The Overlooked Ford Taurus: Full-Range 2.0T+8AT, Over 5 Meters Long – Why Isn’t It Popular?

There was a time when the Toyota Crown could compete with luxury sedans priced over 400,000 yuan, sparking interest in so-called B+ class vehicles—including the Ford Taurus we’re examining today. Now in the final phase of its product lifecycle without subsequent updates, the Taurus presents a potential bargain opportunity. But with its attractive pricing comes outdated specifications. Which side would you lean toward?

Design That Stands the Test of Time

The current Taurus model hasn’t been updated in three years, yet maintains a distinctly executive luxury presence. The curved grille features an interlocking triangular mesh pattern, while the headlights—though not revolutionary—offer adaptive high-beam functionality. Supplementary lighting comes from cornering lamps and LED fog lights that complete the sophisticated front fascia.

Measuring 5018/1884/1506mm with a 2949mm wheelbase, the Taurus approaches full-size sedan dimensions, ensuring exceptional interior space. The design incorporates a subtle ducktail spoiler that enhances aerodynamics without compromising its elegant profile.

Interior: Traditional Luxury Meets Modern Tech

Inside, the Taurus makes a strong impression with its vertical touchscreen and upscale materials. The cabin combines soft-touch surfaces with detailed stitching and genuine wood accents—a classic touch that elevates the executive ambiance perfectly suited to this B+ segment vehicle.

The four-spoke steering wheel, 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen, and rotary gear selector incorporate modern technological elements. While not running Ford’s latest infotainment system, the available features include Baidu navigation, intelligent voice control, and 4G-connected applications that maintain functionality and practicality. The split-screen display for the panoramic camera system adds another valuable feature to the package.

Where the Taurus Shows Its Age

The vehicle’s limitations become apparent in its driver assistance systems. Despite offering lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and full-speed adaptive cruise control with automatic parking assistance, it falls short of true Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The analog instrument cluster also feels dated compared to fully digital displays available in newer competitors.

Unmatched Comfort and Refinement

Where the Taurus truly excels is in cabin luxury and comfort features. The interior boasts a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, hands-free trunk opening, quad-zone climate control, and front and rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. A premium B&O audio system, acoustic laminated front windows, and rear privacy glass with manual sunshades create an environment that surpasses mainstream competitors like the Camry, Accord, and even the Passat in terms of refinement and comfort.

Performance Characteristics

Under the hood, all Taurus models feature the EcoBoost 245 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 180kW (245 horsepower) and 390N·m of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination enables 0-100km/h acceleration in approximately 8.5 seconds. The power comes with a trade-off: NEDC fuel consumption ratings of 7.2-7.5L/100km are relatively high for the class. Some drivers may also notice occasional low-speed transmission shuddering, a mechanical imperfection in an otherwise capable powertrain.

Road Manners and Handling

The chassis utilizes a conventional MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension setup rather than more sophisticated hardware sometimes found in premium vehicles. However, the tuning delivers a solid, Germanic feel with composed stability and confident bump absorption. The absence of adaptive dampers means the suspension can’t be adjusted for different conditions, but the overall driving experience maintains a premium character that distinguishes it from standard B-segment rivals.

Final Assessment

The current Ford Taurus represents a sunset product in today’s market, lacking the latest smart technologies that define newer vehicles. Yet the EcoBoost 2.0T engine provides robust performance, while the cabin—though not the most technologically advanced—delivers exceptional comfort and executive-level amenities rarely found in non-luxury sedans. With several thousand dollars in potential savings through dealer incentives, the Taurus remains worthy of consideration for those prioritizing substance over cutting-edge features.