2019 Ford Taurus Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Since the 1980s, the Ford Taurus has remained a popular car for families. Drivers have grown to appreciate its everyday comfort. Impressive safety scores add to this full-size sedan’s appeal. Although the Taurus hasn’t been redesigned in quite some time, it still remains a worthwhile choice. Is the 2019 Ford Taurus a good option for you?

What’s New for 2019?

A power-adjustable steering wheel and a rear sunshade are no longer on the sedan’s list of options. Don’t expect to see any other notable changes on the 2019 Ford Taurus. Ford has actually hinted at dropping the Taurus from its lineup in the near future.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Ford Taurus – The Pros

1. Good Performance from Base Engine

Although a stronger turbocharged engine is available, most people will stick with the standard V6. It’s rated to produce a respectable 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. With a 0-60 time of around 6.6 seconds, the Taurus should accelerate quick enough to keep most soccer moms happy. A responsive first gear helps the Taurus to feel especially peppy. When driving in hilly areas, you can take full advantage of the engine’s abundance of torque.

2. Perfect for Long Trips

If you love to take road trips, the 2019 Ford Taurus may prove to be your perfect traveling companion. Drivers rave about the sedan’s pillowy suspension. It makes long cruises on the interstate a lot more enjoyable. You can always take advantage of the Taurus’ quiet cabin. A lack of interior noise helps create a relaxing mood. In regard to fuel economy, expect the Taurus to return up to 27 mpg on the open highway.

3. Super High Output Model

The Taurus SHO has always been known for delivering an impactful performance. To ensure stronger acceleration, Ford swaps out the base power source for a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It pushes out a formidable 365 horsepower. When you stomp on the accelerator, the SHO can hit 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. Although the Taurus SHO isn’t the most agile performance sedan, a standard AWD system and stiffer suspension dampers promote sharper handling.

4. Offers All-Wheel-Drive Grip

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2019 ford Taurus. However, drivers who live in snow-prone regions of the country should opt for the AWD system. It’ll help you to overcome the slippery road conditions. Although you must sacrifice some gas mileage, the enhanced traction is a worthwhile compromise. Rival large sedans, such as the 2019 Toyota Avalon and the 2019 Chevrolet Impala, do not offer all-wheel-drive.

5. Large, Deep Trunk

Families will be able to benefit from this sedan’s giant trunk. It provides an amazing 20.1 cubic feet of storage space. This means the Taurus is more than just a grocery hauler. It’s a reasonable alternative to a crossover. From home improvement supplies to flat-screen TVS, you can use the Taurus to haul a wide range of different things. Folding rear seats enable you to make extra room for long items.

6. SHO Model Turns Heads

The base Taurus blends in with the other cars on the road. If you hate getting lost in the crowd, choose the SHO model. It comes outfitted with a number of sporty exterior treatments. On the front, a black mesh grille and HID headlights give the Taurus SHO a cooler appearance. The sedan’s rear fascia is enhanced by chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler. Meanwhile, special set of 20-inch alloy wheels give the Taurus SHO a meaner stance.

7. Can Virtually Park Itself

Most drivers hate trying to maneuver their vehicle in tight spots. Luckily, the 2019 Ford Taurus offers Active Park Assist. This automated parking system will definitely make your day a lot more enjoyable. After you find a suitable parking spot, simply press the Active Park Assist button. Although you still need to watch out for obstacles, the system handles the task of steering.

8. Will Protect Your Loved One In a Crash

The 2019 Ford Taurus will protect your most prized possessions. The NHTSA gave the sedan a five-star overall rating for its crash protection. Although the Taurus may not offer automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane-keep assist come with its available Driver Assist package. Blind-spot monitoring is also found on the more luxurious trims.

9. Exceptional Infotainment System

Ford's wonderful Sync 3 infotainment system will impress technology lovers. It's a big upgrade from the previous MyTouch interface. Drivers will enjoy its quick-reacting display and simple smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with Sync 3. Even inexperienced users will quickly learn how to navigate this interface.

10. Available Heated and Cooled Seats

Heated/cooled seats are found on the Limited and SHO models. You'll be able to travel with an extra degree of comfort. Your family can also take advantage of the available heated rear seats. When the Old Man Winter comes to town, they'll definitely appreciate the extra blanket of warmth.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Ford Taurus – The Cons

1. Less Rear Seat Space

While the full-size Ford Taurus can hold up to five passengers, competitors provide more space for your passengers sitting in the back. This could be a concern for the drivers who have a family of grown-ups. The mid-size Honda Accord actually boasts more overall passenger room. When test driving the new Taurus, be sure to bring along your family.

2. Can Be Hard to See Out Of

Unfortunately, the 2019 Ford Taurus doesn't provide great outward visibility. Its small windows may hinder your view when attempting to change lanes. If you do a lot of driving on the freeway, considering getting a model with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

3. Floaty Handling

The Ford Taurus is at its best on the open highway. When you take the sedan out on a curvy road, it starts to feel a bit clumsy. Expect to experience a great deal of body roll. Both the 2019 Dodge Charger and the 2019 Chevrolet Impala offer better handling. Fortunately, Ford does offer an optional SHO Performance package. Special steering and suspension tuning help transform the Taurus into a more athletic car.

4. Lacks Some Premium Features

The majority of Taurus buyers will be satisfied with its list of available features. Nevertheless, certain luxuries are not available. Ford does not offer the Taurus with automatic braking, which has become one of today's most popular safety technologies. Some of the other unavailable features include a 360-degree parking camera, wireless smartphone charging, and adaptive xenon headlights.

5. Styling Doesn't Stand Out

While the 2019 Ford Taurus is easy on the eye, its exterior styling won't cause you to take a second glance. It hasn't been redesigned in nearly a decade. The bottom trim levels certainly don't have a lot of charisma. They simply blend in with the surrounding traffic. If you have some extra cash to spend, choose the flashier Taurus SHO. The Taurus also has a rather dated interior design. Some people will desire a more modern look.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Some of the other large sedans to consider include the 2019 Toyota Avalon, the 2019 Chevrolet Impala, and the 2019 Dodge Charger. In terms of overall driving experience, the 2019 Ford Taurus lags behind the competition. Although the Taurus SHO can be fun to drive, it's not as exhilarating as the V8-powered Dodge Charger. Meanwhile, an optional AWD system does give the Taurus a key advantage over the Toyota Avalon and the Chevrolet Impala.

Conclusion

Although the 2019 Ford Taurus has some glaring weaknesses, it still warrants a test drive. Its soft highway ride and comfy front seats may win you over. If you really want to experience more excitement on the road, don't hesitate to grab the SHO model. You will grow to appreciate its punchy performance. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Taurus becomes a good car for traveling during the winter time.

Despite the Taurus not offering best-in-class passenger room, most families will not have any complaints. With Ford planning to soon remove the Taurus from its lineup, buyers can anticipate saving a lot of money.