Mackinaw Man, you and I went a very similar path - I've owned a popup, 25' hybrid trailer, then a 34' Citation trailer. Tow vehicles were initially a Dodge Durango, then a V10 Ford Excursion (had that Excursion for years, was awesome truck!).
Then, moved up to the Class A world about 11 years ago. Started with a 36' Georgetown class A, that a few years ago was 'downsized' (but was a major upgrade) to a 31' Newmar (see signature), due to several life changes. One of life change was same as you - kids grown up, and no longer camp with us.
Like you, for many years our towed vehicle was a hybrid Ford Fusion. Must say, you are very fortunate to have one, as they make an excellent towed vehicle and are very easy to flat tow. I've flat towed a total of 4 vehicles (Kia Sedona minivan, Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, and now Jeep Wrangler). Of all of them, it is a close toss up between the Jeep and the Fusion as to which was best, easiest for towing. What I really liked about the Fusion, was that the power assisted braking stays on all the time, so its much easier to set up an auxiliary braking system. That, and the simplicity of it, how you just throw it in neutral and go.
You've got some great advice so far, not a whole lot I can add, except that I think you're making a good decision, and will be very happy with a Class A, as long as you take your time and make sure you get the right one for you. Everyone's recommendation will almost always be 'slanted' some toward their own experience, what they like, but ultimately, there is no one size fits all when it comes to RVs. You have to focus on, think about what works best for you.
Not sure what kind of budget you have to work with, but I will say one thing: Yes, nothing beats the way the high $$ diesel pushers ride. However, you owe it to yourself to test drive a gas Class A built on the new Ford F53 chassis that came out I believe in 2020. Better engine, much more solid ride/handling...It ain't no diesel pusher, but Ford definitely closed the gap some with the updates they did. You need to try one out, before plunking down obscenely more $$ on a diesel pusher. As one thats owned both an older F53 with the V10 (2012 model), and the newer one (2021 in signature below)...I'm here to tell you, there is a huge difference.
