2019 Ford Taurus Review: Competent Daily Driver

The 2019 Ford Taurus forms part of the sixth generation introduced to the USA a decade ago for 2010. Since then, however, the Taurus has received minimal attention from Ford, getting a minor facelift in 2013 and, thankfully, having Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment software installed in 2016. But the large sedan has become notably outdated in comparison with class rivals: design, style, and features inside and out are behind the times, with the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala offering better packages overall. Despite its dated curse, the Taurus is still a competent daily commuter; its ride is comfortable, the interior is of a high-quality, and its trunk is massive. Standard models are equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 with outputs of 288 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque directed to either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system, while the performance-based SHO model boasts a twin-turbocharged version of that engine with outputs peaking at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft. Production of the Taurus will officially come to a halt in March 2019 and while some may not fret about the demise of the tenuous Taurus, those loyal to the nameplate will have to go in search of a dealer with available stock.

What's the Price of the 2019 Ford Taurus?

The SE model of the 2019 Ford Taurus is priced at an MSRP of $27,800, the SEL model follows in specification with an MSRP of $30,230. The Limited model transitions the lineup into the luxury side of things and is given an MSRP of $37,310, the SHO model is the performance-focused offering from the lineup and closes the Taurus lineup off with an MSRP of $42,975. That's excluding Ford's $1,095 destination charge as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

Handling and Driving Impressions

All Ford Taurus models deliver a mostly favorable and comfortable ride for the segment. The suspension on standard models is set soft for a smooth and composed ride that's only a tad wafty in non-SHO guise. Most road imperfections and typical undulations are dealt with suitably as the large sedan soaks up anything that isn't too major. Furthermore, road and wind noise are nearly imperceptible. Ride quality isn't compromised at all with the SHO's tauter sport-tuned suspension, and while the suspension setup on base models may offer no opportunity for thrills, the SHO's offers a whole lot more verve. It manages to remain firmly planted and properly composed at most speeds, and can even be somewhat fun to drive on occasion. Unfortunately, the SHO in particular, as the performance-based model, is set back by relatively numb steering: the steering effort is satisfying, but there's no road feel or tire feedback provided to the driver for confident driving and handling. There's plenty of grip from the tires nevertheless, and the brakes provide suitable stopping power and responses for comfortable daily drivability. The brake pedal does feel somewhat spongy, but it's smooth and consistent enough to easily modulate.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Ford Taurus A Good car?

The Ford Taurus, having been around for nearly ten years and having received relatively minimal enhancements and changes during that time, has become significantly outdated. At the Ford Taurus' price, there's simply nothing that it offers at a superior level over its US rivals; there's far more performance appeal offered by the Dodge Charger and a whole lot more luxury to be found in a Chrysler 300. While its powertrain is competent and refreshingly simple, it has become detrimentally outdated and lacks modern refinement. Acceleration and power delivery are suitable, but its fuel-efficiency is notably below average as opposed to newer rivals. Beyond its stagnation, the Taurus is also easily unlikeable because of its perplexing in-cabin ergonomics, with the seating positions being so awkwardly high. If one was to purchase a Taurus, the only real benefits would lie in its array of in-cabin storage solutions and expansive trunk capacity, which make it only a little more practical and convenient than many of its rivals as a daily family commuter.

What 2019 Ford Taurus Model Should I Buy?

If its performance you want, then the decision is easy with the SHO being the only performance-based option - and it wouldn't be a bad choice either. Otherwise, it's the SEL we'd recommend as the model that slots in favorably between the bare-bones SE and relatively expensive Limited. It's decently well outfitted with features and receives availability to those that aren't standard. It's also considerably less pricey than the top-spec models. We suggest including the Equipment Group 201A for the eight-inch touchscreen and SYNC 3 infotainment system upgrade, which brings full smartphone integration into play.

2019 Ford Taurus Comparisons

2019 Ford Taurus vs Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan, slightly smaller than the Taurus; it's around $5,000 cheaper than the Taurus at the base-level, which along with its more efficient engines equates to a lower cost of ownership for the Fusion. There are two engines available for the Fusion but both are far less powerful than the Taurus' though considerably more fuel-efficient. That being said, the Fusion is still a lot more fun to drive by virtue of its sharper handling responses and lighter chassis. Also, while slightly smaller, passengers may find there to be noticeably more room throughout the cabin of the Fusion, the weird seating position in the Taurus impedes on passenger room severely. There's a significant amount more value to be found in the upper-echelons of the Fusion lineup in comparison with the top-spec models of the Taurus lineup. The Fusion has undergone some major enhancements and is the more refined and contemporary vehicle of the two, and the one we would recommend.

2019 Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

One of the Taurus' biggest rivals in the full-size arena is the Chevrolet Impala, but while the Ford offers two big V6 engine choices, the Impala offers much less power from either a four-cylinder engine or a V6, but claims some respite as both are more efficient. The Impala is also packed with more features, with the like of an eight-inch touchscreen, full smartphone integration, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard as of the base model. It's more comfortable inside, and more spacious, too; the Taurus' oddly high set seats and awkward ergonomics holding it back in this regard. There's some reprieve for the Taurus when it comes to trunk volume, however, as it comprehensively outclasses the Impala in this regard. Despite insinuations of sportiness, even the Taurus SHO can't match the Impala for its litheness and agility. Despite lacking the biggest trunk or the most powerful engines, the Impala is better in most other aspects.