Starting at
Starting at
| 5 | Engine Options | 2 |
| 43/40 MPG | Fuel Efficiency (city/hwy) | 35/27 MPG |
| 16 | Trunk Space (cu.ft.) | 15.1 |
Despite the rise in popularity of sport-utility vehicles, the midsize sedan segment remains strong. People appreciate how sedans are typically more affordable and fuel-efficient, easier to park, and, with their being lower to the ground, better handling. And that is not even mentioning that they are lighter and more aerodynamic, and average much better fuel efficiency than their crossover counterparts. It’s easy to see why sedans have remained the car of choice for many, so today we are going to take a look at two of the more exciting options on the market in a comparison: 2020 Ford Fusion vs 2020 Subaru Legacy.
Both sedans are good examples of the midsize segment’s strengths, but when comparing them, it becomes clear that one is the better choice. In terms of fuel efficiency, handling, cargo capacity, safety and convenience tech, and options to customize, the Ford Fusion offers everything that makes sedans so appealing to families and first-time buyers. The 2020 Ford Fusion has five different powertrain options, ranging from the fuel-efficient base engine to a powerful inline-4 to hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This is a car with something for everyone, and with plenty of room for the family. Additionally, it can be customized to get you through the snow or dusty trails with all-wheel drive, or it can be sporty and fast with lots of horses and paddle shifters for a refined and engaging ride.
While the 2020 Subaru is a competent sedan, it does not possess the style and refinement we’ve come to expect from this segment. Not only is the 2020 Ford Fusion a stylish and attractive sedan, but it also has the European handling manners of a luxury sedan—and all of this at an affordable price. So let’s take a more in-depth look at how these two midsize sedans compare.
The 2020 Ford Fusion features five powertrains, and all of them are good options, depending on your needs. Whether you are looking for fuel efficiency, power, or high-performance, you can find an option that will fit your lifestyle. The first engine, the base engine, is a 2.5-liter inline-4 with 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. This is a modern engine with plenty of merging and passing power that also returns 21 city/31 highway MPG. With its combination of power and efficiency, this is a great entry-level engine and comes standard on the S trim.
The next engine comes standard with the SE and SEL trims, which are the following successive trim levels. It’s a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. This engine increases power while also becoming more fuel-efficient, returning 23 city/34 highway MPG. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 is the next option for the Ford Fusion. This engine further increases power while also returning excellent fuel-efficiency ratings of 21 city/31 highway MPG. With 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, it features incredible power. This engine is standard on the Titanium Fusion trim, and it’s also a part of the SE AWD Package.
Of course, there are still two more options, both of the hybrid variety, if you are looking for otherworld fuel efficiency. A 2.0-liter inline-4 with a hybrid motor returns 43/41 mpg, while a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine returns 104 MPGe, 97 MPGe combined. The plug-in hybrid also has 25 miles of electric-only EV range. So no matter what you are looking for, there are sure to be lots of affordably priced options to choose from.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy’s base engine is a 2.5-liter flat-4 with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine returns 27 city/35 highway MPG. This is a good option though matched with a CVT, the performance suffers overall from the lack of a more modern transmission. The next engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine returns 24 city/32 highway MPG.
Clearly, the 2020 Ford Fusion has more to offer, with more options for your budget and more opportunities for performance. The fact that the Subaru Legacy does not offer a hybrid or hybrid plug-in option is the real difference-maker, though, and that’s before considering the difference in handling and ride quality, where the Ford Fusion offers incredible ride comfort with surprisingly sporty manners.
The 2020 Ford Fusion features Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect safety suite standard on all 2020 Ford Fusions. The SE model offers a power driver’s seat along with Sirius satellite radio, Sync 3, and Ford Pass Connect. The SEL models are outfitted with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a special easy-to-clean interior fabric, and a premium 11-speaker audio system. The Titanium trim adds a 12-speaker Sony audio system, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, leather seating, inflatable rear seatbelts, adaptive cruise control, and voice-activated navigation.
Standard features for the Subaru Legacy include automatic climate control, LED headlights with high-beam assist, remote keyless entry, auto start/stop, steering-wheel controls for audio, and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with remote release, a 4.2-inch LCD color display, and dual 7-inch center touchscreens. Optional equipment includes a moonroof, navigation, heated steering wheel, an 11.6-inch center touch screen, and an 8-way-power front-passenger seat.
Both the Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy come well equipped with exciting tech and convenience features, which is a hallmark of the segment and no surprise with these two manufacturers. With either midsize sedan, drivers will get plenty of standard and optional features to accommodate any lifestyle. The Fusion’s Sync 3—Ford’s smart, hands-free entertainment and vehicle information system—is the standout here, giving the Fusion the edge. The Sync 3 system is voice-activated tech, which helps you communicate, find your way around, operate your vehicle, and enjoy yourself on the road. Flexible, updatable, and configurable to your individual preferences, the Sync 3 system steals the show.
When it comes to safety, the 2020 Ford Fusion is the clear winner. Standard on all 2020 Fusions is Ford Ford Co-Pilot360. This advanced suite of safety features includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian protection), blind-spot information (with cross-traffic alert), a lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, and auto high-beam lighting.
The Co-Pilot360 Assist Package, which is available on the SE and SEL and standard on the Titanium trim, includes adaptive cruise control as well. Ford Co-Pilot360 is aptly named as it is a comprehensive suite of safety features that covers all of the bases to keep you and your family.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy also features a good amount of safety features. Subaru’s EyeSight is standard on all models. It includes driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane-departure and sway warning.
What’s not standard, however, is the difference between the two midsize sedans. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Limited and above models as well as lane-change assist and reverse automatic braking is available as an option while also being standard on Limited and above models. Reverse automatic braking can detect objects behind the vehicle when backing and automatically apply the brakes.
While both the 2020 Ford Fusion and 2020 Subaru Legacy demonstrate a commitment to safety with their many advanced safety features, the Ford Fusion makes just about everything standard, including a rearview camera, which gives the Fusion the edge for safety. Ford clearly shows it has prioritized your safety by offering its most advanced safety features on even the entry-level model, making this technology available to everyone. And the 2020 Ford Fusion starts at only $23,170, which is quite a bargain, especially when considering the safety technology on board.
Are you looking for a 2020 Ford Fusion? What about another excellent Ford option? King’s Ford is the place for high-quality Ford cars. At Kings Ford, you will not have to deal with the hassle and high prices of other dealerships. We are a driver-favorite dealer in Cincinnati, OH, drawing people in from far away because they know they will find an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles to choose from. Not only do we have a vast inventory so that you can find the perfect car for your lifestyle, but we also have the competitive pricing to help you get in the car of your dreams. What really sets us apart, however, is our commitment to customer service.
At Kings Ford, we know there’s more to buying a car than just low prices and an incredible selection. It’s about the overall experience. And that’s why we strive to create a stress-free environment where you are comfortable with your purchase and go home happy, knowing you found the best deal and the perfect car for all of your needs. We’ll guide you through the process every step of the way, making it a breeze to drive home in the car of your dreams. Stop by today and see for yourself how dedicated we are to providing our customers with a positive car-buying experience. We look forward to meeting you!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
