more about this model "They don't make 'em like they used to." For those who think this saying applies to cars, we present the 2018 Ford Taurus, a car that delivers the values of a traditional large American sedan: comfortable ride, roomy interior and a trunk large enough to qualify for its own ZIP code. In a market flooded with small, high-tech, fuel-efficient cars, the Taurus has an old-school vibe that we're sure will resonate with some buyers.
Unfortunately, the Taurus is beginning to show its age in ways that aren't so commendable. This marks the ninth year of production for the current-generation Taurus, and there are other large sedans that do a better job with more fuel-efficient powertrains, better driving dynamics, newer technology and better cabin trim.
The Taurus offers two engine choices. Most trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard with this engine; all-wheel drive is optional on all but the base model. If you want a bit more pep in your step, the Taurus SHO abides. As its Super High Output designation suggests, the Taurus SHO is the performance-centric model in the lineup, boasting a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing a rousing 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on this beast.
The more sedate Taurus variants start with the SE model. Standard features include automatic headlights, power front seats and a pair of USB ports. As you might have gathered, the SE is fairly basic, and shoppers looking for a large sedan with a dash of luxury should step up to the next level SEL. It doesn't cost much to upgrade to the SEL, but a considerable number of features are added, including dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and satellite radio. SEL models can be ordered with the Equipment Group 201A package, which counts the Sync 3 infotainment system among its perks.
For the ultimate in passenger comfort, consider the high-end Limited model. Perforated leather upholstery, a blind-spot monitor and heated and ventilated front seats are all on the table here. Although the Taurus SHO is pricier, its sporty additions transform the character of this car from highway cruiser to bruiser. In addition to the previously mentioned performance motor, the SHO adds larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.
The Taurus SHO is certainly more fun to drive than its rest of the lineup, but it isn't quite as thrilling as high-performance versions of some of its competitors. Standard models fit the Taurus' stately character a little better, with a comfortable ride, roomy cabin and low noise levels. Overall, it's not quite as high-tech and splashy as newer rivals, but that might be a benefit for its customer base. If you decide the 2018 Ford Taurus is the large sedan for you, make sure to use Edmunds' unequaled pricing and inventory tools to find a perfect match.
2018 Ford Taurus Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford Taurus and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Taurus featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2018 Ford Taurus earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.5 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Ford Taurus 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, SHO, Wagon
Available Trims: SEL, Limited, SE, SHO, SES, SE Fleet, SES Deluxe, LX, GL, SEL Fleet
Exterior Colors: Ingot Silver Metallic, Magnetic Metallic, Shadow Black, Tuxedo Black Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Oxford White, Sterling Gray Metallic, Blue Jeans Metallic, Ebony Black, Smoked Quartz Tinted Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Merlot Clearcoat Metallic, White Gold Metallic, Tuxedo Black Clearcoat Metallic, Bordeaux Reserve Red Metallic, Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Candy Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Gold Ash Clearcoat Metallic, Medium Royal Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Vibrant White Clearcoat, Windveil Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic, Dark Side Metallic, Deep Impact Blue, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Oxford White Clearcoat, Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, White Suede, Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Kodiak Brown Metallic, White Suede Clearcoat, Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Deep Impact Blue Metallic, Graphite Blue Metallic, Kona Blue Metallic, Matador Red Clearcoat Metallic, Spruce Green Clearcoat Metallic, Alloy Clearcoat Metallic, Atlantis Green Metallic, Bright Calypso Green Metallic, Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Chestnut Clearcoat Metallic, Cinnamon Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic, Green Gem Metallic, Guard Metallic, Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Smokestone Clearcoat Metallic, Sunset Metallic, Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic, True Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal Black premium leather, Charcoal Black leather, Dune cloth, Charcoal Black cloth, Charcoal Black leather/sueded microfiber, Dune premium leather, Charcoal Black/Mayan Gray leather/sueded microfiber, Dune leather, Light Stone leather, Charcoal Black premium cloth, Light Stone premium cloth, Medium Parchment, Medium Graphite, Light Stone premium leather, Light Stone cloth, Black leather, Camel leather, Medium/Dark Pebble leather, Charcoal Black/Mayan Gray premium leather, Ebony Black leather, Medium Light Stone cloth, Medium/Dark Flint leather
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Trip Computer, Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, Stability Control, Auto Climate Control, Alarm, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Aux Audio Inputs, Remote Start, Parking sensors, Leather Seats, Heated seats, Mobile Internet, Cooled Seats, AWD/4WD, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Sunroof/Moonroof, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Upgraded Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Stereo, Upgraded Engine, Third-row seating
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive, all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
