2018 Ford Taurus

Ford has backed the four trims in Taurus with two V6 engines: a 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on the SE, SEL and Limited trim. While the SHO trim is mated to a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine. There is ample headroom and legroom throughout while the Taurus also offers best in the class truck area for a sedan.

It is a four-pronged effort from Ford to have a say in the sedan arena. And that is why we see four different variants of Taurus 2018 namely SE, SEL, Limited and SHO in the ascending order.  A 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on the SE, SEL and Limited trim and is mated to six-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional on SEL and Limited. The top trim SHO is an entirely different beast as it gets a zesty turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends power to all-wheel drive.

Trims	SE	SEL	Limited	SHO
MSRP	$27,690	$30,120	$37,200	$42,865
Features	3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine Keyless-Entry with Integrated Key Head Transmitter SYNC Rear View Camera	SE basic features, plus these and more: Sirius Radio Reverse Sensing System Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel	SEL basic features, plus these and more: SYNC3 Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start 10-way Power Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats Premium Sound System from Sony with Clear Phase	Limited basic features, plus these and more: 3.5L Eco Boost V6 Engine High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps Sport-Tuned Suspension Leather-trimmed Seats with SHO Graphics

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Go with the SEL trim as it comes at a modest price of about $30,120 and ticks all the boxes when one goes looking for a sedan. It adds features such as dual-zone climate, rear parking sensor and satellite radio. Another reason is that at a price of the Limited and the SHO variants, there are better options available in the market, such as the Toyota Avalon sedan, Chrysler 300 sedan and the perpetual Chevrolet Impala.

"The 2018 Ford Taurus doesn’t have notable get up and go. It comes with a V6 engine that is generally lackluster, and the high-performance Taurus SHO is likewise slower than rivals. Handling is OK, but this car is more suited to being a cruising vehicle than a corner carver."-Cars.usnews.com

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Ford Taurus comes mated to a duo of V6 engines. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 288 horsepower and 254-pound-feet of torque. It has plenty of power for the most driving situation but fails to impress. But then there is a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine which is standard on the top trim. It has enough oomph to move this 4,000-pound SUV with authority but some performance-oriented rivals impress more than the Taurus.

A six-speed automatic transmission is a standard across all trims which feel antiquate when compared to rivals like the Dodge Charger that offers 8-speed shifting.

Models	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
MSRP	$27,690	$33,500	$37,495	$28,495
Engine	3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine	3.5L V6 DOHC 24-Valve	3.6L DOHC V6 DI	3.6L V6 24-Valve VVT
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	288 hp	268 hp	305 hp	292 hp
Torque	254 lb-ft	248 lb-ft	264 lb-ft	260 lb-ft

Acceleration

One of the most important features we look while buying a power sedan is its acceleration. And an output of 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds by 288 bhp engine is commendable. The saloon is good enough for your usual driving, but the moment you rev up the throttle, you could feel a tinge of hesitation. Though, the Taurus SHO tells an entirely different story. Riding on its 365 horsepower, 3.5L Eco Boost engine, the SHO clocks 0-60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.

Models	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
0-60 MPH	7.0 sec	6.1 sec	6.3 sec	6.4 sec
Quarter mile	15.4 sec @ 93 mph	14.5 sec @ 89.9 mph	14.9 sec @ 95.9 mph	14.8 sec @ 94.9 mph
Engine	3.5L	3.5L	3.6L	3.6L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	7.4	8.1	7.6

Taurus might have some muscle in its engine, but that does not really seem to trouble it's more performance-oriented competitors. As Toyota Avalon record 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds whereas the Chevrolet Impala and Dodge Charger too manage it below 6.5 seconds.

Ride and Handling

The 2018 Ford Taurus, being a full-size sedan is an apt saloon to drive on the highways and open roads. And in a way, it feels smooth while cruising. But, in the city, the bulky size of the coupe makes it difficult at navigating turns. The “Drive” mode will make it easier for you to drive in the city, but the transmission response is not great and you might feel the need to change gears frequently too. Out on the highways, the “Sport” mode seems like a blessing. You get greater thrust and more authority. And though the engine churns out considerable power, we again have to say that its price peers still offer more athleticism.

Braking

With a stopping power of 125 feet, the 2018 Ford Taurus has the longest stopping distance as compared to most of the rivals. There is a tinge of unwieldiness and stiffness while applying the brakes and though. The response is quick but you are always left with a sense of apprehension when navigating some tight turns. The Dodge Charger leads the way in the 60-0 mph test by halting at just 110 ft.

Model	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
Brake Front(in)	13.9	11.7	12.6	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	13.6	11.1	12.4	12.6
Curb weight(lbs.)	3917	3461	3867	3934
60-0 MPH (ft.)	125	120	122	110

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a fuel guzzler as compared to others in the competition. It checks in at 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Meanwhile the all-wheel-drive brings those figures down to an SUV like with 17/24/19 mpg. The Taurus SHO bigger engine takes a toll on its fuel economy as it offers 16/24/19 mpg. By comparison, the Toyota Avalon leads the charge with an EPA of 21/27/24 mpg.

Model	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
MPG (city)	18	21	19	19
MPG (highway)	27	30	28	30
MPG (combined)	21	24	22	23

The 2018 Ford Taurus has a handsome interior, but it looks older than many competitors, and the materials quality is a step below as well. The thick roof pillars make the cabin feel cramped, and though the seats are comfortable, they aren’t expansive. On the bright side, the available SYNC 3 infotainment system is user-friendly and the trunk is ginormous. Cars.usnews.com

Seating and Comfort

The interiors of Taurus 2018 have undergone a tremendous transformation over its predecessors. There is a definite improvement in the cloth upholstery and the higher end variants even get the leather seats. Moreover, the power heated and cooled seats act as a panacea during long drives.

Model	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	102.2	103.6	105.0	104.7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39/57.9/41.9	38.5/58.2/42.1	39.9/57.9/45.8	38.6/59.5/41.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.8/56.9/38.1	37.9/57/39.2	37.4/56.9/39.8	36.6/57.9/40.1

Taurus can accommodate five persons and has been equipped with 6-way power adjustable front seats. There is an apparent lack of legroom and the passengers at the back may feel lack of space as it is tighter than one would expect. All in all, if you prefer Taurus on a long ride, it is better suited for two passengers at the back than three.

Infotainment System

The SYNC infotainment system looks low grade and is not easy to use. The optional SYNC 3 infotainment improves things as it has a nicer feel and responds quickly to touch. It is easily navigable with an intuitive interface. Standard feature includes:

• Bluetooth
• Two USB ports
• Ford’s MyKey
• SYN infotainment system with a 2-inch touchscreen

Cargo Capacity

The saying “the bigger, the better” is completely apt here. With a 20.1 cubic feet cargo volume, the 2018 Ford Taurus leads the race in providing greater space for cargo. Moreover, the 60/40 split folding seats at the back offer you a greater space should such a need arise. And its nearest competitor, in this case, happens to be Chevrolet Impala which provides about 18.8 ft. cubic of space.

Model	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
Volume (ft. cube)	20.1	16.0	18.8	16.1

Unless festooned with a light bar and police graphics, the 2018 Ford Taurus isn’t likely to turn any heads. Its bulbous styling outside and dated, dark interior does it no favors. Other automakers like Dodge and Toyota have proven that big cars needn’t be boring. The Taurus’ exterior detailing stands in contrast to the automaker’s other, more shapely models. Long front and rear overhangs make the Taurus look even bulkier than its 203-inch overall length suggests. The Car Connection

Dimension and Weight

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a ginormous sedan and it equals some of the large SUVs in length. It is the largest of all the sedans in the race with the length of 202.9 inches. Because of its 60.7 inches, height drivers get a commanding view of the road. Its low roof and sloping windshield meanwhile, give the Taurus a sleek look.

Model	Ford Taurus (SE)	Toyota Avalon (XLE)	Chevrolet Impala	Dodge Charger (SXT)
Curb weight(lbs.)	3917	3461	3867	3934
Length(in)	202.9	195.3	201.3	198.4
Width(in)	76.2	72.2	73.0	75
Height(in)	60.7	57.5	58.9	58.2
Ground clearance(in)	5.1	5.5	7.1	4.9
Wheelbase(in)	112.9	111.0	111.7	120.2
Track width(in) F/R	65.3/65.5	62.6/62.2	62.2/62.0	63.4/63.8

Exterior Features

• LED Taillamps
• Power folding side view mirrors in black accents
• Delayed Accessory Lighting
• Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips

Taurus has scored 5 stars in 10 out of 11 crash tests conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 4 star in one test.  These tests included crash ratings for the front barrier, the sides and combined side barrier. The IIHS meanwhile rated the 2018 Ford Taurus as “Good” in crashworthiness.

In terms of reliability, the Ford has covered the Taurus with a 3-year/ 36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/ 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

NHTSA Rating

Overall Rating	5 star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	5 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating overall	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger	5 star
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Rating Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Rating Rear Seat	5 star
Rollover Rating	4 star

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Acceptable
Small overlap front Passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance and Mitigation Performance
Front Crash Prevention	Basic
Headlights	Poor
LATCH	Acceptable

Safety Features

The one thing Ford cars have been renowned for is for their safety. The 2018 Ford Taurus comes with a host of safety features which include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-Lock Braking System. All these features help in better stability while driving in skid prone areas especially snow. One of the highlights of Taurus safety feature is Smart Stop technology. It helps to shut off the engine when the driver accelerates unintentionally, such as during emergency braking.

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST)
• Ten airbags - includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags
• Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) seats
• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger belts
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors and tether anchors on outboard rear seats
• Child-protector rear door locks
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• Side-impact door beams
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer

Ford Taurus vs. Toyota Avalon

Taurus, without a shadow of doubt, has greater power output and larger cargo space than Avalon. But that is all, where Taurus leads. For, Avalon is capable of providing better comfort while riding and better fuel economy as well, which takes care of the difference between their price difference. Moreover, both the cars provide almost equal safety, though, Taurus may win that race by a whisker.

Ford Taurus vs. Chevrolet Impala

Impala provides better comfort and fuel efficiency and the riding in Impala is a lot smoother than riding in Taurus but if you are looking for a sedan with more muscle, more space, and more brawn, you might feel getting inclined towards Taurus.

Ford Taurus vs. Dodge Charger

With better engine dynamics, Dodge Charger is a clear winner when it comes down to performance and that includes braking and handling too. It is more athletic and sleeker than Taurus. Moreover, both the cars have been awarded similar ratings in the safety tests as well. Therefore, if you are not looking for a gigantic size or larger cargo space, then, Dodge Charger might be the answer to your questions.

Ford has really turned up with Taurus 2018 and with the standard model SE coming at a modest price of about $27,000, Ford fanatics may have their hands rubbing. Though, the preferable option would be the SEL as by pitching in about $2000 extra, it can undergo few upgrades such as the infotainment system and the All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Taurus is a capable competitor but, with its dated interiors and better availability of the same in other sedans such as the Impala and the Dodge Charger, Taurus seems to have left us asking for more.  It is not to say that Taurus comes short by any means, but, if you browse around, you may find sedans which can force you to consider them or even buy them at the behest of the 2018 Taurus.