Designed as a personal reward, the new Taurus takes naturally to high trim levels. In the Taurus Limited, chrome returns to the 19-inch wheels, rearview mirrors and grilles.
Just nine years ago, Ford was touting its refreshed Taurus as a great family car. Gone were the highly styled oval windows and SHO performance version, replaced by a more mainstream, less polarizing sedan for Middle America. Today an all-new Taurus has debuted in response to the preeminence of minivans and crossover SUVs as primary people movers. So guess what's back? High style and the SHO, plus a bevy of luxury features and electronic aids.
Model Lineup
We're covering the hot-rod SHO version in its own First Drive, letting us focus on the mainstream SE, SEL and Limited Taurus trims here. The entry-level SE avoids rental-car status with a healthy standard feature list, including a 6-speaker single CD and MP3 sound system, a 6-way power driver's seat and three power points. The volume-leading SEL adds SIRIUS Satellite Radio, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as standard, plus plenty of options ranging from the Sync infotainment system to a 12-speaker Sony sound system to all-wheel drive, a moonroof and remote start.
Buyers of the Limited will enjoy what is likely the most feature-intensive Ford ever. The standard perforated-leather front seats hint at the Limited's luxury. Besides a standard 10-way power adjustment, the seats offer optional heating, air conditioning, seat cushion "active motion" and lumbar massage to promote circulation on long drives. Even the rear seats are heated. A power rear-window sunshade is also available on the Limited. It's a truly posh ride.
Under the Hood
All SE, SEL and Limited iterations are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. Likewise, the only transmission is a 6-speed automatic with both center-console and steering-wheel paddle shifting. Well, all except the SE; it forgoes the paddle shifters.
Technically up-to-date with four valves per cylinder and variable-intake camshaft timing, the V6 is smooth and quiet and offers a relatively wide power band, but it isn't a powerhouse in this heavy sedan. Fuel economy — 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway — is good, considering the Taurus weighs well over two tons.
All-wheel drive is available on the SEL and Limited (and is standard on the SHO). Requiring no input from the driver, the AWD is useful for winter traction in snowy climes. Expect around a 2 mpg drop in fuel economy with AWD, though.
Wheel sizes vary from 17-inch aluminum alloys on the SE to 18- and 19-inch choices on the SEL. The Limited steps up to chrome 19-inch rims; all versions wear all-season tires. The suspension is nicely damped via three tuning variations across the SE, SEL and Limited trims, resulting in an almost athletic ride but without a hint of harshness.
Compare: 2010 Ford Taurus vs. Chrysler 300 vs. Chevrolet Impala
Inner Space
No shrinking violet on the outside, the Taurus continues its powerfully contemporary theme inside. A deep center console strongly defines the dual-cockpit layout, while flowing lines and a sharp forward rake to the dashboard set an energetic yet elegant tone. Rich detailing and quality materials abound, with cloth seating standard on the SEL and leather optional.
Because Ford now sees sedans as a personal reward rather than as basic family transportation, and with the Taurus as the flagship Ford automobile, this four door is stuffed full of electronic aids and convenience features. For example, auto-dimming outside mirrors, an exterior temperature display, a trip computer and a compass are all standard on the SEL, but that's just a warm-up. Options include Sync for hands-free communication, navigation and entertainment, plus radar-guided cruise control and reverse and blind spot warning systems (all rather handy).
Discuss: What do you think about the all-new Taurus? Does it get your motor running?
Keyless entry, keyless starting (via push button), capless fueling and a sophisticated valet control to limit speed and audio volume and to promote seat-belt use by teens are also available. A Sony 12-speaker sound system, voice-activated navigation system with moving map and SIRIUS Travel Link are also available. Ford claims 10 of these features as class exclusives; there's no doubt the Taurus exceeds in features.
