2018 Ford Taurus

Overview

The 2018 Ford Taurus isn’t necessarily a bad five-passenger sedan, but it’s feeling increasingly outdated and outclassed by newer and more dynamic rivals such as the Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. While the Taurus's cabin is spacious for those seated in the front, the rear seat isn’t as accommodating as what’s offered in most competitors. Trunk space is plentiful, however, and the optional 365-hp turbocharged V-6 adds some entertaining firepower to this otherwise sedate Ford sedan. Too bad the fun is tempered by the Taurus’s hefty curb weight.

What's New for 2018?

The previously optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been dropped from the Taurus lineup. Other than the deletion of this powerplant, the 2018 Taurus receives no changes from the 2017 model.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Taurus is fitted with a 288-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. This powertrain provides enough grunt for city and highway driving, though the Taurus’s substantial weight works against it in terms of fuel economy and cornering prowess. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Taurus SHO serves up 365-horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive standard. The SHO is quick in a straight line and more eager to zip around corners than the base model. But it's still not exactly light on its feet, and its firmer suspension and upsized alloy wheels make the ride more brittle over imperfect roads.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Step inside the Taurus and you’ll be greeted by a pair of accommodating front seats that provide ample support during an arduous commute or lengthy road trip. Space in the second row is just adequate for two adults, and you won’t get the same amount of legroom as what’s offered in many of this Ford’s key rivals. The dashboard layout and the materials used throughout the cabin are looking very dated and out of step with the competition. The base SE trim comes equipped with such features as power-adjustable cloth front seats, keyless entry, and basic power accessories. Moving up through the trim levels adds welcome luxury touches like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated rear seat, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. There's a good amount of interior storage, and the Taurus is a star when it comes to hauling cargo thanks to its 20-cubic-foot trunk.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The base Taurus is equipped with a simple Ford Sync unit that has a tiny 4.2-inch display screen, Bluetooth, one USB port, a six-speaker stereo, and limited smartphone connectivity options. It’s worth upgrading to higher trims, which come with the advanced Sync 3 infotainment system that adds features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, additional USB ports, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio. While the rest of the Taurus is feeling its age, this modern system is quick to respond to inputs and is easy to navigate.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Ford Taurus’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.