What does SEL stand for on a Ford Taurus?

The SEL designation on a Ford Taurus is a mid‑level trim name used by Ford. There is no officially published expansion of the acronym by Ford, and the exact meaning has varied across generations. In practical terms, SEL typically represents a step up from the SE trim with additional features, though the specifics change by model year.

How Ford uses trim labels

Automakers use lettered trims to indicate different equipment levels and price points. On the Taurus, S, SE, SEL, and Limited have appeared across generations, with SEL generally positioned between SE and Limited. The exact feature mix behind SEL can differ from one redesign to the next.

Common interpretations of the SEL acronym

Because Ford has not published a fixed expansion for SEL, enthusiasts and automotive reference guides have proposed several interpretations. The following are among the most frequently cited, though they are not officially confirmed by Ford:

• Special Edition Luxury


• Special Equipment Luxury


• Sport Edition Luxury

In everyday use, many buyers simply treat SEL as the mid‑level Taurus trim with more comfort and tech features than SE, understanding that the exact contents vary by year and market.

What you can typically expect in an SEL Taurus

Across different generations, SEL models commonly offer upgrades over SE such as enhanced interior materials, additional convenience features, and upgraded exterior styling. The precise equipment package, however, is year‑ and market‑dependent, so checking the specific model year is essential.

SEL on the Taurus through its generations

The Taurus has gone through multiple generations, and the SEL trim has appeared with varying feature sets in each. Notably, Ford discontinued the Taurus in North America after the 2019 model year, so the SEL designation is tied to older Taurus markets and productions rather than current offerings.

Summary

SEL on a Ford Taurus is a mid‑level trim name used by Ford. There is no official expansion of the acronym, and its meaning has varied by generation. Generally, SEL sits above SE with more features, but the exact equipment package depends on the model year and market. For precise details, refer to the specific Taurus generation and year documentation or a dealer’s build sheet.

Which is better, SE or SEL?

The SEL is better if you want more features, as it typically adds upgrades like a larger infotainment screen, more advanced driver-assist technologies, and better interior amenities compared to the base SE trim. The SE is a more budget-friendly option that provides the essential features, while the SEL offers a more premium and comfortable experience for a higher price. The "better" choice depends on your priorities between cost and features. 
SEL advantages (more features and upgrades)

• Technology: Usually includes a larger touchscreen display, additional driver-assist technologies (like adaptive cruise control), and a digital instrument cluster. 
• Interior: Adds premium touches such as heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sometimes nicer seat materials. 
• Exterior: May include upgrades like more stylish wheels or exterior lighting features. 

SE advantages (basic features for a lower price)

• Cost: The main advantage is a lower starting price. 
• Essential features: Still comes equipped with essential technology like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Same core performance: Often shares the same engine and horsepower as the SEL, meaning performance is identical. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose the SEL if: You want a more comfortable, tech-savvy, and feature-rich vehicle and are willing to pay a higher price for the upgrades. 
• Choose the SE if: Your primary concern is the price and you are comfortable with fewer premium features. 

What is the difference between Ford Taurus SEL and Limited?

The main differences between the Ford Taurus SEL and Limited trims are that the Limited includes more standard luxury and convenience features for a higher price, such as leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and advanced driver-assist technologies. The SEL is a step up from the base model, offering features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control, while the Limited adds a significant number of premium upgrades on top of that. 
Ford Taurus SEL

• Standard Features: The SEL trim includes features like power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a reverse sensing system. 
• Engine: Typically shares the same engine options as the Limited, often a 3.5LV63.5 cap L cap V 63.5𝐿𝑉6, and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. 

Ford Taurus Limited

• Standard Features: Includes all SEL features and adds luxury items like perforated leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and a household-style power outlet. It also comes standard with ambient lighting and features like a reverse sensing system and rear view camera. 
• Optional/Advanced Features: Can be optioned with the Driver Assist package, which includes adaptive cruise control, automated parallel parking, and lane departure warning and intervention. 
• Price: The Limited trim is significantly more expensive than the SEL due to the higher level of standard equipment. 

Which trim should you choose?

• Choose the SEL if you want a balance of upgraded features over the base model without the premium price tag of the Limited. 
• Choose the Limited if you desire more luxury, comfort, and convenience features as standard and are willing to pay more for them. 

Is Ford SE or SEL better?

The Ford SE is the entry-level trim with standard features, while the SEL adds more premium comfort and convenience features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ActiveX™ seating material. The SEL often comes with additional exterior and interior design cues, such as unique wheels and a different grille. The main difference is that the SEL offers a step up in luxury and technology over the base SE model, with more standard features and more optional upgrades available. 
This video shows the differences between the SE and SEL trim levels: 59sHeritage FordYouTube · Apr 14, 2021
SE (Standard Equipment)

• Infotainment: Ford's SYNC system, a 12-inch touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Comfort: Dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and keyless entry.
• Safety: Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-keeping assist and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.
• Connectivity: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. 

SEL (Standard Equipment + Upgrades)

• Exterior: Unique wheels and specific LED signature lighting. 
• Interior: Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed front bucket seats, or ActiveX™ seating material, and heated front seats. 
• Comfort: Heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 
• Convenience: A power liftgate and a Reverse Sensing System. 
• Other: In some models, the SEL includes options like a heated steering wheel or a more powerful engine. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the SE if you want a good value with essential modern technology and safety features at a lower starting price. 
• Choose the SEL if you want more premium interior comforts, such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and additional convenience features like a power liftgate. 

What does SEL mean in Ford Taurus?

SEL is a Special Edition Limited designation. A ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and LED signature lighting are standard on SEL models, yet you can still get upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and navigation.