There are two different engines offered on the Taurus sedans. The standard engine on all but the SHO is a 288-hp 3.5L V6. A 237-horsepower, 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is optional. While the output is rated somewhat less than the V6, the fuel economy improvements are significant. The V6 is estimated at a combined 21 mpg, while the Ecoboost 4-cylinder manages 23 combined mpg and an impressive 29 mpg highway.
At the base SE level, the Taurus is a relatively well-equipped comfortable sedan, including a rearview camera system, cruise control, Sync Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio connectivity, air conditioning, rear-seat heater ducts, power front seats, and a 6-speaker audio system with CD player and aux-in port. SEL models add dual-zone climate control, upgraded upholstery, LED supplemental lamps, remote start, reverse parking sensors, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, satellite radio compatibility, and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Limited models feel like true luxury cars, as they include features like 10-way power front seats with lumbar, power-adjustable pedals, perforated leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a universal garage-door opener and the full MyFord Touch system which includes an 8-inch touch screen with smaller reconfigurable instrument displays; a media hub with USB in ports, an SD card reader and input jacks, as well as a long list of additional Sync Services.
The Taurus SHO includes a strong, 365-hp, 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6, as well as a sport-tuned suspension, steering-wheel paddle-shifters, aluminum pedals, a dual exhaust, HID headlamps, Piano Black (glossy black) mesh grille and lamp bezel details, a rear spoiler, fender vents, special leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and badging throughout. A popular equipment package adds a rear window sunshade, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, second-row heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a Sony stereo that includes HD Radio.
An SHO Performance Package adds a stiffer suspension tune, performance brake pads, a sportier steering calibration, a Track Mode (fully disabled) stability control, an Alcantara steering wheel and 20-inch machined-and-painted wheels with summer performance tires.
Other options include Multicontour Seats, which gently massage the backs of front-seat passengers, helping to prevent fatigue and the available Lane-Keeping System that helps warn the driver should the vehicle veer from visible lane markings.
Spacious Back Seat And Trunk
Ride Comfort
Fuel-efficiency
Available All-wheel Drive
High-performance SHO Model
The Ford Taurus continues into 2017 with fairly minor changes. The biggest news is a new premium stereo, which is available on the Taurus SE and standard on the Limited and SHO trims. The new unit is supplied by Sony and uses their Clear Phase and Live Acoustics technology to bring unparalleled sound quality to the Taurus' interior. Two new colors are also available for 2017, White Gold and Smoked Quartz Metallic paint.
The Taurus is a very spacious 5-passenger sedan, and on a comfort, feature, and safety level is on par with many luxury brands. Ford placed a priority on rear-seat space, legroom and ease of entry. Trunk space as well is more than 20 cubic feet, which makes it one of the largest in this class.
Within the Taurus lineup, there is also plenty of opportunity for choice. From the 2.0L "EcoBoost" engine, which allows up to 32 mpg highway, to all-wheel-drive, to the high-performance SHO model, the Taurus offers a wide range of configurations for those looking at large sedans.
