The 2011 version of the Ford Taurus is not the groundbreaking vehicle this model once was. It remains, however, a well-equipped, midsize five-passenger family sedan, and the re-introduction of the SHO trim reclaims that same aura of potent performance that the Taurus SHO of yesteryear engendered. A significant redesign in 2010 has resulted in a more refined interior ambiance and several technological leaps, including available adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot information system (BLIS) for added safety and security. Though essentially unchanged for 2011, the Taurus is expected to undergo a further upgrade, with even more gizmos and gadgets, in the next year or so.

Available in four trim levels, the base SE, SEL, Limited, and the potent SHO, the 2011 Taurus offers plenty of luggage capacity (20.1 cubic feet), roomy front seating, lots of safety features, and a choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. These well-regarded advantages give the Taurus a perceived edge over such competitors as Buick’s LaCrosse, Chrysler’s 300, and Toyota’s Avalon.

Powering the 2011 Taurus SE, SEL, and Limited trims is a standard 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed V6 engine that combines with a six-speed automatic transmission for 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Mileage for this sturdy combo is a decent if not overwhelming 18/28 mpg in FWD trims and 17/25 for the AWD-available SEL and Limited. Over-the-top performance, however, comes in the form of the SHO’s 3.5-liter direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 and six-speed auto-manual transmission. This pairing puts out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, while variable valve timing keeps mileage at a respectable 17/25. Ford recommends burning premium unleaded only with the turbocharged V6.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience amenities are plentiful for the 2011 Taurus, even in the lower trim levels, with the base SE offering 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, front and rear floor mats, and a single-CD player with six speakers. The SEL adds standard 18-inch wheels, premium cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone climate control, simulated wood trim on the dash, and Sirius satellite radio, while the Taurus Limited tosses in premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seating, heated outside mirrors, a rear-view camera system, additional simulated wood and alloy cabin trim, memory for driver’s seat and mirror settings, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and a USB connection. The top-shelf SHO, meanwhile, brings standard 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a universal remote garage door opener, and an additional speaker to the mix.

Options for the SE include many of the standard features found in the higher trims, as well as SYNC/Bluetooth voice-activated audio and communications technology. Higher trim levels additionally offer an available power moonroof, voice-activated navigation (with the SYNC system), and a Sony 390-watt, 12-speaker audio upgrade. Additionally, the SHO is available with 20-inch nickel aluminum wheels and power-adjustable pedals.

Standard safety features for the 2011 Taurus include four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, dusk-sensing headlights, and a post-collision safety system. A remote anti-theft alarm is standard for the SEL and higher trims, while the Limited and SHO trims are delivered with standard rear parking sensors. Optional safety items for the Limited and SHO include Adaptive Cruise control and the BLIS blind-spot information system.

Poor rear visibility seems to be a major concern for owners of the 2010 Taurus, with chintzy cabin materials, cramped rear seating, and reliability issues also making the list of concerns. However, a stylish exterior, roomy front seating, smooth, quiet ride, decent acceleration and mileage, and the return of the SHO recoup a healthy dose of owner respect.