Ford fusion or hyundai elantra: the battle for budget-friendly style and performance

In the competitive midsize sedan segment, the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra stand out as two popular choices. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll put the Ford Fusion vs. Hyundai Elantra head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Ford Fusion sports a sleek and aerodynamic design with sharp lines and a sloping roofline. The hexagonal grille, swept-back headlights, and LED taillights give it a modern and aggressive appearance. The Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, features a more conservative and understated design with a wider stance and a slightly boxy shape. Its cascading grille, sleek headlights, and wraparound taillights provide a clean and sophisticated look.

Interior Space and Comfort

Inside, the Ford Fusion offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and offer good lumbar support. The Hyundai Elantra provides a similar level of space and comfort, but it feels slightly more cramped in the backseat. Both vehicles offer a variety of interior features, including heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Engine Performance

The Ford Fusion offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. The Hyundai Elantra also comes with a variety of engine options, including a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. In terms of power and fuel efficiency, the Ford Fusion’s EcoBoost engines provide a slight edge over the Hyundai Elantra’s turbocharged engines.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy, the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra are closely matched. The Fusion’s 2.5-liter engine achieves up to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Elantra’s 2.0-liter engine achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Ford Fusion offers a balanced and responsive handling experience, with a firm suspension that provides good grip and stability. The steering is precise and communicative, allowing for confident cornering. The Hyundai Elantra also handles well, but it feels slightly less agile and sporty than the Fusion. However, it offers a more comfortable ride, with a softer suspension that absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road.

Safety Features

Both the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Fusion offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra also offers a variety of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

Technology and Features

The Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra offer a range of technology and convenience features. Both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Fusion offers a larger touchscreen and a more intuitive infotainment interface, while the Elantra features a more user-friendly voice control system. Both vehicles also offer a variety of optional features, such as a navigation system, a premium audio system, and a heated steering wheel.

Pricing and Value

The Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra are priced similarly, with the base models starting at around $23,000. However, the Fusion offers a wider range of trim levels and options, which can increase the price significantly. The Elantra offers a better value proposition, with a lower starting price and a more comprehensive list of standard features.

Summary: Which Car is Right for You?

The Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra are both excellent midsize sedans that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style. The Fusion is a great choice for drivers who prioritize performance and handling, while the Elantra is a better option for those who value fuel efficiency, value, and a comfortable ride. Ultimately, the best car for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Which car has a more powerful engine?

The Ford Fusion offers more powerful engine options, including a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that produces up to 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Which car gets better fuel economy?

The Hyundai Elantra gets slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Fusion, with the 2.0-liter engine achieving up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Which car has a more spacious interior?

The Ford Fusion offers a more spacious interior than the Hyundai Elantra, with more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Which car has more safety features?

Both the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Elantra come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. However, the Fusion offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Which car offers a better value?

The Hyundai Elantra offers a better value proposition than the Ford Fusion, with a lower starting price and a more comprehensive list of standard features.