Ford Mondeo: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ford Mondeo choice depends on whether efficiency, acceleration, drivetrain or mechanical simplicity matters most.
The Ford Mondeo choice depends on whether efficiency, acceleration, drivetrain or mechanical simplicity matters most. Across the eight catalogue entries covering five generations and their restylings, the clearest options are the fifth-generation 2.0 CVT Hybrid for low fuel consumption, the fifth-generation 2.0 AT Diesel with 190 hp for the strongest recent performance, and the fourth-generation 2.5 MT Gasoline with 220 hp for the best acceleration among the listed fourth-generation versions. Earlier cars offer simpler naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, but generally use more fuel and deliver less power per litre.
Ford Mondeo generations: what changed?
The first-generation Ford Mondeo is represented by a Liftback produced from November 1992 to August 1996, with 38 versions in the generation. The listed versions include 1.6 MT, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.5 AT and 2.5 MT. Most are FWD, while 2.0 MT with 136 hp and 2.0 AT with 136 hp also appear with AWD. Power among the shown cars runs from 88 hp to 170 hp.
The second-generation Liftback ran from September 1996 to August 2000 and contained 21 versions. Its listed engines span 1.6 MT Gasoline with 90 or 95 hp, 1.8 MT Gasoline with 115 hp, 1.8 MT Diesel with 90 hp, 1.8 AT Gasoline with 115 hp, 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT Gasoline with 130 hp, and 2.5 MT or 2.5 AT Gasoline with 170 hp. Every displayed version is FWD.
The third-generation Liftback ran from September 2000 to December 2003 with 36 versions, followed by a restyling from June 2003 to August 2007 with 33 versions. The displayed range extends from the 90 hp 2.0 MT Diesel to the 204 hp 3.0 MT Gasoline. This generation retained Manual and Automatic choices while adding stronger V-shaped, 6-cylinder Gasoline options. The restyled 3.0 MT produces 204 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The fourth-generation Liftback ran from September 2007 to August 2010 with 40 versions. Its restyling ran from September 2010 to January 2015 and contained 46 versions. The original range includes the 220 hp 2.5 MT Gasoline and the 203 hp 2.0 Powershift Gasoline. The restyled selection includes Diesel versions producing as much as 200 hp and 420 Nm, alongside Gasoline alternatives from 120 hp to 160 hp among the displayed cars.
The fifth-generation Sedan ran from January 2014 to December 2019 with 35 versions. Its restyling starts in January 2019 and contains 12 versions. The original fifth generation offers Gasoline and Diesel engines with Manual, Automatic and Robotic gearboxes. The restyling concentrates on 2.0-litre Diesel and Hybrid powertrains, adds 8-speed Automatic versions and includes AWD with the 190 hp Diesel.
Ford Mondeo engine options and specs
Because exact names repeat, power and generation are essential identifiers.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth restyling 2.0 CVT, 187 hp | 187 hp | 300 Nm | 1999 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2.0 MT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 340 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2.0 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 370 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2.0 AT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 370 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2.0 AT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 400 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| Fifth 1.0 MT, 125 hp | 125 hp | 170 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 3, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 1.5 AT, 160 hp | 160 hp | 240 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 1.5 MT, 160 hp | 160 hp | 240 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 199 hp | 199 hp | 345 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 203 hp | 203 hp | 345 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 AT, 240 hp | 240 hp | 345 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.5 AT, 149 hp | 149 hp | 225 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth 1.5 MT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 270 Nm | 1499 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 1.6 MT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 Powershift, 150 hp | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fifth 2.0 Powershift, 180 hp | 180 hp | 400 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 1.6 MT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 1.6 MT, 120 hp | 120 hp | 160 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 1.6 MT, 160 hp | 160 hp | 240 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 MT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 300 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 MT, 145 hp | 145 hp | 190 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 Powershift, 140 hp | 140 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 Powershift, 163 hp | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.0 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.2 MT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 400 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.2 MT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 420 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling 2.2 AT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 420 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 1.6 MT, 110 hp | 110 hp | 160 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 1.6 MT, 125 hp | 125 hp | 160 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 1.8 MT, 101 hp | 101 hp | 280 Nm | 1753 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 1.8 MT, 125 hp | 125 hp | 285 Nm | 1753 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 1.8 AT, 125 hp | 125 hp | 285 Nm | 1753 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 MT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 MT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 MT, 145 hp | 145 hp | 185 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 2.0 Powershift, 203 hp | 203 hp | 300 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fourth 2.2 MT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 400 Nm | 2198 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth 2.5 MT, 220 hp | 220 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
Third-, second- and first-generation choices broaden the catalogue further. The third generation ranges from 90 hp 2.0 MT Diesel to 204 hp 3.0 MT Gasoline; the second spans 90 hp to 170 hp; and the first spans 88 hp to 170 hp. Their exact repeated names must always be matched with fuel, power and gearbox before comparing cars.
Ford Mondeo performance and mpg
For the latest restyling, the quickest listed car is the FWD 2.0 AT Diesel with 190 hp: 0–100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds and top speed is 223 km/h. The equivalent AWD 2.0 AT takes 9.1 seconds and reaches 221 km/h. AWD therefore adds 73 kg of kerb weight, while acceleration is 0.2 seconds slower and combined consumption rises from 4.9 to 5.3 l/100 km.
The 2.0 CVT Hybrid with 187 hp records either 9.2 or 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h, depending on the listed version, and both reach 187 km/h. Combined consumption is 4.5 or 4.7 l/100 km. The most economical listed fifth-generation Diesel is the earlier 2.0 MT with 150 hp at 4.1 l/100 km combined, 3.7 l/100 km on the highway and 4.6 l/100 km in the city.
Performance buyers should also consider the original fifth-generation 2.0 AT Gasoline with 240 hp. It reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and 233 km/h, but combined consumption is 8.0 l/100 km. Compared with the restyled 190 hp FWD Diesel, it provides 50 hp more and matches its acceleration advantage by 1.0 second, while using 3.1 l/100 km more combined.
The quickest displayed fourth-generation car is the 2.5 MT Gasoline with 220 hp: 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 245 km/h. Its combined consumption is 9.3 l/100 km. For lower consumption, the restyled 2.0 MT Diesel with 163 hp uses 5.3 l/100 km and reaches 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
Where a source field is empty, the result is not measured. This applies to fuel consumption for several early 1.6 MT, 1.8 MT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT and 2.5 AT versions, as well as acceleration and top speed for the first-generation AWD 2.0 AT.
Ford Mondeo dimensions, weight and wheels
No exterior length, width or height is measured in the supplied data, so Ford Mondeo dimensions cannot be compared here.
The restyled fifth-generation cars have 128 mm of ground clearance. Kerb weight runs from 1696 kg for a 2.0 CVT Hybrid to 1826 kg for a 190 hp AWD 2.0 AT Diesel. Gross weight runs from 2250 kg to 2365 kg, while tanks hold 49 or 60 litres. Wheel sizes are not measured.
The original fifth generation has 128 or 147 mm of ground clearance. Among the displayed versions, kerb weight ranges from 1454 kg for the 1.0 MT to 1587 kg for the 180 hp 2.0 Powershift. Tanks hold 63 litres, and recorded wheels range from 215/60 R16 through 235/40 R19.
Fourth-generation ground clearance is recorded at 103 or 130 mm before restyling and 130 mm after restyling. Its tank holds 70 litres. The displayed restyled cars weigh from 1360 kg to 1613 kg, with recorded wheels from 205/55 R16 to 235/40 R19.
Third-generation cars have 120 mm of clearance and a 58-litre tank. Second- and first-generation cars also have 120 mm of clearance but use a 61-litre tank.
Which Ford Mondeo version should you buy?
Choose the fifth-generation restyled 2.0 CVT with 187 hp if combined fuel consumption matters most among the latest cars. At 4.5 l/100 km, it uses 0.4 l/100 km less than the 190 hp FWD 2.0 AT Diesel, though it is 0.3 seconds slower to 100 km/h and its top speed is 36 km/h lower.
Choose the fifth-generation restyled FWD 2.0 AT with 190 hp if you want the best balance of recent performance and economy. It combines 400 Nm, an 8-speed Automatic, 8.9-second acceleration and 4.9 l/100 km combined consumption. At approximately 95 hp per litre, it is more power-dense than the 150 hp version’s roughly 75 hp per litre.
Choose the AWD 2.0 AT with 190 hp only when AWD itself is the priority. Against its FWD equivalent, it brings no additional power or torque, weighs 73 kg more and consumes 0.4 l/100 km more combined.
Choose the original fifth-generation 2.0 AT with 240 hp for the strongest fifth-generation Gasoline performance in the displayed data. Its power-to-weight figure is about 6.5 kg per hp, compared with about 9.2 kg per hp for the restyled 190 hp FWD Diesel.
Choose the fourth-generation 2.5 MT with 220 hp when outright speed matters more than fuel use. It has the best listed fourth-generation acceleration and top speed, but its 9.3 l/100 km combined figure is 4.0 l/100 km above the restyled 163 hp 2.0 MT Diesel.
For a simpler naturally aspirated Gasoline specification, consider the fourth-generation 2.0 MT with 145 hp or the fifth-generation 2.5 AT with 149 hp. The 2.0 MT uses a Manual gearbox and reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds; the 2.5 AT uses an Automatic, takes 10.3 seconds and consumes 8.2 l/100 km combined. Neither uses boost.
For economy within the displayed non-hybrid fifth-generation range, the 150 hp 2.0 MT Diesel is the numerical choice: 4.1 l/100 km combined and 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h. For stronger acceleration with an automatic gearbox, the 190 hp 2.0 AT FWD cuts that time by 0.5 seconds while adding 0.8 l/100 km to combined consumption.