2018 Ford Taurus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a carryover from last year’s model with no major changes. This full-size sedan has ample room for five people and a...

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a carryover from last year’s model with no major changes. This full-size sedan has ample room for five people and a spacious 20.1-cubic foot trunk. The four different trim levels and two different engine choices allow for plenty of flexibility to find a Taurus perfectly suited to your needs.

The base Taurus SE, starting at $27,595, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is available only with front-wheel drive and rolls on 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted wheels. There are dual chrome exhaust tips, a capless fuel filler, power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated blind spot, and LED taillights.

The front cloth seats feature six-way power adjustments with manual recline and lumbar while the back seats have a 60/40 split and can be folded to provide additional storage. The dash contains the single zone climate control and a Sync infotainment system, which includes AM/FM/MP3, single-CD player, and a 4.2-inch color LCD screen. There are also three 12-volt outlets. Safety features standard with the Taurus SE include perimeter lighting, illuminated entry, multiple airbags, and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System.

The Taurus SEL, at $30,025, adds options for all-wheel drive, larger 20-inch wheels, and convenient push-button start. Standard on the SEL is an auto-dimming rearview mirror, outside temperature display, heated side mirrors, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. There’s also remote start, dual-zone climate control, and the availability of the Sync 3 infotainment system. Safety upgrades include a reverse sensing system, supplemental parking lamps, and a perimeter alarm.

Continuing up the trim range is the Taurus Limited with pricing from $37,105. Buyers will appreciate the cab comforts provided by the window sunshade, heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals with memory, and ventilated, 10-way power front seats with memory, in addition to a universal garage door opener and 19-inch Premium Luster Nickel-painted aluminum wheels. Both rows of seating are heated and wrapped in perforated leather trims. Safety upgrades include auto high beams, blind spot information with rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers. The Sync 3 audio system is standard and includes Audio System from Sony with Clear Phase and Live Acoustic.

Customers who want a top-tier Taurus can pay $42,770 for the SHO trim. This trim’s upgrades go beyond the aesthetic: it boasts the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The added power means that fuel economy takes a hit, dropping from the 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway of the smaller engine to 16 /24. But with this sporty model, the bump in power is only the beginning in a long list of refinements.

The athletic engine is complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters to complete the more aggressive driving experience. Other drivers will notice the SHO badges on both fenders, unique grille, Piano Black side view mirrors, and 20-inch Ebony Black-painted machined aluminum wheels. The front of the car lights up the road with HID headlights while the back sports a dual exhaust system with chrome exhaust tips. Inside, there is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and SHO interior accents including perforated leather-trimmed seats with SHO graphics.

Drivers that want performance to match their Taurus SHO’s classy appearance will appreciate the available performance package. This adds performance brake pads, sport-calibrated electric power-assisted steering, higher-rated springs, tuned shocks, stiffer stabilizer bars and rear suspension, summer performance tires, and larger front and rear brake rotors. Drivers can easily switch from the commuters haul to weekend carving with the Track Mode/True Off setting as a part of the electronic stability control. With space to carry the whole family in luxury coupled with some impressive performance enhancements, the Taurus SHO proves the classic American sedan is anything but boring.