Are all Ford Taurus AWD?
No. Most Ford Tauruses are front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is not universal across the lineup. AWD is limited to a few variants, notably the high-performance Taurus SHO, with rare or market-specific all-wheel-drive configurations on other models.
The Taurus name has spanned several generations since the 1980s, and Ford has offered different drivetrains over time. As of the end of its North American run, production ceased after the 2019 model year, making AWD Tauruses a matter of either older model years or special configurations rather than a standard feature of every Taurus sold.
AWD availability across Taurus generations
To understand where AWD appears, it helps to look at the main consumer Taurus lineup and the exceptions where AWD has shown up.
- Taurus SHO (2010–2019): All-wheel drive was available as part of the SHO package in many years, aligning with its performance-oriented EcoBoost setup.
- Specialized variants: In some years and markets, other Taurus configurations offered all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, though these were not the norm for the everyday passenger model.
- Standard consumer trims: The vast majority of non-SHO Taurus models were front-wheel drive, with AWD not commonly offered.
In practice, this means that if you are shopping for a Taurus and want AWD, your most reliable bet is the SHO variant or a specifically listed AWD configuration on a rare or market-specific model. The standard Taurus remains FWD in most cases.
How to verify the drivetrain on a Taurus you’re considering
Because drivetrain options changed by year and trim, the best way to confirm is to check the vehicle’s VIN, window sticker, and owner’s manual. A VIN decode will reveal the drivetrain code (FWD vs. AWD). For used Taurus SHO examples, confirm that AWD is included in the features list; for non-SHO models, make sure AWD is not listed unless it’s a rare option.
Historical context and current status
Ford ended the Taurus in North America after the 2019 model year, with production effectively concluding before the market pivot toward SUVs and crossovers. Any AWD Taurus you encounter today will be an older model year or a specialized configuration, not a current production model.
Summary
In short, not all Ford Tauruses have all-wheel drive. The typical Taurus lineup is front-wheel drive, while AWD has been reserved for select high-performance or specialty variants, most notably the Taurus SHO, along with occasional market-specific configurations. If AWD is a priority, verify the drivetrain on the exact model and year you’re considering.
