Used 2019 Ford Taurus

It’s common knowledge that the 2019 Ford Taurus will be the last car to carry the name, doomed to extinction by the rapid rise of the crossover SUV. However, if you still feel better about driving a big vehicle with a secure trunk and enclosed passenger compartment, the Ford Taurus is certainly one of the better choices. Big, comfortable and quiet, with more than enough power to get around slow traffic, the Taurus offers room for five, the option of all-wheel drive and a high-performance SHO trim. Although older than and not as spacious as the current Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse and Kia Cadenza, the Taurus nevertheless is up to date on the latest safety and infotainment systems, yet its price starts well under $30,000.

With 288 horses under its hood, the 2019 Ford Taurus has ample power for passing, merging and climbing steep hills. The Taurus is by no means a performance sedan, but in terms of steering precision, cornering ability and stopping power, we think this big family sedan does pretty well. Moving up to the 365-horsepower SHO model brings a sedan more in line with the Nissan Maxima and Dodge Charger. The twin-turbocharged V6 is capable of moving the SHO to 60 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds, and the taut suspension and big 20-inch wheels help it devour curves with ease. However, to get the SHO’s performance means sacrificing the Taurus’ comfortable ride. Regardless of which version you choose, you’ll be getting a car nearly 17-feet long, with noticeably thick pillars that limit visibility. These shortcomings aside, the Taurus remains a formidable family sedan with generous passenger accommodations, a huge trunk and numerous creature comforts.

Although attractive, the interior of the 2019 Ford Taurus sedan feels a bit dated and it isn’t as roomy as you might expect. While legroom and headroom are ample both front and rear, the 5-passenger Taurus is definitely more suitable for four adults over long distances, and the sedan’s thick pillars and high beltline can make the interior feel smaller than it really is. Front-seat comfort is high, however, with optional massage to ease back fatigue on long drives, and those seats can be heated and cooled as well. The multifunction steering wheel and voice-command system control many of the audio and navigation controls.

This is big car. The 2019 Ford Taurus nearly equals some full-size SUVs when it comes to sheer length, but it looks smaller than it is thanks to taut body lines, an athletic short-deck/long-hood profile and a high beltline. It’s a tough-looking 4-door, especially in SHO trim that adds 20-inch wheels and tires, as well as unique exterior trim and a tasteful rear spoiler. The overall height gives drivers a commanding view of the road, but the sedan’s low roof and wide stance combine with the steeply sloping windshield and rear window to give the Taurus a sleek look.

SYNC 3 INFOTAINMENT
Standard on the 2019 Taurus SHO and Limited trims, the Sync 3 infotainment system features a large 8-inch touch screen capable of accommodating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mirroring most smartphones, the Sync 3 navigation system can be controlled via pinch-to-zoom and swipe gesture or voice activation.

ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
Those accustomed to the power of a V8 might be pleasantly surprised by the robust output of the Taurus’ available twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. Standard on the SHO trim, this engine makes the Taurus faster to 60 mph than a BMW 530i, Nissan Maxima or Lexus ES 350.

Even the base Ford Taurus SE sedan for 2019 comes well equipped, including a rearview camera and Ford’s Sync integrated music and telephone system. Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, 60/40-split folding rear seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power driver’s seat, steering-wheel controls for audio and cruise control, power windows with one-touch up/down functions for the driver, and Ford’s programmable MyKey system. The standard 6-speaker audio system has a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include electronic traction and stability control, dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags protecting the front and rear passengers.

The Taurus offers a number of packages and stand-alone features. For example, Limited sedan models can get a power moonroof. You can get Ford’s keyless-entry and push-button ignition systems on mid-level SEL sedans, as well as the Sync 3 infotainment system with its large 8-inch touch screen. Other packages include luxuries like massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. There’s also a 12-speaker premium Sony audio system. An available Blind Spot Information System and Cross-Traffic Alert warn of traffic you may not notice without the extra help.

The standard engine on all 2019 Ford Taurus sedans is a 288-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The top-line Taurus SHO performance model offers 77 more horsepower and 96 additional lb-ft of torque than the standard Taurus V6, thanks to direct-fuel-injection technology and twin turbochargers. With the exception of the SE trim, all Taurus models also feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, providing manual control of the automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on both SEL and Limited trims and standard on the Taurus SHO.

3.5-liter V6
288 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
254 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (FWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (SHO)
365 horsepower @ 5,550 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,250 rpm
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg