How does the 2010 Ford Taurus compare with its predecessor?

With a quick glance, it’s easy to see that the Taurus’s styling has changed dramatically for 2010. As a result, many important dimensions have been altered. The new Taurus is longer and wider than the 2009 version, offers a wider track for improved handling, and delivers an extra half inch of front leg room; rear hip room has been extended by two inches, as well. Those are the positives. Categorized under the “cons” heading for 2010 are losses in front and rear head room, three fewer inches of rear leg room, a slightly smaller trunk, and a curb weight that has ballooned by roughly 300 pounds.

Have the Taurus trims changed for 2010?

The short answer to that question is “yes.” Built for the entry-level Taurus buyer is the SE, equipped with niceties such as keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, an input jack for your MP3 player, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and more. The mid-level SEL adds satellite radio, larger wheels, a dual-zone climate control system, and leather accent trim, while the Taurus Limited rolls on 19-inch chrome wheels and treats passengers to leather upholstery, a reverse sensing system, premium audio with SYNC hands-free connectivity, and woodgrain trim. Building on the Limited’s platform is the reintroduced-for-2010 Ford Taurus SHO. Among this all-wheel-drive sport sedan’s unique features are high-intensity discharge headlights, Luster Nickel alloys, and a rear spoiler.

Does the 2010 Taurus come with any special safety features?

Every 2010 Taurus features a stability and traction control system, front-side and side-curtain airbags, and four-wheel antilock brakes, but the truly cool stuff is reserved for the options. That’s where you’ll find a driver-programmable adaptive cruise control system that automatically increases or decreases the Taurus’s speed to maintain a safe distance from cars traveling ahead of you. Adaptive cruise is bundled with a radar-based collision warning and brake support system, technology designed to warn the driver of an imminent accident with a series of audible beeps and a heads-up type display of flashing red LED lights. Brake support follows up by placing the brake pads close to the rotors, readying for maximum stopping power as soon as the driver applies pressure to the pedal.

What other options are available with the 2010 Ford Taurus?

Buyers of the Taurus SE have little to choose from other than a remote start system and all-weather floor mats, but move up to the Taurus SEL or Taurus Limited and you gain access to optional all-wheel drive, a power moonroof, multi-contour (Ford lingo for massaging) front seats designed to keep you comfy on long drives, and a navigation system paired with Sirius Travel Link and 10 gigabytes of music storage. Unique to the Taurus SHO is a performance package complete with upgraded brakes and steering, 20-inch alloy wheels rolling on aggressive summer treads, a more sporting final drive ratio, and the ability to turn traction and stability control systems completely off.

What engine powers the 2010 Ford Taurus?

Despite carrying added weight for 2010, power continues to come from the same 3.5-liter V-6 that was used for 2009. That engine delivers 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 249 lb.-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm while returning fuel economy estimates of up to 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway (our lead-footed editor averaged 19.2 mpg). Those figures are for the front-wheel-drive variants mated to the Taurus’s one and only transmission, a six-speed automatic; select the optional all-wheel-drive system and ratings will likely mimic 2009’s 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

Is the Taurus SHO available with a more powerful engine?

Indeed it is. After a long hiatus, the Ford Taurus SHO returns to the Blue Oval’s lineup, and with it arrives a name destined to become synonymous with Ford. We’re talking about EcoBoost, which describes Ford’s approach of using turbochargers to improve efficiency by extracting greater power from smaller engines. Case in point: thanks to twin turbos, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 in the 2010 Taurus SHO cranks out 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500, stats that are on par with many of today’s V-8s.

Does the Taurus SHO’s EcoBoost technology work?

Ford suggests that the 2010 Taurus SHO’s EcoBoost technology will help that car achieve about 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway, or the same fuel economy as a regular all-wheel-drive Taurus with the base V-6. Company engineers explained to us how the SHO’s turbocharged engine was able to deliver power more efficiently than its competitors’ V-8s, and a quick check of EPA figures backs up that argument. Consider that the SHO packs more gusto under its hood than the Hyundai Genesis 4.6 and Pontiac G8 GT – V-8 powered sedans lacking all-wheel-drive – while burning less refined crude in the process.

How’s the engine performance from the 2010 Taurus?

In a word: pleasant. Though charged with moving more mass using the same number of ponies as 2009, the 2010 Taurus delivers sufficient grunt for the daily commute. Power delivery is smooth and all 263 horses make for stress-free merging and highway passing. Engineers have relocated the air intake to make the engine quieter under heavy throttle, and while the Taurus is commendably quiet, the thrashiness of Ford’s V-6 remains at high revs.

And the SHO – how responsive is the EcoBoost engine?

There’s no denying that the reincarnated Taurus SHO is quick, and with a quick stab of the throttle you’d be hard pressed to notice anything resembling lag from the twin turbos. Power rolls on with ease and abundance. However, readily available oomph doesn’t always translate to a fun driving experience, a point proven by Ford’s newest four-door performance car. Where you might crave an aggressive engine rumble, you hear that coarse V-6, and while horsepower and torque ratings are impressive, the somewhat casual delivery makes the Taurus SHO more powerful cruiser than genuine sport sedan.

What did you think of the six-speed automatic transmission?

Every 2010 Ford Taurus utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission, with all except the SE getting a SelectShift manual function. By dropping the console-mounted shifter into M (for manual mode), the driver can use steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to change gears. Points go to Ford for the idea, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. Specifically, the plastic paddles feel cheap, a rev-matching feature is absent upon downshifts, and the manual shifting can only be initiated when in M mode (other transmissions of this type can be manually shifted in drive or manual mode). The inclusion of an additional sport mode would be a welcome addition (especially on the SHO) for drivers who want to dial things up without having to paddle.

What do you think of the ride and handling?

There are two schools of thought here: a) this is a mainstream Taurus, which means the ride is soft and floaty, or b) what looks a bit like a sporty sedan must come equipped with a stiff, jarring suspension. In truth, the 2010 Taurus offers a suitable compromise between sure-footed four-door and compliant family hauler. Body roll has been kept to a minimum, and though we found fault with the rather vague steering feel in our Taurus SEL tester, the SHO’s electric power assist unit served to add a measure of responsiveness. Yet despite decent steering and insignificant body motion, the large and heavy SHO seemed suited for a day of carving gradual corners rather than attacking decreasing-radius twisties.

Is the redesigned Ford Taurus comfortable?

As is the case with many aspects related to the new Taurus, interior comfort is marked by a number of pros and cons. To its credit, Ford’s sedan boasts soft front buckets, a power driver’s seat even on SE versions, and appreciated touches like a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as a plethora of padded surfaces. Head, leg and foot room come in abundance, even for passengers seated on the spacious rear bench. On the flip side, we feel the need to suggest swapping in longer front lower seat cushions for added thigh support, smaller front head restraints that don’t press against occupants’ craniums, and a manual lumbar dial that could be turned by someone other than Johnny Vicegrip.

What could be considered the Taurus’s strengths?

To a large degree this is subjective, but from our perspective the Taurus deserves kudos for attractive styling, an interior that is spacious and quiet, one of the largest trunks in its class, pricing that puts Ford’s sedan right in the meat of the large family sedan market, upscale features including a push-button ignition and leather trim, and available safety technology including adaptive cruise control and the collision warning system. Of course, available all-wheel-drive and a 365-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 add a little color to the picture, as well.

What could be considered the Taurus’s weaknesses?

There’s not a lot to complain about, though not wanting to disappoint, we came up with a few points worthy of mention. That sleek styling, while attractive, has cut down on interior room and takes a big bite out of outward visibility, two areas we’re fairly certain traditional sedan shoppers will focus on. Front passengers, particularly those with long legs, may share our dislike for the short lower seat cushions.

Finally, how much does the 2010 Ford Taurus cost?

Ford has priced the 2010 Taurus to compete directly with cars including the Toyota Avalon, the Chrysler 300, and the Chevrolet Impala, all of which start between roughly $25,000 and $28,000. The new Taurus SE starts the bidding at $25,995; move up to the Taurus SEL and you’re looking at $27,995, while the Taurus Limited will set you back at least $31,995. Those with a hankering for the SHO treatment will be required to shell out at least $37,995, though our well-equipped SHO tester registered a cool $45,175. The navigation system goes for $1,695-$1,995, and the SHO’s performance package is priced at $995.