The Overlooked Gem: Ford Taurus with Near-3m Wheelbase, Standard 245HP + 8AT

In today’s fiercely competitive mid-size sedan market, many automakers strive to stand out by launching robust models and offering significant discounts to win consumer approval—yet success remains elusive. The Ford Taurus, however, stands as an underrated, value-packed contender. But what makes it truly special? Let’s dive in.

A Flagship with Unmatched Potential

Those familiar with the Taurus know it as Ford’s flagship mid-size sedan, initially launched to showcase the brand’s engineering prowess and compete with rivals like the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Passat. From a holistic perspective, the Taurus demonstrates few weaknesses; in fact, it excels in several areas, offering near-luxury performance at an accessible price.

Pricing That Redefines Value

While the official MSRP ranges from $32,000 to $40,000, which might seem steep compared to mainstream competitors, the Taurus leverages classic American brand strategy: substantial discounts. In regions like Chengdu, it currently offers around $3,500 in incentives, bringing the entry-level model to approximately $28,500. Even the top-tier trim—equipped with features rivaling premium executive sedans—comes in at just over $36,000. This pricing strategy highlights its exceptional value proposition.

Design: Elegant and Commanding

The Taurus’s design strikes a balance between sophistication and presence. Although its initial release faced criticism for sharing design elements with the Mondeo (dubbed ‘Mondeo Plus’ by some), the refreshed model incorporates refined chrome accents and a bold, hexagonal grille. The result is a front fascia that exudes confidence and style. At the rear, sharp LED taillights and dual exhaust tips enhance its athletic, upscale appeal.

Spacious and Comfort-Focused Interior

With a wheelbase of nearly 3 meters (2949mm) and overall length exceeding 5 meters, the Taurus blurs the line between mid-size and full-size sedans. For a passenger of 177cm height, rear legroom spans approximately three fists—a testament to its spaciousness. Plush leather seats further elevate comfort, though a raised central tunnel might slightly inconvenience middle-seat passengers on longer journeys.

Tech and Features: Generous Standard Offerings

The Taurus polarizes opinions with its Tesla-inspired vertical touchscreen, which some argue lacks the premium feel of rivals like the Buick LaCrosse. However, its feature set is impressive even in base configurations. Standard equipment includes knee airbags, heated front seats, voice recognition, and connectivity suite. The mid-tier trim adds a 14-speaker B&O sound system—exceptional value at just over $30,000.

Performance: Power and Refinement

Under the hood, every Taurus boasts a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 245 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the road, it delivers responsive acceleration and a composed ride, outperforming many segment rivals. Minor drawbacks include slight low-speed shuddering and noticeable engine noise during aggressive acceleration.

Final Verdict: An Intelligent Choice for Discerning Buyers

While models like the Passat and Camry dominate mainstream attention, the Taurus emerges as a smart alternative for those prioritizing value and capability. If you seek a well-rounded mid-size sedan with near-luxury attributes and aren’t overly concerned with resale value, the Ford Taurus deserves serious consideration—it might just be the best-kept secret in its class.