2014 Ford Fusion SE: A Comprehensive Review

When considering a mid-size sedan, the 2014 Ford Fusion SE often emerges as a strong contender, offering a blend of style, technology, and value. This model year brought significant updates and continued to build upon the Fusion's reputation for a comfortable ride and engaging driving dynamics. Our analysis reveals that the 2014 Fusion SE provides a compelling package for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich vehicle for daily commutes and family travels.

Key Features of the 2014 Ford Fusion SE

The SE trim level for the 2014 Ford Fusion serves as the entry point to a well-equipped sedan. It comes standard with a range of features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Understanding these core components is crucial for any potential buyer.

Powertrain Options

In 2014, the Ford Fusion SE was typically offered with a choice of engines designed to balance performance and fuel efficiency. The most common was the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a solid foundation for everyday driving.

For those seeking better fuel economy, the optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine was a popular choice. This turbocharged engine offered impressive mileage without sacrificing too much power. Our testing indicated that the EcoBoost provided a noticeably smoother and more responsive acceleration. — CeeDee Lamb's High School Football Journey

Interior Comfort and Technology

The interior of the 2014 Fusion SE is designed with the driver and passengers in mind. It features supportive seating, ample legroom, and a well-organized dashboard. Standard amenities often included.

• Air Conditioning: Manual climate control for passenger comfort.
• Power Accessories: Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors for convenience.
• Audio System: A standard AM/FM/CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. Many models also came with Ford's SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, allowing for hands-free calling and music streaming.

Safety Features

Ford prioritizes safety, and the 2014 Fusion SE is no exception. It was equipped with a comprehensive suite of passive and active safety features designed to protect occupants in various driving scenarios.

• Airbags: A full complement of airbags, including front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags for both rows.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking.
• Traction Control and Stability Control: Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems work to help maintain control during slippery conditions or sudden maneuvers.
• Rearview Camera: While not always standard on the SE, many vehicles were equipped with a rearview camera, greatly aiding in parking and reversing.

Driving Experience and Performance

The 2014 Ford Fusion SE is praised for its refined driving experience, which often belies its mid-size sedan segment. Ford invested heavily in its chassis and suspension tuning, resulting in a car that handles well and provides a comfortable ride.

Handling and Ride Quality

In our road tests, the Fusion SE demonstrated a commendable balance between responsive handling and a compliant ride. The steering is well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver without being overly heavy. This makes it enjoyable to navigate through city streets and on winding country roads alike.

The suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, minimizing the impact felt inside the cabin. This results in a quiet and smooth ride, making long journeys less fatiguing. We found the car to be exceptionally stable at highway speeds.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is a significant consideration for many buyers, and the 2014 Fusion SE offers competitive figures, especially with the available EcoBoost engine. The standard 2.5-liter engine typically achieves an EPA-estimated range of around 22 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost variant often boosted these numbers to around 25 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, making it a more economical choice for frequent drivers. These figures are competitive within its class.

Interior Space and Practicality

Practicality is a hallmark of the mid-size sedan segment, and the 2014 Ford Fusion SE delivers on this front. It offers sufficient space for passengers and cargo, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

Passenger Room

Front-row occupants benefit from generous headroom and legroom, with seats that are comfortable for extended periods. In the rear, the Fusion SE provides a respectable amount of legroom and headroom, though three adults might find it a bit snug on longer trips. The wide doors make entry and exit relatively easy for all passengers.

Cargo Capacity

The trunk of the 2014 Fusion SE offers a usable amount of space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With approximately 16 cubic feet of cargo volume, it can accommodate the needs of most households. The rear seats can also fold down, typically in a 60/40 split, to accommodate larger or bulkier items, further enhancing its practicality.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the 2014 Ford Fusion SE is a strong offering, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Like any vehicle, it has areas where it might fall short for some buyers.

Infotainment System (SYNC)

Ford's SYNC system, while innovative for its time, could sometimes be less intuitive or responsive compared to modern infotainment systems. Early versions could experience occasional glitches or slow response times. Users who are not tech-savvy might find the voice commands and touch interface a bit challenging to master initially.

Visibility

Some drivers have noted that the A-pillars (the pillars between the windshield and front doors) can create a slight blind spot, particularly when making sharp turns or navigating intersections. While the available rearview camera helps mitigate this when reversing, forward visibility requires some awareness.

Competitors

The mid-size sedan segment is highly competitive. The 2014 Fusion SE faced strong rivals such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. Each offered its own strengths, and buyers often weighed factors like long-term reliability, resale value, and specific feature sets when making a decision.

Conclusion: Is the 2014 Ford Fusion SE Right for You?

The 2014 Ford Fusion SE stands out as a well-rounded mid-size sedan that offers a compelling combination of driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and practical interior space. Its stylish exterior and comfortable ride make it an appealing choice for a wide range of drivers. The available EcoBoost engine provides an excellent balance of power and economy, while the standard safety features offer peace of mind.

In summary, if you're in the market for a used mid-size sedan that provides a refined driving experience and good value, the 2014 Ford Fusion SE is certainly worth considering. We recommend thoroughly inspecting any pre-owned vehicle and taking it for a comprehensive test drive to ensure it meets your specific needs and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2014 Ford Fusion SE

What engine came standard on the 2014 Ford Fusion SE?

The standard engine on the 2014 Ford Fusion SE was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, designed to provide a balance of performance and fuel efficiency for everyday driving.

Does the 2014 Ford Fusion SE have a rearview camera?

A rearview camera was not always standard on the SE trim for the 2014 model year. However, many vehicles were equipped with this feature as an option or part of a package, significantly enhancing parking and reversing safety.

What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Ford Fusion SE?

With the standard 2.5-liter engine, the 2014 Ford Fusion SE typically achieved an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine offered slightly better mileage, around 25 MPG city and 37 MPG highway.

What are the main differences between the SE and S trims?

The SE trim is generally better equipped than the base S trim. The SE usually includes more standard features like alloy wheels, a better audio system, and often the option for more advanced technology packages such as SYNC, whereas the S is more basic in its offerings. — Chelsea Vs Liverpool: Match Preview & Analysis

Is the 2014 Ford Fusion SE a reliable car?

Overall, the 2014 Ford Fusion is considered a reasonably reliable vehicle, particularly models with well-maintained powertrains. However, as with any used car, it's essential to check maintenance records and have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues.

How much cargo space does the 2014 Ford Fusion SE have?

The 2014 Ford Fusion SE offers approximately 16 cubic feet of trunk space. The rear seats can also be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration to accommodate larger items. — Bolivie Vs Brésil : Tout Savoir Sur Le Match !

What are the typical interior features of the 2014 Fusion SE?

Typical interior features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 6-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input, and often Ford's SYNC infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice controls.