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2018 Ford Taurus

Ford Taurus OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $27,690
2018 SEL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $30,120
2018 SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $31,970
2018 Limited 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $37,200
2018 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $39,050
2018 SHO 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $42,865

Overview

The Ford Taurus was once the automaker's flagship model, but as times have changed, the full-size sedan has struggled to fit into a segment that's shifted toward luxury and technology. The 2018 Ford Taurus offers a good amount of room for five, an enormous trunk, and two engine choices.

What's New for 2018

The 2018 Taurus carries over mostly unchanged from last year’s model.

Ford Taurus

Choosing Your Ford Taurus

There are two engines to choose from with the Taurus. The base motor is a 3.5-liter V6 that's good for 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and sends the power down to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available for models with the base 3.5-liter V6. Then there's a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that pumps out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard with that engine option, as is a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Fuel economy isn't great for the Taurus, which is to be expected with a full-size sedan. The base 3.5-liter V6 is capable of getting 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. On the flip side, the least efficient powertrain is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive, which is only capable of getting 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior space is one of the Taurus' more notable features, as the full-size sedan features 102.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and a spacious cargo capacity of 20.1 cubic feet. The Taurus also has a good mix of available safety features, including: adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and a reverse sensing system.

The 2018 Taurus is available in four trims:

SE

The base SE trim starts at $28,470 (prices include the $875 destination fee). The model comes with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and front-wheel drive as standard. The Tauros SE features 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, body-color door handles, dual chrome exhaust tips, and power-folding exterior mirrors. On the inside, the sedan features single zone climate control, power windows, a rearview camera, a remote keyless entry system, Ford's Sync infotainment system, and cloth seats. There are no available packages for the SE trim.

SEL

The SEL trim starts at $30,900 and adds a few convenience features over the base SE trim. The SEL trim is powered by the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, but can be fitted with all-wheel drive as a $1,850 option. On the outside, the SEL adds LED supplemental park lamps, heated exterior mirrors, and a perimeter alarm. The interior gets a few more touches, including: SiriusXM Radio, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a compass, an outside temperature readout, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available packages for the SEL trim include the 201A ($1,050) that adds Sync 3, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two smart-charging USB ports, enhanced voice recognition communications, and intelligent access with push-button start. Other noteworthy standalone options for the trim include a power moonroof ($995) and a rear spoiler ($275).

Limited

Moving up to the Limited trim raises the Taurus’ price to $37,980. The trim features the base 3.5-liter V6 and adds a grille with body-color bars and chrome inserts, automatic high beams, and an auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror as standard. The interior features 10-way power front seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, door-sill scuff plates, intelligent access with push-button start, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a power-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, and Sync 3. The Driver Assist package ($1,995) adds adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and active park assist.

SHO

The SHO is the range-topping Taurus trim and is priced at $43,645. The 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive are standard on this trim, as is a sport-tuned suspension. The exterior of the sedan adds a dual exhaust system with chrome tips, a piano black mesh grille, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, piano black exterior mirrors, and a rear decklid spoiler as standard. The interior of the sedan features “SHO” graphics on the front seats, aluminum pedal covers, “SHO” branded floor mats, and a top-grain leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available packages for the trim include the Driver Assist Package ($1,995) and the SHO Performance Package ($1,300). The latter brings a plethora of performance-oriented parts to the sedan, including: performance brake pads, a recalibrated electric power steering system, sportier suspension components, a 3.16 final drive ratio, performance summer tires, larger rotors, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a tire inflator and sealant kit, and a convenient cooling pack.

CarsDirect Tip

With the majority of the Taurus’ competition focusing on luxury and tech, the full-size sedan’s remedying quality is its sportiness. The SHO is the one we’d go with, and the SHO Performance Package is worth springing for. Unfortunately, going with the SHO Performance Package locks you out of choosing the Driver Assist Package, which brings some much-needed tech to the sedan. At roughly $45,000, our Taurus isn’t exactly cheap, but the result is a well-equipped sedan that delivers a decent amount of performance.

Get your price on a Ford Taurus »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

The 2018 Ford Taurus has changed little since it first hit dealer showrooms nine years ago. It still has a smooth ride, comfortable front seats, and a long list of standard features. But those good points are outweighed by a dated big-on-the-outside, small-on-the-inside design, mediocre fuel economy, and poor visibility.

Best Value

Pricing for the 2018 Taurus starts at $28,470 for a base SE and rises to $48,025 for an SHO finished in optional White Platinum and equipped with a moonroof, navigation, and the Driver Assist Package. All models are equipped with a six-speed automatic mated to a 3.5-liter V6, although twin turbos are bolted to the one under the SHO's hood. The SE is front-wheel drive only, SEL and Limited trims are offered in either front- or all-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is standard on the SHO.

The Taurus SE comes equipped with the usual power features plus a pair of power front seats, a 4.2-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. We'd skip both it and the SEL and head for the Limited and its standard dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, park assist, the option of all-wheel drive, keyless push-button start, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather seats (cooled up front, heated all around), 20-inch alloy wheels, Sony speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and access to a number of advanced safety features.

Here's how we'd build it:

  • Model: 2018 Ford Taurus Limited
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Output: 288 hp / 254 lb-ft
  • Transmission:Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
  • Options: Ruby Red Metallic ($395), Driver Assist Package ($1,995, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, active park assist), Power moonroof ($995).
  • Base Price:$37,980 (including the $875 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$41,365

Performance

Ford Taurus

The Taurus delivers a soft, plush ride that handles large bumps and road irregularities well, with nicely-weighted steering that offers acceptable feedback. In addition, the V6 works well with the six-speed automatic and offers good off-the-line performance.

However, body lean in corners is noticeable; its body structure – once shared with Volvo – is over two decades old. Already below average for a big sedan, fuel economy is hampered even further by all-wheel drive. In addition, while the Taurus bests the Charger in initial acceleration, it runs out of steam more quickly.

Style

The Taurus' interior is nicely put together with wide, supportive front seats and a roomy 20.1 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk.

But the goodness stops there as, aside from its bulbous, outdated design, the Taurus manages to be big on the outside and small on the inside. Ford accomplishes this feat with a wide center console, deep dashboard, and low, restrictive roofline that offers scant headroom and poor visibility for front seat occupants, as well as a confining space for rear seat passengers.

The Best and Worst Things

The Taurus stands out for its comfortable front seats and soft ride, but we can't get over its small interior, dated looks, and mediocre fuel economy.

Right For? Wrong For?

Ford Taurus

Empty nesters uncomfortable with stylish, taught-handling sedans might want to add the Taurus to their consideration list.

Families in the market for a Ford sedan would be better off considering the more affordable, smaller-on-the-outside, bigger-on-the-inside Fusion.

The Bottom Line

Despite a smooth ride and comfy front seats, the Taurus' pedestrian styling, mediocre fuel economy, and tight interior place it near the bottom of its class.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 288 HP / 254 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd SelectShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
18 / 27 / 22 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 288 HP / 254 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
18 / 27 / 22 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank
19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$73
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
20.1 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
102 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
202.9 "
Exterior Width
76.2 "
Exterior Height
60.7 "
Front Headroom
39.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.8 "
Front Legroom
41.9 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,917 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.8 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
8-way (6-way Power)
Front Armrests
8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Securilock
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Ford Taurus for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Ford
SE
Color: Gray
Price

$11,699

Mileage

84,964 mi

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California Motors Direct Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 200-2277
Ford
SEL
Color: Magnetic Metallic
Price

$13,500

Mileage

99,485 mi

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KarGenie (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 445-0960
Ford
SEL
Color: Red
Price

$19,795

Mileage

50,143 mi

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DriveTime Downey (16 mi)

Phone: (562) 940-9360
Ford
SHO
Price

$29,451

Mileage

43,908 mi

Map location icon

Villa Ford of Orange (33 mi)

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