If you’re looking for a modern commuter vehicle that’s both fun to drive and affordable, you may quickly discover that your options are relatively limited. However, after a bit more research, we’re sure you’ll settle on a pair of worthy nameplates: the 2019 Ford Fusion vs 2019 Toyota Camry.
At first glance, these vehicles appear to be relatively similar. The vehicles are both comfortable, they’re crammed with a number of technological and safety amenities, and they’re relatively stylish (especially when considering their price tag). However, when you start to dig into the performance of each vehicle, you’ll recognize that there’s a significant divide between the two sedans. Once you recognize which one reigns supreme when it comes to performance, your decision will be made a whole lot easier.
Below, we’ve explored the performance differences between the 2019 Ford Fusion vs the 2019 Toyota Camry. Take a look at how the two vehicles compare and let us know if you agree with our assessment.
2019 Ford Fusion
If you’re a fan of choices, you’ll appreciate all of the engine options available in the 2019 Ford Fusion. While many of these engine placements are based on trims or costly add-ons, Ford can still tout that their popular sedan can be equipped with one of six different engine offerings. In other words, you’ll be able to pursue an engine option that best fits your specific wants and needs!
The 2.5-liter i-VCT engine is one of the brand’s most popular offerings and for very good reason. The unit is capable of delivering a unique blend of power and efficiency, a pair of attributes that aren’t always grouped together. Ultimately, drivers can expect this system to deliver up to 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and these power specs are accompanied by an incredible 31 MPG highway fuel efficiency. Good luck finding another sedan that can crank out that kind of power while also promising that kind of efficiency.
Despite being a bit smaller, the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost engine manages to boost both of those specs. Drivers can expect an impressive 181 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, providing drivers with more than enough muscle to hit the open road. Plus, for those looking to save some extra money at the gas station, the 34 MPG highway fuel efficiency will certainly be an appreciated inclusion.
If drivers are seeking optimal power from their 2019 Ford Fusion, then there are two options they should be targeting: the 2.0-liter I-4 EcoBoost engine and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The former offering manages to crank out a bonkers 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, while the latter offering somehow boosts those numbers to 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. While these units are plenty powerful, they also promise respectable efficiency specs at 31 MPG on the highway (the 2.0-liter EcoBoost) and 26 MPG on the highway (the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6). While these two engine options are known for their muscle, drivers will also come to appreciate the surprising efficiency specs.
On the flip side, if it’s efficiency you’re seeking, then there are two premier choices: the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle Hybrid Engine and the 2.0-liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Energi Plug-In Hybrid Engine. The former option promises an incredible 41 MPG efficiency on the highway, and this is made even more impressive when you consider the 141 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid also offers a 41 MPG highway fuel efficiency, and drivers can also anticipate 97 MPGe on the highway. This particular offering also delivers up to 141 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque.
Of course, the 2019 Ford Fusion’s performance can solely be attributed to the engine offerings. Rather, engineers also included a number of additional mechanical amenities that will surely boost the vehicle’s traveling prowess. For instance, the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive relies on sensors to determine the best use of your torque and traction, providing the driver with an optimal drive when traveling in adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Electric Power-Assisted Technology will allow the driver to be in complete control of their vehicle at all times, although this technology can also take control if the driver can’t get a good handle of their sedan.
There are even mechanical amenities that will help to boost fuel efficiency. The innovative Auto Start-Stop Technology will automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop (of course, inclusions like the radio and air conditioning stay on). Then, when it’s time to go, the engine will immediately turn on, providing you with a seamless switch. Thanks to the ability to preserve fuel, drivers will find that they’re not making nearly as many trips to the gas station.
When you consider that 2019 Ford Fusion’s array of engine options as well as their additional mechanical amenities, drivers can surely expect an unbeatable driving experience when they’re behind the wheel of this sedan.
2019 Toyota Camry
While the 2019 Ford Fusion is the perfect choice for those seeking a specific type of engine, the 2019 Toyota Camry is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. In other words, if customers simply want to be matched with a specific engine offering, then they might be better off settling for the Camry.
The Camry is ultimately equipped with a few engine offerings, and each of these options prove to be inferior to the Ford-Fusion counterpart. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a relatively average 203 horsepower, and 184 lb-ft of torque, numbers that are pretty standard in this segment, but they pale in comparison to the 2.0L or 2.7L engines on the Fusion. Despite the lack of power, Toyota didn’t make up for the discrepancy with fuel efficiency, as the four-cylinder offering is only capable of delivering a 41 MPG highway fuel efficiency.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine manages to increase those power specs, but customers shouldn’t expect any crazy numbers. That engine option peaks at only 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the accompanying 32 MPG fuel efficiency leaves much to be desired. While the V6 engine is generally a sedan’s premier offering, Toyota’s engine is relatively disappointing when compared to other brand’s options.
While the 2019 Toyota Camry differs from the 2019 Ford Fusion when it comes to engine performance, the brand did manage to keep up with its competitor when it comes to those other mechanical amenities. For instance, the multi-link rear suspension system assures that drivers remain in control at all times, while the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission provides the stability that you’ve come to expect from these modern sedans. The Camry also offers three distinct driving modes, allowing you to pick the configuration that best fits your current needs.
While Toyota did an admirable job of including all these mechanical amenities, they still didn’t do enough to make up for the discrepancy in engine options and engine specs.
The Superior Sedan
So what vehicle proves to be superior? Well, if it wasn’t obvious before, we’ll make it obvious now: the 2019 Ford Fusion seemingly beats that 2019 Toyota Camry in practically every performance attribute.
Sure, Toyota’s sedan did a nice job of competing with the Ford when it came to mechanical amenities. However, their lack of impressive engine options proved to be too big a gap to overcome, and that’s why we’ve handed the crown to the deserving model: the 2019 Ford Fusion.
