The Ford Taurus has been around since the 1980s. Throughout the years, this full-sized sedan’s design has changed. Although the last major redesign occurred several years ago in 2012, the Tauruses from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 lineups still have features that appeal to Ford fans.
For example, the 2019 Taurus’s soft suspension system makes long road trips more enjoyable, and its quiet cabin creates peaceful moments on busy interstates. With a spacious trunk, though, it’s also ideal for errands. Overall, if you need an all-around practical automobile, any Ford Taurus is a solid choice.
Price and Value
The 2019 Ford Taurus SE’s starting MSRP is $27,800; this is the base trim. The Limited trim’s MSRP is $37,310, and the Ford Taurus SEL with front-wheel drive’s starting price is $30,230. The MSRP for a 2019 Ford Taurus with all-wheel drive is $32,080. If you want a 2017 Ford Taurus, its base MSRP is $27,345.
Size and Seating Capacity
Typically designed to seat five people, the Ford Taurus has changed in size and layout over the years.
The cabin layout from the 2018 and 2019 model years isn’t necessarily suitable for all drivers and passengers. The Ford Taurus of 2018 and 2019 features stadium-like seating with seats that are quite high, leaving little headroom for taller passengers. Fortunately for drivers, adjustable pedals make for a more comfortable ride.
The 2017 Ford Taurus had a different cabin layout. The cabin design included spacious rear and front seats with plenty of headroom and reasonable legroom. Plus, the trunk had more space at 20.1 cubic-feet. If additional space is needed, the 60/40 split folding seats can collapse.
Battery, Range and Engine Specs
In terms of performance, the 2019 Ford Taurus SHO gets a combined 19 miles per gallon, and the SE and SEL get 21 mpg. The 2019 and 2018 Taurus models pull power from 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo engines. The engines go from zero to 60 miles per hour within about 5.4 seconds.
The 2019 Ford Taurus’s engine complements its steering system. Although the steering wheel is somewhat tough to grip, its design provides heft, which enhances the steering experience. When the Taurus powers along a road, the steering is very responsive. However, the control changes slightly when the Taurus begins to accelerate quickly.
In terms of handling, the SHO performs differently because it’s a bigger automobile. As it maneuvers on the road, its base stays flat; this driving aspect also applies through transitions. The SHO’s tire placement plays a key role during each transition by providing solid grip on the road. Overall, the SHO is a relaxed cruiser because it performs well in the Standard mode and Sport mode.
The braking system complements the powerful engine. Among all of the 2019 and 2018 Taurus trims, the SHO has the strongest braking configuration because it’s optimized for the vehicle’s weight. During a 60-mph brake test, the SHO’s brakes stopped all four wheels within 124 feet.
The 2017 Taurus has a V6 engine that accelerates like a V8. On the road, it has a great fuel economy.
Trims and Features
A Ford Taurus SE has 18-inch silver aluminum wheels, a manual air conditioner, and a single-zone climate control system. An AM/FM radio, a USB connection, and a satellite radio are also included with this trim.
The SHO trim can be equipped with a Driver Assist package, Equipment Group 401A package, or SHO Performance package. This trim has a USB connection, seven powerful speakers, an AM/FM radio, and more. Its key features include large, bold 20-inch aluminum wheels and very bright discharge headlights. A sport-tuned suspension system is also included.
For the SEL trim, the only available packages are the Equipment Group 201A and the Equipment Group 200A. When compared to the SHO, this trim doesn’t have premium speakers and a memory card slot. However, it does have key staples, such as an AM/FM stereo, a satellite radio, and a USB port.
The SEL’s highlight features provide comfort and convenience. For comfort, there is a dual-zone automatic climate control system in the cabin. The key convenience features include plenty of storage compartments in the cabin and a remote start system.
The Limited trim includes 19-inch aluminum wheels with a nickel painted finish. In the cabin, this trim has outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system.
Most of the upgrade packages for the Ford Taurus include technologies that provide entertainment. The Equipment Group 201A package includes an 8-inch LCD touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and more.
Safety
The Ford Taurus has powerful ABS brakes that can detect all four tires during extreme braking situations. These brakes can increase tire rotation by modulating the brake pressure. From a performance standpoint, this hardware is practical because it improves steering while drivers press the brakes.
Stability control is a standard Ford Taurus feature that monitors handling on the road. When the Taurus exceeds its maximum handling capacity, stability control activates and decreases power from the engine. It may also apply the brakes automatically when needed.
The Ford Taurus has many airbags that add a higher level of safety in the cabin. The main airbags are front-impact airbags, made for drivers and front-seat passengers. Near the doors in the cabin, there are side-impact airbags, which protect the torso during a collision. For extra protection, the Taurus also has overhead airbags and knee airbags. The overhead airbags trigger during a rollover or side collision, and the knee airbags trigger during all collisions.
The NHTSA gave the 2018 Taurus five stars overall and four stars for rollover. Following several IIHS tests, the 2018 Taurus got a good score.
Reliability
J.D. Power’s quality and reliability score for the 2019 Ford Taurus is an 83 out of 100. The reliability score measures any possible problems that could impact the driving experience. It covers engine design, technologies, and other areas.
The 2019 Ford Taurus earned its high rating because its performance specs are solid. On the road, a base Taurus consistently gets 16 to 18 mpg in the city and 24 to 26 mpg on the highway. Many features make the Taurus a reliable automobile.
The Takeaway
Each Ford Taurus trim offers something unique. Limited trims are the most expensive because they have premium features that provide luxury. In a Limited trim’s cabin, cloth upholstery is replaced with leather upholstery, and many audio technologies are upgraded.
Among all of the trims, the SHO is the best option for anyone who cares about performance. This trim’s highlights include a twin-turbo engine and a sporty suspension system.
Overall, the base trim is a great entry-level option because Bluetooth and other staples are standard. Although the SE is the lowest trim level, it still has impressive elements that provide style, such as shiny alloy wheels. The SEL unlocks better options for a driver. The SE and SEL have the same engine. However, because all-wheel drive is an option for the SEL, a drivetrain swap can change the SEL’s performance specs.
On the higher end of the scale, the Limited caters to consumers who need advanced features, such as ventilated seats and a powerful stereo sound system.
