There are two different engines offered on the Taurus sedans. The standard engine on all but the SHO is a 288-hp 3.5L V6. A 237-horsepower, 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is optional. While the output is rated somewhat less than the V6, the fuel economy improvements are significant. The V6 is estimated at a combined 21 mpg, while the Ecoboost 4-cylinder manages 23 combined mpg and an impressive 29 mpg highway.

At the base SE level, the 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 parking 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.

The Taurus SHO includes a strong, 365-hp, 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6, as well as 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 and a Sony stereo that includes HD Radio.

An SHO Performance Package adds a stiffer suspension tune, performance brake pads, a sportier steering calibration, a Track Mode (fully disabled) stability control, an Alcantara steering wheel and 20-inch machined-and-painted wheels with summer performance tires.

Other options include 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 should the vehicle veer from visible lane markings.