2019 Ford Taurus

The 2019 Ford Taurus forms part of the sixth generation introduced to the USA a decade ago for 2010. Since then, however, the Taurus has received minimal attention from Ford, getting a minor facelift in 2013 and, thankfully, having Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment software installed in 2016. But the large sedan has become notably outdated in comparison with class rivals: design, style, and features inside and out are behind the times, with the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala offering better packages overall. Despite its dated curse, the Taurus is still a competent daily commuter; its ride is comfortable, the interior is of a high-quality, and its trunk is massive. Standard models are equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 with outputs of 288 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque directed to either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system, while the performance-based SHO model boasts a twin-turbocharged version of that engine with outputs peaking at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft. Production of the Taurus will officially come to a halt in March 2019 and while some may not fret about the demise of the tenuous Taurus, those loyal to the nameplate will have to go in search of a dealer with available stock.

The 2019 Ford Taurus looks like the typical boxy sedan with its moderate front overhang with rounded front edges, a prominent wheelbase, and moderate rear overhang with squared rear corners. Halogen projector-beam headlights are standard on SE and SEL models, with LED supplemental parking lamps and body-color, power, heated side-view mirrors featured on the SEL. The Limited is fitted with automatic high-beam headlights and chrome-accented side-view mirrors, the SHO with high-intensity discharge headlights, LED supplemental parking lamps with Piano Black bezels, Agate Black side-view mirrors, chrome dual exhaust tips, and a rear decklid spoiler. 18-inch Sparkle-Silver aluminum wheels are standard on the SE and SEL, and 19-inch Luster Nickel aluminum wheels on the Limited. Filling the wheel arches of the SHO are 20-inch Ebony Black Machined aluminum wheels.

The Ford Taurus sedan has dimensions typical to that of a large sedan. Compared alongside the Chevrolet Impala, it measures only 1.6 inches longer in overall length at 202.9 inches, 1.8 inches taller in height at 60.7 inches, and 4.3 inches wider at 77.3 inches. It carries a wheelbase spanning 112.9 inches, which is 1.2 inches longer than the Impala's. With curb weights ranging from 3,917 pounds in the FWD SE to 4,327 lbs in the AWD SHO, the Taurus is on average around 200 lbs heavier than the Impala with its base model weighing in at 3,682 lbs and its top-spec model in at 3,812 lbs.

There are eight exterior color options that comprise the 2019 color palette, all carried over from 2018. Cost inclusive options available for all models include Agate Black, Ingot Silver Metallic, and Magnetic Metallic. Oxford White is available for the SE and SEL only. Available for all but the SE are Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat both for an extra cost of $395. White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat is also available for these models at an extra cost of $595. The Taurus isn't a very sporty looking sedan, but exudes more of a sophisticated demeanor which the Agate Black complements really well, while also clearly accentuating the chrome exterior accents of the higher tier models.

There's a reasonable level of initial pep from the Taurus' naturally aspirated V6 engine, which is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission by default. It's an aging powertrain, however, the same mill having been utilized in the Taurus since the 2010 model year. Outputs have gone up since then though, from 263 hp back then to 288 hp now - which gets both the FWD and AWD models from 0-60 mph in a leisurely seven seconds. That's relatively slow-going for the class, but the Taurus SHO, or Super High Output, is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and comes with AWD as standard. As a result, the SHO is availed with an above-average 0-60 mph sprint time of around 5.2 seconds. A standard Toyota Avalon is around a second faster than a base-level Taurus, getting from 0-60 mph in a time closer to that of the Taurus' SHO - a quick 5.8 seconds. The TRD version of the Camry is slower than the SHO, however, not improving much on the standard model's time. Like most of this segment's cars, the Ford Taurus offers a max towing capacity of 1,000 lbs.

The lineup's base engine is the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 which accumulates peak outputs of 288 hp and 254 lb-ft, it's coupled to a stock six-speed automatic gearbox and is standard on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims. While the V6 motor feels competent off-the-line and around city streets, power delivery quickly begins to taper off after the 60 mph mark. Vigor is better maintained throughout the Taurus' rev range by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mill on the SHO, which takes peak outputs to 365 hp and 350 lb-ft. Regardless of which engine the six-speed automatic is coupled to, its responses remain pretty consistent. It's a dated transmission, too, but there's some appeal in its simplicity as it never feels noticeably hesitant to up- or down-shift at the appropriate times. The gear ratios feel a tad tall, however, and though the shifts are nearly imperceptible, the twin-turbo V6 certainly loses some fervor to the tall gearing. The Taurus could benefit from a shorter gear ratio with some livelier responses overall.

All Ford Taurus models deliver a mostly favorable and comfortable ride for the segment. The suspension on standard models is set soft for a smooth and composed ride that's only a tad wafty in non-SHO guise. Most road imperfections and typical undulations are dealt with suitably as the large sedan soaks up anything that isn't too major. Furthermore, road and wind noise are nearly imperceptible. Ride quality isn't compromised at all with the SHO's tauter sport-tuned suspension, and while the suspension setup on base models may offer no opportunity for thrills, the SHO's offers a whole lot more verve. It manages to remain firmly planted and properly composed at most speeds, and can even be somewhat fun to drive on occasion. Unfortunately, the SHO in particular, as the performance-based model, is set back by relatively numb steering: the steering effort is satisfying, but there's no road feel or tire feedback provided to the driver for confident driving and handling. There's plenty of grip from the tires nevertheless, and the brakes provide suitable stopping power and responses for comfortable daily drivability. The brake pedal does feel somewhat spongy, but it's smooth and consistent enough to easily modulate.

In this segment, a car like the Taurus isn't expected to be as frugal as smaller cars are, but even by large sedan measures, it doesn't fare well. The most frugal FWD base variants return EPA estimates of 18/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The fitment of AWD drops these to 17/24/19 mpg, while the turbocharged SHO - exclusively equipped with AWD - achieves 16/24/19 mpg estimates. Rivals perform consistently better than the Taurus, with the Ford ranking in the lower half of the segment. Every Taurus model is equipped with a 19-gallon gas tank that affords the AWD models a maximum range of 361 miles before reaching empty, slightly behind the FWD's range of 399 miles.

Though exceptionally well-built and with most of its cabin comprised of high-quality materials, with soft-touch appointments allotted to key touch-points, a lot of the main surfaces are covered with hard-touch panels making for a visual impression that's somewhat dated. Ford has done very little to update the Taurus since its current generation's inception in 2010 which has subsequently set the Taurus behind its rivals in terms of modern design and styling trends, those rivals having undergone continuous enhancements and recent total redesigns to remain contemporary and novel. The Taurus' cabin is, nevertheless, reasonably comfortable, and though oddly positioned, the seats are well-cushioned and suitably supportive. The cabin doesn't have the greatest ergonomics overall, with some controls that look and feel somewhat outdated and out of place, specifically the lane-keep assist buttons which are located within the front ashtray.

The cabin of the Taurus isn't as commodious as its prodigious exterior suggests; there's seating provided for up to five occupants but only four will fit in reasonable comfort. However, the seats throughout the cabin are supportive and comfortable. Ford has implemented an interesting design tactic for the driver and front passenger seats, with the seats themselves set quite high and resulting in a really awkward position, which leaves front occupants perched almost over the dashboard. This also means taller drivers may find that there's not enough room for their knees. Head and legroom up front are at least decent, though with the rear seats also being oddly high set and a sloping roofline in place, rear headroom is rather limited. Rear legroom is also relatively limited for the class. Fortunately, a commanding view of the road ahead is a benefit of the high-set seats, along with effortless ingress and egress. Rearward visibility is hindered by thick rear pillars, however, with the rear seat headrests blocking most of the view as well.

The SE comes standard with a vinyl steering wheel along with Dune-hued cloth seating upholstery. The SEL has a few enhancements, namely a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the option to upgrade to leather trim on the seats, hued in either Dune or Charcoal Black. The Limited and SHO get a top grain leather-wrapped steering wheel, bright front door-sill scuff plates, and ambient interior lighting. In the Limited are branded front floor mats which are swapped out for SHO-branded items in the corresponding trim. Perforated leather-upholstery is standard in the Limited and SHO, featured in Dune or Charcoal Black in the Limited and Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black/Mayan Gray Miko in the SHO which also gets SHO graphics embroidered on the front seats.

Trunk space is where the Taurus' large sedan status is most apparent: it's a class-leader in cargo capacity, with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo room offered behind the rear seats. That's more than enough space for two or even three large travel cases. If more room is required for larger or oddly shaped cargo items, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split. This is more than what the Impala offers at 18.8 cubes, and much more than what the Dodge Charger provides at 16.5 cubic feet.

Storage solutions for passengers include large front door side pockets with integrated bottle holders, although the rear-door side pockets aren't quite as large, but do hold bottles too. There is a multitude of small concealed cubbies up front in the center console, along with dual cupholders, and the passenger-side glovebox is reasonably sized. Additionally, there's a seatback map pocket behind each front seat. Another two cupholders are located in the armrest of the rear seat.

In terms of standard-fit features, even the base-level SE is fairly well outfitted; it comes standard with a remote keyless access system, a multi-function steering wheel with a manual tilt-and-telescoping axle, six-way power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, single-zone climate control with manual AC, and cruise control. The SEL takes things up a notch with a remote start system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a reverse parking system. In the Limited and SHO models, one will find intelligent access with push-button start, a top-grain leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front and rear outboard seats, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, power-adjustable pedals with memory settings, a universal garage door opener, and finally, a blind-spot monitoring system.

The SE and SEL models come outfitted with only the base SYNC infotainment software which does not include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay functionality. The infotainment system itself is comprised of a 4.2-inch LCD screen and AM/FM stereo tethered to a single-CD player and a six-speaker sound system. It allows for Bluetooth audio streaming, voice recognition, 911 Assist, and AppLink capabilities. There are two smart-charging USB ports located upfront for compatible devices. The SEL also comes with SiriusXM connectivity and a six-month trial. Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment software, which includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, is standard in both the Limited and SHO models, along with an eight-inch touchscreen display and premium Sony audio system with HD radio connectivity.

There have been no recalls commissioned for the 2019 Taurus, with the 2018 model year Ford Taurus being the last model year subject to a recall pertaining to a fault where the key could be removed from the ignition without the vehicle being in Park. Every new Ford Taurus is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and corrosion coverage.

The NHTSA gave the 2019 model year Ford Taurus a top overall safety rating of five-stars out of five. The IIHS's review of the Taurus model in five specified crash tests, in which the Taurus scored top results of Good in four, having received a score of Average in the driver-side small overlap front test. The optional forward collision system scored poorly, awarded a low rating of Basic from the authority.

Every Taurus model comes equipped with a Personal Safety System that comprises six standard airbags, dual front, front side, and side curtain protection. There's also an SOS crash alert system, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability and curve control, and traction and torque vectoring control. A rearview camera, cruise control, and MyKey controls for responsible driving are all also standard. The SEL receives a reverse sensing system while the Limited adds on blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There is also a Driver Assistance Package available for the Limited, which comprises adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with brake support, a lane-keeping assist system, and active park assist.

The Ford Taurus, having been around for nearly ten years and having received relatively minimal enhancements and changes during that time, has become significantly outdated. At the Ford Taurus' price, there's simply nothing that it offers at a superior level over its US rivals; there's far more performance appeal offered by the Dodge Charger and a whole lot more luxury to be found in a Chrysler 300. While its powertrain is competent and refreshingly simple, it has become detrimentally outdated and lacks modern refinement. Acceleration and power delivery are suitable, but its fuel-efficiency is notably below average as opposed to newer rivals. Beyond its stagnation, the Taurus is also easily unlikeable because of its perplexing in-cabin ergonomics, with the seating positions being so awkwardly high. If one was to purchase a Taurus, the only real benefits would lie in its array of in-cabin storage solutions and expansive trunk capacity, which make it only a little more practical and convenient than many of its rivals as a daily family commuter.

The SE model of the 2019 Ford Taurus is priced at an MSRP of $27,800, the SEL model follows in specification with an MSRP of $30,230. The Limited model transitions the lineup into the luxury side of things and is given an MSRP of $37,310, the SHO model is the performance-focused offering from the lineup and closes the Taurus lineup off with an MSRP of $42,975. That's excluding Ford's $1,095 destination charge as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

There are four trims that comprise the 2019 Taurus lineup: SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. While standard models are equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with outputs of 288 hp and 254 lb-ft, the SHO is powered by a turbocharged version of the V6 that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft. All models are serviced by a six-speed automatic transmission with outputs sent to either a FWD or AWD system, the latter standard on SHO models.

On the outside, the SE model rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and is fitted with halogen projector-beam headlights and quasi-dual chrome exhaust tips. Feature-wise, the SE comes standard with a remote keyless access system, a multi-function steering wheel with a manual tilt-and-telescoping axle, six-way power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, single-zone climate control with manual AC, and cruise control.

The SEL gets a remote start system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a reverse parking system.

The Limited rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels and gets LED supplemental park lights and chrome-accented, power-folding, heated side-view mirrors. The Limited also boasts intelligent access with push-button start, a top-grain leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front and rear outboard seats, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, power-adjustable pedals with memory settings, a universal garage door opener, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

20-inch aluminum wheels befit the SHO which is fitted with high-intensity discharge headlights, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and a rear decklid spoiler. The SHO is the only model equipped with a performance-tuned suspension.

There aren't many standalone options or specified packages available for the base-spec SE model, with daytime running lights and SiriusXM radio connectivity as the only notable upgrades. Available for the SEL, Limited, and SHO is a $995 power-operated moonroof and a $695 bespoke 20-inch aluminum wheel upgrade.

For the SEL there's the Equipment Group 201A, which - for $1,050 - throws in the eight-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen installed with Ford's SYNC 3 software, along with an additional center channel speaker and intelligent access with push-button start. A $1,995 Driver Assist Package is available for the Limited and SHO models, which comprises adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, a lane-keeping system, and active park assist.

Exclusive to the SHO is an SHO Performance Package which installs an enhanced sport-tuned suspension, high-performance front brake pads, sport-calibrated steering, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Sport Mode setting, 3.16 final drive, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, P245/45R20 Performance Summer-only tires, and a tire inflator and sealant kit.

If its performance you want, then the decision is easy with the SHO being the only performance-based option - and it wouldn't be a bad choice either. Otherwise, it's the SEL we'd recommend as the model that slots in favorably between the bare-bones SE and relatively expensive Limited. It's decently well outfitted with features and receives availability to those that aren't standard. It's also considerably less pricey than the top-spec models. We suggest including the Equipment Group 201A for the eight-inch touchscreen and SYNC 3 infotainment system upgrade, which brings full smartphone integration into play.

The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan, slightly smaller than the Taurus; it's around $5,000 cheaper than the Taurus at the base-level, which along with its more efficient engines equates to a lower cost of ownership for the Fusion. There are two engines available for the Fusion but both are far less powerful than the Taurus' though considerably more fuel-efficient. That being said, the Fusion is still a lot more fun to drive by virtue of its sharper handling responses and lighter chassis. Also, while slightly smaller, passengers may find there to be noticeably more room throughout the cabin of the Fusion, the weird seating position in the Taurus impedes on passenger room severely. There's a significant amount more value to be found in the upper-echelons of the Fusion lineup in comparison with the top-spec models of the Taurus lineup. The Fusion has undergone some major enhancements and is the more refined and contemporary vehicle of the two, and the one we would recommend.

One of the Taurus' biggest rivals in the full-size arena is the Chevrolet Impala, but while the Ford offers two big V6 engine choices, the Impala offers much less power from either a four-cylinder engine or a V6, but claims some respite as both are more efficient. The Impala is also packed with more features, with the like of an eight-inch touchscreen, full smartphone integration, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard as of the base model. It's more comfortable inside, and more spacious, too; the Taurus' oddly high set seats and awkward ergonomics holding it back in this regard. There's some reprieve for the Taurus when it comes to trunk volume, however, as it comprehensively outclasses the Impala in this regard. Despite insinuations of sportiness, even the Taurus SHO can't match the Impala for its litheness and agility. Despite lacking the biggest trunk or the most powerful engines, the Impala is better in most other aspects.