2013 Ford Fusion leads in automotive tech (pictures)

Ford updates its Fusion midsize sedan for the 2013 model year, radically redesigning the exterior, while offering exceptional technology under the hood and in the cabin.

This model is in the top, Platinum trim, and includes all-wheel drive. It also shows off just about every optional package, with features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic parking.

Ford chose to make its new Fusion stand out from the crowd with unique, attractive styling. The grille, also seen on the Fiesta and Focus, has become a signature design element.

The top engine for the Fusion is this 2-liter four-cylinder, which uses direct injection and a turbo to achieve 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

The roofline drops back to the trunk lid in fastback style.

The ride quality is very good, and tends toward firmness, making the car feel more stable when cornering.

The trunk is very deep, and the rear seats fold down for a full pass-through.

This top-trim model features leather, power-adjustable front seats.

Leg room in the rear is very good, making the Fusion feel almost like a full-size sedan.

MyFord Touch, which brings in three LCDs, comes standard in the Platinum trim, as does the Sony audio system.

The electric power steering is not big on road feel, and has a strong tendency to return to center.

Where the Focus gets very chunky buttons between the steering-wheel spokes, Ford made them subtler on the new Fusion.

The LCDs bookending the speedometer show vehicle efficiency information and infotainment features.

The six-speed automatic transmission includes a sport mode, while paddles on the steering wheel allow sequential manual gear selection.

The Sony audio system brings in a custom center touch panel with one big volume knob in the center.

The optional navigation system stores its maps on an SD card, and shows some 3D-rendered buildings.

The navigation system features a variety of ways to find a destination.

The POI database includes Cityseekr entries, with more detailed information on certain landmarks.

The fuel price listing comes from satellite radio, and shows per-gallon prices from nearby gas stations.

The phone system not only offers contact list integration, but also text messaging with certain phones.

Ford gives the Fusion two USB ports. Both can be used for music, or you can put a USB cellular modem in one, turning the car into a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The Fusion's stereo displays music libraries formatted with categories for genre, artist, album, and track for any audio source plugged into the USB ports.

The current track screen shows song title, artist, and album art.

The rearview camera shows distance and trajectory lines, making parking easier and safer.