excels at comfortable cruising rather than corner carving.
Your preference will likely depend on whether you value the Fusion’s greater efficiency and nimbler handling or the Taurus’s smooth power delivery and motorway composure.
Safety Features
Family saloons like the Fusion and Taurus need to prioritise occupant protection. Modern safety extends beyond structural integrity to include advanced driver assistance systems that can help prevent accidents altogether. Let’s examine how these two Ford models protect their passengers and how their safety credentials stack up.
Ford Fusion
The Fusion earned strong safety credentials, with later models offering an impressive array of active and passive safety technologies:
- Standard safety features include multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes
- The available Ford Co-Pilot360 technology package adds:
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping system
- Auto high-beam headlamps
- Rear-view camera (standard on all models)
Higher trim levels offer additional safety enhancements:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Enhanced active park assist for parallel and perpendicular parking
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Inflatable rear seatbelts
The Fusion received a 5-star overall rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in several model years.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus matches many of the Fusion’s safety offerings while adding several features that leverage its larger dimensions:
- Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes
- Available driver assistance technologies include:
- Forward collision warning with brake support
- Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active park assist
The Taurus adds several unique safety elements:
- A myKey system allows owners to set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers
- Curve Control, which can reduce engine power and apply brakes when cornering too quickly
- An optional rear-view camera with washer to maintain visibility in adverse conditions
- Available BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
Like the Fusion, the Taurus earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Safety Verdict
Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety packages, with the latest technology available at higher trim levels. The Fusion’s more recent production run means some examples may feature more advanced driver assistance systems, though the Taurus counters with robust construction and larger crumple zones. Either choice represents a secure option for family transport, with specific features varying by model year and specification.
Price and Value
For many buyers, the final decision comes down to value—what you get for your money initially and throughout ownership. The Ford Fusion and Taurus occupy different price points in the market and offer distinct value propositions. From purchase price to running costs, here’s how these Ford saloons compare to your wallet.
Ford Fusion
As a used purchase, the Fusion typically presents strong value, with prices reflecting its mid-sized segment positioning. Depending on age, mileage, specification, and condition, expect to pay:
- Early second-generation models (2013-2016): £6,000-£12,000
- Facelifted models (2017-2020): £10,000-£18,000
- Hybrid variants: Generally command a £1,500-£3,000 premium over comparable petrol models
- Sport models with 2.7L V6: Typically fetch £2,000-£4,000 more than standard Titanium trims
The Fusion’s running costs remain relatively reasonable:
- Insurance: Groups 19-27, depending on engine and trim
- Servicing: £150-£250 for minor services, £250-£400 for major services
- Road tax: Varies by engine and model year, with hybrids benefiting from lower rates
- Fuel economy: From 4.3 L/100km (hybrid) to 10.2 L/100km (Sport)
Depreciation has largely stabilised for used examples, making the Fusion a relatively safe financial proposition. Its discontinuation may eventually affect parts availability, though Ford’s commitment to supporting legacy models should mitigate this concern in the medium term.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus, positioned as Ford’s premium offering, typically commands higher prices on the used market:
- Early sixth-generation models (2010-2012): £5,000-£9,000
- Facelifted models (2013-2019): £7,000-£15,000
- SHO performance variants: Demand a significant premium, typically £3,000-£6,000 over comparable Limited models
Running costs reflect the Taurus’s larger dimensions and more powerful engines:
- Insurance: Groups 22-32, with SHO models at the upper end
- Servicing: £180-£300 for minor services, £300-£500 for major services
- Road tax: Higher than the Fusion due to larger engines and increased emissions
- Fuel economy: From 10.7 L/100km (standard V6) to 12.4 L/100km (SHO)
As a larger, more specialised vehicle, the Taurus may experience steeper depreciation than the more versatile Fusion. However, well-maintained examples of desirable specifications (particularly the SHO) tend to retain value better.
Value Verdict
From a pure value perspective, the Fusion offers more accessible purchase prices, lower running costs, and potentially stronger residual values. However, the Taurus delivers greater space, comfort, and presence per pound spent. Your determination of value will depend on your specific priorities—efficiency and versatility in the case of the Fusion, or space and comfort in the case of the Taurus.
Conclusion: Ford Fusion vs Taurus
After examining these two Ford saloons across multiple categories, it’s time to summarise their strengths and weaknesses. Fusion and Taurus offer compelling packages for different types of drivers, but your specific needs and preferences will determine which represents the better choice. Here’s our final assessment to help guide your decision.
The Ford Fusion and Taurus excel in different areas. The Fusion offers modern design, diverse powertrains (including hybrids), nimble handling, and lower running costs. It’s ideal for those wanting efficiency, technology, and driving engagement in a more compact package.
The Taurus delivers on space, comfort and presence. Its larger dimensions provide a more substantial cabin, bigger boot and smoother motorway experience, with the SHO variant offering surprising performance.
FAQs
Are spare parts still readily available for the Fusion and Taurus?
Yes, Ford maintains a robust parts supply chain for discontinued models. Most mechanical and body components remain available through dealerships and aftermarket suppliers, though some specialised trim pieces may become harder to source over time.
Which model is more reliable in the long term?
Both vehicles demonstrate good reliability when properly maintained. The Fusion’s 1.5l and 2.0l EcoBoost engines have proven durable, though some early examples experienced transmission issues that were addressed in later production. The Taurus’s naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 is noted for its longevity, often exceeding 150,000 miles without significant problems.
How do these models compare to their Japanese competitors?
The Fusion competes directly with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, offering more engaging handling and, in some opinions, more distinctive styling. It typically provides more features at comparable prices but may not match their legendary reliability. The Taurus has fewer direct Japanese competitors but compares favorably with the Toyota Avalon regarding space and comfort, though the Avalon typically delivers better fuel efficiency.