The 2010 Ford Taurus isn’t your father’s Taurus. Indeed, the new Taurus is mighty different from the rebadged Ford-500 derivative of the past couple of years; just take a look at the new grille. Totally redesigned inside and out, front to back for 2010, the new Taurus is a full-size, five-passenger sedan that’s available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and presents a combination of Euro styling and American punch.

Four trims are available for the 2010 Taurus, the base SE, the midlevel SEL, the high-end Limited, and - hold on to your socks - the rejuvenated Taurus SHO. Both the SEL and Limited trims are available with AWD, while the Taurus SHO is delivered only with AWD.

All 2010 Taurus trims except the SHO carry a DOHC, variable-valve-timed 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of 263 hp at 6,250 rpm and 249 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 3.5-liter V6 is mated, in the SE and SEL trims, with a six-speed automatic transmission boasting a hill-holding feature. The Taurus Limited trim offers a six-speed SelectShift auto-manual transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2010 Taurus SHO packs a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter, direct-injected V6 Ecoboost engine that pounds out 365 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The Ecoboost V6, with its direct injection system, is expected to provide significantly improved fuel economy numbers despite all those horses. The SHO is, like the Limited, equipped with the six-speed SelectShift transmission.

Cabin ambiance in the 2010 Ford Taurus is enhanced with a distinctly free-flowing dashboard/center stack that, unfortunately, still seems a bit too busy with various clustered buttons and knobs, the same as those found throughout the Ford and Mercury lineups. Despite this minor glitch the reworked interior feels more inviting and more polished than do previous editions.

Standard comfort, convenience, and appearance features for the 2010 Taurus SE trim include 17-inch painted alloy wheels, power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, and a single-CD/MP3 player with six speakers. The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, a six-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, premium cloth upholstery, and Sirius/XM satellite radio.

The 2010 Taurus Limited offers such extra standard features as 19-inch chrome alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver’s and passenger seats, premium leather upholstery, power lumbar support, heated outside mirrors, a leather and simulated wood steering wheel, console and door trim, memorized seat and mirror settings, a six-CD/MP3 changer with seven speakers, Bluetooth technology, and a USB connection. Options include a power moonroof, upgraded chrome and leather, the SYNC infotainment system, adaptive speed control, and voice-activated DVD navigation.

The 2010 Taurus SHO includes a rear spoiler, upgraded leather upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, keyless ignition, alloy dashboard trim, Xenon headlights, and a sport-tuned suspension. Options for the 2010 SHO include 20-inch wheels, an upgraded brake package, and a Sport Mode setting with the six-speed auto-manual tranny.

Standard safety features for the 2010 Ford Taurus include four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, side airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags, dusk-sensing headlights, and a post-collision safety system. Ford’s BLIS (blind-spot information system), as well as a backup camera system, are available safety options.

Many of the issues that owners have with the ’09 Ford Taurus have been addressed for 2010, including complaints of “bland styling” and uninspired handling. The 2010 Taurus keeps the 20-plus cubic feet of luggage space that impresses so many owners of the 2009. A comfortable ride, decent acceleration, and numerous safety features all characterize the ’09 Taurus and are improved for 2010.