There are two different engines offered on the Taurus sedans; for those who only want front-wheel drive, there's a 237-horsepower, 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Then offered with front- or all-wheel drive is a 290-horsepower, 3.5L V6. Both models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as a relatively smooth ride and electric power steering and excellent brakes.
At the base SE level, the 2015 Ford Taurus is a relatively well-equipped comfortable sedan, including a rearview camera system, cruise control, Sync Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio connectivity, air conditioning, rear-seat heater ducts, power front seats, and a 6-speaker audio system with CD player and aux-in port. SEL models add dual-zone climate control, upgraded upholstery, LED supplemental lamps, remote start, reverse sensors, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, satellite radio compatibility, and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
Limited models feel like true luxury cars, as they include features like 10-way power front seats with lumbar, power-adjustable pedals, perforated leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a universal garage-door opener and the full MyFord Touch system which includes an 8-inch touch screen with smaller reconfigurable instrument displays; a media hub with USB in ports, an SD card reader and input jacks, as well as a long list of additional Sync Services.
In addition to a strong, 365-hp, 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6, high-performance Taurus SHO models also add a sport-tuned suspension, steering-wheel paddle-shifters, aluminum pedals, a dual exhaust, HID headlamps, Piano Black (glossy black) mesh grille and lamp bezel details, a rear spoiler, fender vents, special leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and badging throughout. A popular equipment package adds a rear window sunshade, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, second-row heated seats, a heated steering wheel, HD Radio and Sony audio.
An SHO Performance Package adds a stiffer suspension tune, performance brake pads, a sportier steering calibration, a Track Mode (and true off) for the stability control, an Alcantara (suede-like) steering wheel and 20-inch machined-and-painted wheels with summer performance tires.
Other options of interest are the Multicontour Seats, which gently massage the backs of front-seat passengers, helping to prevent fatigue and the available Lane-Keeping System that helps warn the driver when he or she is leaving visible lane markings.
Spacious Back Seat And Trunk
Ride Comfort
Fuel-efficiency
Available All-wheel Drive
High-performance SHO Model
The Ford Taurus gets only a minor set of feature changes for 2015. A rearview camera system and Sync with MyFord are now standard on the base SE model, while a Reverse Sensing System is newly standard on the SEL. Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start is a new option on the SEL, while power-adjustable pedals with memory settings are now standard on the Taurus Limited. A power moonroof is also now more widely available on the Limited.
Separately, 20-inch wheels are newly standard on the performance-oriented Taurus SHO for 2015, with the previous 19-inch wheels discontinued.
Through the entire model line, there are three new exterior colors, with Bronze Fire Metallic, Magnetic Metallic and Caribou Metallic replacing Sunset Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic and Kodiak Brown Metallic.
The Taurus is a very spacious 5-passenger sedan, and on a comfort, feature, and safety level is on par with many luxury brands. With its overall length of about 203 inches, there's plenty of back-seat space, legroom and ease of entry. Trunk space as well is more than 20 cubic feet, which makes it one of the largest in this class.
Within the Taurus lineup, you also get plenty of opportunity for choice. From the 2.0L "EcoBoost" engine, which allows up to 32 mpg highway, to all-wheel-drive versions of the standard models, which might be able to replace utility vehicles for some all-weather concerns, to the high-performance SHO model, the Taurus plays a wide range of roles for those needing a large sedan.
