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Is the Ford Taurus SHO FWD or RWD?

In short, the Taurus SHO is not rear-wheel drive. All pre-2010 SHO models used front-wheel drive, and Ford’s modern SHO (2010–2019) adopted all-wheel drive to handle its higher power output.

From its 1989 debut through the 2009 model years, the SHO badge was attached to upgraded front-wheel-drive Tauruses. The 2010 revival introduced a turbocharged EcoBoost engine paired with an all-wheel-drive system, marking a shift in the drivetrain approach for the performance-oriented variant. This article traces the evolution of the SHO’s drivetrains and notes the current status of the nameplate.

Drivetrain history by era

Early SHO generations (1989–2009): Front-wheel drive throughout

Before the 2010 revival, every Taurus SHO offered front-wheel drive. The performance upgrades came from engine tuning, suspension, and chassis work, but the layout remained FWD across the model’s first two decades.

1989–1991 Taurus SHO: Front-wheel drive (FWD).

1992–1995 Taurus SHO: Front-wheel drive (FWD).

1996–1999 Taurus SHO: Front-wheel drive (FWD).

1999–2007 Taurus SHO: Front-wheel drive (FWD).

Across these years, the SHO stayed on a front-drive platform, with no factory rear-wheel-drive option.

Modern revival (2010–2019): All-wheel drive for performance

The second era of the Taurus SHO arrived in 2010 with a turbocharged EcoBoost V6 paired to an all-wheel-drive system. The AWD setup helped transmit power to the road and delivered improved traction, especially in performance driving scenarios.

2010–2019 Taurus SHO: Turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive (AWD); horsepower rose to about 365 hp in later years, paired with a sport-tuned chassis.

Conclusion: The modern Taurus SHO is AWD, marking a clear departure from the purely FWD configuration of the earlier SHO models.

Summary

Is the Ford Taurus SHO FWD or RWD? It is not rear-wheel drive. Across its history, the SHO name has been attached to front-wheel-drive sedans, with the 2010–2019 revival adopting all-wheel drive to handle higher performance. There has not been a factory RWD Taurus SHO in Ford’s lineup.

Is the Ford Taurus FWD or RWD?

The Ford Taurus was primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, but all-wheel-drive (AWD) was an available option on many models, and standard on the high-performance SHO trim. Therefore, a Ford Taurus could be either FWD or AWD depending on the specific model and its configuration. There were no rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions of the Taurus.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): This was the standard drivetrain for most Taurus models.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This was an optional upgrade on many trim levels and standard on the performance-oriented SHO models.

Is the 2013 Taurus SHO AWD?

🚗✨ 2013 Ford Taurus SHO! With its powerful 3.5L V6 engine and all-wheel drive capability, it's built for both performance and comfort.

Is the Ford Taurus SHO AWD or RWD?

In a first for the SHO nameplate, permanent torque vectoring all-wheel drive was standard.

Is the Ford Taurus SHO fast?

Yes, the Ford Taurus SHO is fast, especially the later models, which could accelerate from 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds. The SHO (Super High Output) was known for its impressive straight-line speed thanks to powerful engines, like the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the 2010-2019 models. While its handling wasn't as sharp as dedicated sports cars, its power made it a formidable "sleeper" sedan that could keep up with many sportier vehicles.

You can watch this video to see a review of the 2016 Ford Taurus SHO: 57sTheTopherYouTube · Sep 9, 2023
Performance highlights of the Taurus SHO

Acceleration: The 2019 SHO could hit 606060 mph in about 5.2 seconds, comparable to vehicles like the Honda Civic Type R.
Engine: The final generation was powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Traction: An all-wheel-drive system was standard, which helped put the power to the ground and provided good traction.
"Sleeper" performance: The SHO was a powerful, full-size sedan that often went unnoticed, but was capable of fast acceleration both from a stop and at higher speeds.
Older models: Even earlier generations were fast for their time. The first-generation (1989–1991) models with a Yamaha-designed V6 could go from 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in about 6.6 seconds.

This video highlights the potential for easy power gains with modifications to the Taurus SHO: 52sBixmationYouTube · Apr 30, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.