Is the Ford Taurus FWD or RWD?
The Ford Taurus is front-wheel drive (FWD).
In this article we examine how the Taurus’ drivetrain has evolved across its history, note where all-wheel drive (AWD) was offered as an option, and explain the model’s current status in Ford’s lineup.
Overview of Taurus drivetrain across its generations
Below is a concise timeline of the Taurus’ primary drivetrain configuration. The front-wheel-drive layout has been the standard for most of its production run, with occasional AWD options appearing on select late-model trims.
- 1986–1995: Front-wheel drive (transverse V6) across the Taurus lineup; no rear-wheel-drive version was produced.
- 1996–2007: Front-wheel drive remains standard as Ford refines the platform; no factory RWD Taurus offered.
- 2008–2010s: Front-wheel drive continues to be standard; some models and mid-cycle refreshes begin offering Intelligent All-Wheel Drive as an option on certain trims, including performance-oriented SHO variants in later years.
Notes: The exact AWD availability varied by year and trim; not all Taurus models offered AWD, and there were no factory RWD Tauruses in the U.S. market.
Current status and market context
Ford ended official U.S. sales of the Taurus after the 2019 model year, shifting focus toward SUVs and crossovers. The Taurus nameplate has not been part of Ford’s U.S. lineup since then, and any AWD versions that exist are limited to specific late-model used examples. For buyers evaluating a used Taurus, expect primarily FWD configurations with AWD appearing on select trims in certain years.
Summary
The Ford Taurus is primarily front-wheel drive. While all-wheel drive has appeared as an option on some late-model trims (notably the Taurus SHO and select years), there has not been a rear-wheel-drive Taurus offered in the U.S. market. The model line was discontinued in North America after 2019, with Ford prioritizing SUVs and crossovers moving forward.
Is the Taurus front-wheel drive?
When it hit the market for the 1986 model year, the Ford Taurus quickly became a sensation in America. This front-wheel-drive midsize family sedan looked like no other Ford before it thanks to aerodynamic styling highlighted by a grille-less nose that fronted an elegant, rounded form.
Is the Ford Taurus FWD?
Yes, most Ford Tauruses are front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) was also an option, particularly on higher trim levels and as standard on the performance SHO models. For many years, front-wheel drive was the standard drivetrain, with all-wheel drive being a common option.
- Standard FWD: The base models of many years came standard with front-wheel drive.
- Optional AWD: All-wheel drive was available as an option on many trim levels.
- AWD on SHO models: The high-performance SHO models came standard with all-wheel drive.
Is the Ford Taunus RWD?
From 1962 to 1970, the smaller models 12M (P4) and its successor 12M/15M (P6) had front wheel drive. All other models had rear wheel drive.
Is the Ford Taurus RWD?
No, the Ford Taurus is not a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle; it is a front-wheel drive (FWD) car with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. The Taurus has been built on FWD platforms for most of its history, with AWD being available on upper trim levels and standard on the high-performance SHO model.
- Standard drivetrain: The Ford Taurus is standard with front-wheel drive.
- Optional drivetrain: All-wheel drive was an available option on many models.
- Ford Taurus SHO: The high-performance SHO model had all-wheel drive as a standard feature.
