Used 2018 Ford Taurus SHO for sale 

It is a four-pronged effort from Ford to have a say in the sedan arena. And that is why we see four different variants of Taurus 2018 namely SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO in ascending order. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on the SE, SEL, and Limited trim and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on SEL and Limited. The top trim SHO is an entirely different beast as it gets a zesty turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends power to all-wheel drive.

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Go with the SEL trim as it comes at a modest price of about $30,120 and ticks all the boxes when one goes looking for a sedan. It adds features such as dual-zone climate, rear parking sensor, and satellite radio. Another reason is that at the price of the Limited and the SHO variants, there are better options available in the market, such as the Toyota Avalon sedan, Chrysler 300 sedan, and the perpetual Chevrolet Impala.

The 2018 Ford Taurus comes mated to a duo of V6 engines. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It has plenty of power for the most driving situation but fails to impress. But then there is a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is standard on the top trim.

It has enough oomph to move this 4,000-pound sedan with authority but some performance-oriented rivals impress more than the Taurus. A six-speed automatic transmission is a standard across all trims that feel antiquated when compared to rivals like the Dodge Charger that offers 8-speed shifting.

The Chevrolet Impala has the most powerful engine in the comparison that produces 305-hp. That is followed by the Dodge Charger at 292-hp. All the vehicles have a similar engine configuration. The Charger has an 8-speed automatic transmission while all the others have a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

How quick is the 2018 Ford Taurus on 0-60 mph Acceleration?

One of the most important features we look at while buying a power sedan is its acceleration. And an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds by a 288 bhp engine is commendable.

The saloon is good enough for your usual driving, but the moment you rev up the throttle, you could feel a tinge of hesitation. Though, the Taurus SHO tells an entirely different story. Riding on its 365 horsepower, 3.5L EcoBoost engine, the SHO clocks 0-60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.

Taurus might have some muscle in its engine, but that does not really seem to trouble it's more performance-oriented competitors. As Toyota Avalon recorded 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds, whereas the Chevrolet Impala and Dodge Charger too managed it below 6.5 seconds. Even in the quarter-mile race, Ford Taurus stands last with a timing of 15.4 seconds.

How is the Ride and Handling performance of the 2018 Ford Taurus?

The 2018 Ford Taurus, being a full-size sedan is an apt saloon to drive on the highways and open roads. And in a way, it feels smooth while cruising. But, in the city, the bulky size of the sedan makes it difficult at navigating turns. The "Drive" mode will make it easier for you to drive in the city, but the transmission response is not great and you might feel the need to change gears frequently too. Out on the highways, the "Sport" mode seems like a blessing. You get greater thrust and more authority. And though the engine churns out considerable power, we again have to say that its price peers still offer better athleticism.

How is the braking performance of the 2018 Ford Taurus?

With a stopping power of 125 feet, the 2018 Ford Taurus has the longest stopping distance as compared to most of the rivals. There is a tinge of unwieldiness and stiffness while applying the brakes. The response is quick, but you are always left with a sense of apprehension when navigating some tight turns. 

The Dodge Charger leads the way in the 60-0 mph test by halting at just 110 ft. Even though the Taurus has the largest brakes in the competition, it lacks the braking force, which puts it at the bottom of the sheet in this segment. Seconds and third in the department are Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala with 120ft and 122ft, respectively.

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a fuel guzzler as compared to others in the competition. It checks in at 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Meanwhile the all-wheel-drive brings those figures down to an SUV like with 17/24/19 mpg. The Taurus SHO bigger engine takes a toll on its fuel economy as it offers 16/24/19 mpg. 

By comparison, the Toyota Avalon leads the charge with an EPA of 21/27/24 mpg. It is followed by the Dodge Charger and Chevy Impala with a combined mileage of 23mpg and 22mpg, respectively. The gas mileage of Taurus feels inadequate in all the terrains in comparison to its rivals in the segment. 

The interiors of Taurus 2018 have undergone a tremendous transformation over its predecessors. There is a definite improvement in the cloth upholstery, and the higher-end variants even get the leather seats. Moreover, the power heated and cooled seats act as a panacea during long drives.

Taurus can accommodate five persons and has been equipped with 6-way power-adjustable front seats. There is an apparent lack of legroom, and the passengers at the back may feel a lack of space as it is tighter than one would expect. All in all, if you prefer Taurus on a long ride, it is better suited for two passengers at the back than three.

How intuitive is the Infotainment System of the 2018 Ford Taurus?

The SYNC infotainment system looks low grade and is not easy to use. The optional SYNC 3 infotainment improves things as it has a nicer feel and responds quickly to touch.

It is easily navigable with an intuitive interface. It has smartphone integration software like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which improve the streaming experience. Standard infotainment feature includes:

• Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Two USB ports
• Ford's MyKey
• SYN infotainment system with a 2-inch touchscreen
• Voice Control

How much Cargo Capacity is available in the 2018 Ford Taurus?

The saying "the bigger, the better" is completely apt here. With a 20.1 cubic feet cargo volume, the 2018 Ford Taurus leads the race in providing greater space for cargo. Moreover, the 60/40 split-folding seats at the back offer you a greater space if such a need arises.

And its nearest competitor, in this case, happens to be the Chevrolet Impala, which provides about 18.8 cu-feet of space. Both the Toyota Avalon and the Dodge Charger have less than average cargo volume of 16 cu.ft and 16.1 cu.ft, respectively. 

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a ginormous sedan, and it equals some of the large SUVs in length. It is the largest of all the sedans in the race with a length of 202.9 inches.

Because of its 60.7 inches height, drivers get a commanding view of the road. Its low roof and sloping windshield meanwhile, give the Taurus a sleek look.

The Taurus is the longest in competition with a length of 202.9-inch and a wheelbase of 112.9-inch. It has a bigger footprint on the road, which also helps it provide better cargo and cabin space for the passengers. It does lack ground clearance and thus limits the use of this vehicle on off roads. Here is the list of all the key exterior features available with the 2018 Ford Taurus.

• LED Taillamps
• Power folding side-view mirrors in black accents
• Delayed Accessory Lighting
• Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips

Taurus has scored 5 stars in 10 out of 11 crash tests conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 4 star in the rollover test. The IIHS meanwhile rated the 2018 Ford Taurus as "Good" in crashworthiness.The one thing Ford cars have been renowned for is for their safety. The 2018 Ford Taurus comes with a host of safety features, which include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-Lock Braking System. 

All these features help in better stability while driving in skid-prone areas, especially snow. One of the highlights of Taurus' safety feature is Smart Stop technology. It helps to shut off the engine when the driver accelerates unintentionally, such as during emergency braking. Key safety features include-

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST)
• Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• Side-impact door beams
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Ford Taurus vs. Toyota Avalon

Taurus, without a shadow of a doubt, has greater power output and larger cargo space than Avalon. But that is all, where Taurus leads.

For, Avalon is capable of providing better comfort while riding and better fuel economy as well, which takes care of the difference between their price difference. Moreover, both the cars provide almost equal safety, though, Taurus may win that race by a whisker.

Ford Taurus vs. Chevrolet Impala

Impala provides better comfort and fuel efficiency, and the riding in Impala is a lot smoother than riding in Taurus.

Impala also manages to offer the customers some other better aspects, but if you are looking for a sedan with more muscle, more space, and more brawn, you might feel inclined towards Taurus.

Ford Taurus vs. Dodge Charger

With better engine dynamics, Dodge Charger is a clear winner when it comes down to performance and that includes braking and handling too. It is more athletic and sleeker than Taurus.

Moreover, both the cars have been awarded similar ratings in the safety tests as well. Therefore, if you are not looking for a gigantic size or larger cargo space, then, Dodge Charger might be the answer to your questions.

Ford has really turned up with Taurus 2018, and with the standard model SE coming at a modest price of about $27,000, Ford fanatics may have their hands rubbing. Taurus is a capable competitor but, with its dated interiors and better availability of the same in other sedans such as the Impala and the Dodge Charger, Taurus seems to have left us asking for more. It is not to say that Taurus comes short by any means, but, if you browse around, you may find sedans that can force you to consider them or even buy them at the behest of the 2018 Taurus.