Standard features on the SE include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, integrated blind-spot mirrors, LED taillights, an exterior keyless-access keypad, air-conditioning, six-way power-adjustable front seats with manual recline and lumbar adjustment, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 4.2-inch display, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack and two USB ports.

Stepping up to the SEL trim adds LED accent lights in the front lower fascia, body-color heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery and interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and satellite radio (the latter is optional on the SE).

The SEL can also be had with the Equipment Group 201A option package, which adds keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, an additional center speaker for the audio system and the Sync 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen.

The more luxurious Taurus Limited gets you all the Equipment Group 201A items, plus 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated second-row seats, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a premium Sony audio system.

Limited models can also be had with the Driver Assist option package, which includes adaptive cruise control, an automated parallel parking system, a forward collision warning system, and lane departure warning and intervention. Stand-alone options for both SEL and Limited include 20-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a navigation system.

The sporty SHO starts with most of the Limited's standard equipment and adds all-wheel drive, a more powerful turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension, plus exclusive 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, unique leather upholstery and interior trim, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Most Limited options are also available for the SHO, along with a SHO Performance package that adds summer tires, a stiffer suspension, upgraded brake pads, unique steering tuning, an enhanced stability control system with a Track mode and a fully disabled setting, a revised final-drive ratio for quicker acceleration and simulated-suede trim on the steering wheel.

The 2017 Ford Taurus comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. EPA fuel economy estimates for 2017 weren't available at publishing time, but last year's Taurus V6 posted 21 mpg combined (18 city/27 highway). All-wheel drive is available on the SEL and Limited models and drops fuel economy numbers to 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway).

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque is offered as an option on front-wheel-drive models only. This powertrain earns an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway).

The high-performance SHO is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. In Edmunds testing, a Taurus SHO accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is competitive with the Dodge Charger R/T but about a full second slower than the Chevrolet SS and Charger R/T Scat Pack. EPA fuel economy numbers are 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway).