2019 Ford Taurus Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Rides comfortably and quietly on the highway
- The giant trunk is one of the roomiest in the large sedan class
- Available all-wheel drive for enhanced wet-weather traction
- Performance SHO model handles reasonably well
Cons
- The interior doesn't seem as airy or spacious as it should
- Most models feel slow and ponderous when driving around turns
- SHO is not as quick as big-engine rivals
- Seats sit unusually high and offer a poor view out front
What's new
- A power-adjustable steering wheel and power rear sunshade are no longer available
- Part of the sixth Taurus generation introduced for 2010
The Taurus is one of the better-known nameplates in the car business. Alas, much of that renown comes from past deeds instead of present success. This generation Ford Taurus, which the 2019 model represents, dates back a decade. It hasn't received many updates either, other than a face-lift in 2013 and the adoption of the Sync 3 infotainment interface in 2016.
To its credit, the Taurus remains compelling for a few reasons. The ride is very comfortable, even in the high-octane SHO version, which features larger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. We also like certain aspects of the interior, with high-quality materials, a quiet ride, and easy entry and exit. The Sync 3 system is another highlight. We think it's one of the most intuitive user interfaces on the market.
However, the Taurus has numerous drawbacks, adding up to a car that is not suited for everyone. The cabin feels unusually tight for such a large vehicle, especially in the back seat. The tall rear bench and short roof reduce headroom, and there's not much legroom either. Even in its lowest position, the driver sits unusually high and looks down at the dashboard or out the window. Ford's decision to remove features — the power-adjustable steering wheel and power rear sunshade have been nixed for 2019 — is perplexing as the car ages and naturally loses ground to newer large sedan competitors.
The 2019 Ford Taurus isn't a bad car, but nearly every one of its rivals is newer and more competent. The redesigned Toyota Avalon and recently refreshed Kia Cadenza are comfortable cruisers that offer more room, while the Dodge Charger remains a good choice if you want some muscle-car flair.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Ford Taurus SHO (turbo 3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 6.8 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.0 |
| Comfort | 6.5 |
| Interior | 6.0 |
| Utility | 7.5 |
| Technology | 7.5 |
Driving
7.0If Ford hadn't called it the SHO, this Taurus would have acquitted itself nicely with a good balance of power, braking and solid drivability. But as a SHO, and a sport sedan, it comes up a bit flat with uninvolved steering and handling and much too tall gearing.
Comfort
6.5If you happen to be the right height, the Taurus will impress you with a well-controlled ride and almost zero wind and road noise. But should you be above-average height, the wacky seating position will override most of its strengths.
Interior
6.0It's difficult to put our fingers on what makes this interior so unsatisfying, but it might be because we don't have enough fingers. The inside of the Taurus is an automotive anomaly, from the downright weird front seats to the inexplicably high rear seats and the time warp control interfaces.
Utility
7.5The Taurus SHO makes good use of its size, for the most part. There's certainly a big enough trunk for four golf bags, but the cabin is a mish-mash of oddly shaped bins and wasted space.
Technology
7.5Ford's Sync 3 might well be the saving grace of a dated interior. Impressive connectivity and usability make it flexible enough for most any buyer. Be careful with option packages, as the Driver Assistance package cannot be ordered in conjunction with the Performance package.
Which Taurus does Edmunds recommend?
The Taurus is reasonably priced, with trim levels and features more or less matching up with the Chevrolet Impala, and it costs thousands less than a Toyota Avalon or Kia Cadenza. However, the Taurus' full-size competitors generally have nicer interiors, don't feel as heavy and are roomier. The range-topping Taurus SHO is the only standout in the lineup, with a sport-tuned suspension and powerful engine that overcomes the Taurus' otherwise wallowy, sluggish driving experience. For the same money, however, enthusiasts can choose between two V8s in the Dodge Charger.
2019 Ford Taurus models
The 2019 Ford Taurus is a five-passenger large sedan sold in four trim levels. The base SE is modestly equipped, which is why buyers looking for 21st-century tech should strongly consider the next-level SEL. It counts rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and puddle lamps among its upgrades. The Limited is significantly more expensive since it comes with items that are optional for the SEL, plus additional luxury features. The SHO is a different beast entirely, marrying most of the Limited's features with a high-performance V6 and a sport suspension.
