Is the Ford Taurus a fast car?
The Ford Taurus is not a sports car by conventional standards. In everyday trims, it emphasizes comfort, space, and value with modest acceleration. The high-performance Taurus SHO is noticeably quicker for a full-size sedan, but even it isn’t on par with dedicated sports cars. Ford ended Taurus production after the 2019 model year, so there are no modern Tauruses pushing performance boundaries today.
Performance variants
Below are the defining performance characteristics of the Taurus lineup, highlighting the high-performance SHO variant and the standard non-SHO models.
Taurus SHO at a glance
- Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
- Horsepower: around 365 hp
- Torque: around 350 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: primarily all-wheel drive (AWD) in many years
- 0-60 mph: roughly 5.0–5.5 seconds depending on year and configuration
- Top speed: around 140–149 mph depending on year and trim
The Taurus SHO represents Ford's performance-oriented take on the family sedan, with turbocharged power and a sport-tuned chassis that improve acceleration and handling relative to standard Tauruses.
Standard Taurus performance
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 in earlier generations; horsepower typically in the high 200s (roughly 270–290 hp depending on year)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive as standard, with AWD offered in some years
- 0-60 mph: typically around 6.5–7.5 seconds for V6 models
- Top speed: approximately 130–140 mph for most non-SHO configurations
These figures illustrate how the base Taurus emphasizes comfort and practicality over outright speed.
Historical notes and current status
The Ford Taurus lineage stretches back to the 1980s, evolving across generations. The high-performance SHO variant appeared in the late 1980s and returned in modern form for the 2010–2019 model years, powered by the EcoBoost V6. Ford ended Taurus production after the 2019 model year, and there are no new Taurus models in Ford's current lineup. Used examples, especially SHO variants, remain the only practical path to a faster Taurus experience.
Performance context
In the landscape of mid-size and full-size sedans, the Taurus SHO’s performance sits in the “quick but not exotic” category. It can deliver spirited acceleration and confident highway passing, but it does not compete with purpose-built sports sedans or high-performance luxury models. Buyers prioritizing speed may instead consider other brands’ sport sedans or Ford’s Mustang for true performance credibility.
Summary
The Ford Taurus is not typically classified as a fast car. Its standard variants offer comfortable, practical acceleration, while the Taurus SHO provides a meaningful speed boost for a large sedan. With production concluded in 2019, the Taurus remains a historical chapter rather than a current source of fast performance.
