2020 Ford Fusion vs 2020 Mazda6 – Cincinnati, OH

The 2020 Ford Fusion

Since we are looking at powertrain options, let’s begin with the gasoline 2020 Ford Fusion models. First up is the turbocharged 1.5-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine that comes standard. This zippy little engine produces 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD, this powertrain has a fuel economy set at 27 MPG combined (23 city/34 highway), which makes it ideal for city driving. 

The second option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder motor fitted with the same transmission and drivetrain. While it can generate up to 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, this model gets an estimated 24 MPG combined (21 city/31 highway). Finally, the last gasoline-powered engine is a 2.5-liter I-4. Using the same transmission and drivetrain as the other two powertrains, this one yields 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It also maintains the same gas mileage as the second powertrain. 

Before we move on to the Mazda6, let’s take a look at the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion models. They are both powered by a battery-powered electric motor that is paired with a 2.0-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle engine. The hybrid uses a small 1.4 kWh battery pack and has an estimated fuel economy of 42 MPG combined (43 city/40 highway). On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid uses a much larger 7.6 kW lithium-ion battery pack and gets 26 miles of electric-only range but 103 MPGe all together.

The 2020 Mazda6

Now, it’s time to look under the hood of the 2020 Mazd6 models. While these sedans don’t have as many powertrain options as the Fusion models, there are two that you can pick from. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is equipped on the Sport and Touring trim levels. This powertrain generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and it gets 29 MPG combined (26 city/35 highway). 

If you want something more powerful, then you will need to upgrade to a Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, or Signature model. These all come equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. While pumping out 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain has a lower estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG combined (23 city/31 highway). It’s also worth noting both powertrains used FWD and a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2020 Ford Fusion

Since we are looking at powertrain options, let’s begin with the gasoline 2020 Ford Fusion models. First up is the turbocharged 1.5-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine that comes standard. This zippy little engine produces 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD, this powertrain has a fuel economy set at 27 MPG combined (23 city/34 highway), which makes it ideal for city driving. 

The second option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder motor fitted with the same transmission and drivetrain. While it can generate up to 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, this model gets an estimated 24 MPG combined (21 city/31 highway). Finally, the last gasoline-powered engine is a 2.5-liter I-4. Using the same transmission and drivetrain as the other two powertrains, this one yields 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It also maintains the same gas mileage as the second powertrain. 

Before we move on to the Mazda6, let’s take a look at the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion models. They are both powered by a battery-powered electric motor that is paired with a 2.0-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle engine. The hybrid uses a small 1.4 kWh battery pack and has an estimated fuel economy of 42 MPG combined (43 city/40 highway). On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid uses a much larger 7.6 kW lithium-ion battery pack and gets 26 miles of electric-only range but 103 MPGe all together.

The 2020 Mazda6

Now, it’s time to look under the hood of the 2020 Mazda6 models. While these sedans don’t have as many powertrain options as the Fusion models, there are two that you can pick from. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is equipped on the Sport and Touring trim levels. This powertrain generates 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and it gets 29 MPG combined (26 city/35 highway). 

If you want something more powerful, then you will need to upgrade to a Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, or Signature model. These all come equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. While pumping out 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain has a lower estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG combined (23 city/31 highway). It’s also worth noting both powertrains used FWD and a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

Now, it’s time to break down the interior features by trim level. For the Ford Fusion, we will take things a step further and include a breakdown of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as well. Before we begin, please keep in mind that the Fusion is available in four trims, and the Mazda6 is offered in five trims.

The Starting Trims

First up is the Fusion S. This well-equipped model includes the Sync infotainment system that is displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD monitor. Functioning with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and text messaging, this system uses a 4-speaker sound system for music. It also comes with dual 12-volt power outlets. On the other hand, the Mazda6 Sport comes with a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface of its infotainment system. This system uses a 6-speaker stereo and Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone operations. 

Next, the Fusion SE gets two additional speakers for a total of six. The infotainment interface is also upgraded to Ford's Sync 3 system, and satellite radio has been installed. Double LCD monitors divide the rearview camera video feed from the infotainment interface, and FordPass Connect is included. This level is also where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come into play. As for the Mazda6 Touring trim, it features faux leather sport seats and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Moving on to the mid-level Fusion SEL, you will get the luxury of having stain-resistant ACTIVEX upholstery. The seats are heated, and the audio system gets a total of 11 speakers for studio-quality sound. As for the Mazda6 Grand Touring, it gets heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Bose stereo system with 11 speakers. 

Top-of-the-Line Trims

The Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve does not have a competitor on the Fusion’s side. Featuring leather-trimmed seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ventilated seats, it is a step into the more luxurious side of petite sedans. Keep in mind that we still need to cover the Fusion hybrids. 

Finally, the top-tier Fusion Titanium comes with amazing luxury features such as heated and cooled leather seats, a 12-speaker Sony stereo, a power moonroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and HD radio. A voice-activated navigation system has also been added. On the other hand, the Mazda6 Signature comes with Nappa leather upholstery, wood accents, suede inserts, and a navigation system. 

The Hybrid Models

As for the Fusion Hybrid, it is available in three trims, including the SE, SEL, and Titanium. Essentially, these trims are equipped in the same manner as their gasoline-powered siblings. The only differences are that these all come with navigation and the SmartGauge with EcoGuide to monitor the vehicle’s range. The plug-in hybrid is only offered in the Titanium trim. 

Paint Colors

For both vehicles, the exterior styling elements can vary greatly depending on the trim level that you choose. For this section, we will discuss the color options. Although it may seem like a small thing, cosmetic paint jobs can make or break a deal when purchasing a new car. 

The 2020 Ford Fusion is available in eight unique shades. These include Agate Black, Alto Blue, Magnetic, Iconic Silver, Velocity Blue, Rapid Red, Oxford White, and White Platinum. However, the Mazda6 is only offered in five paint colors including Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.