    2013 Ford Taurus EcoBoost. Click image to enlarge |
In the SEL model, both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats feature power height, power fore-aft, power seat tilt, and manual lumbar and recline adjustments. I found the front seats very comfortable, and according to one of my passengers, the rear seats are also comfy.
The oft criticized Ford touchscreen in the Taurus requires some dexterity and patience to operate, but once you get the hang of the screen layout, touch-sensitivity, and the processing times, it becomes easier. The screen includes menus for Phone, Navigation, Audio, and Climate, but since it is far enough away and complicated enough, it’s better to operate it while stopped. Sync voice activation partly solves this problem by using voice commands to operate some of the audio, navigation and telephone functions. Music devices can be operated via wireless Bluetooth audio or hooked up to the USB, A/V, iPod and 12-volt connectors inside the centre storage bin.
Below the large touchscreen are touch-sensitive buttons for the some of the audio and climate control functions, plus two large dials for audio volume and fan speed. The touch-sensitive buttons are very sensitive and require some practice in applying just the right amount of pressure to avoid double inputs. I didn’t really like them, and would say that Ford’s touch technology is a work in progress.
More successful, in my opinion, are the colour screens in the instrument cluster on either side of the central speedometer. Operated by buttons on the steering wheel, these brightly illuminated screens display useful information at a glance with some practice. The display on the left includes instant and average fuel economy readouts including a five-minute fuel history readout, trip odometer, distance to empty, and a digital analogue tachometer. On the right side of the speedometer, the driver can adjust the climate control temperature, fan speed, select audio media, phone, compass, and even input destinations for the navigation system.
Cabin storage includes a couple of lidded containers next to the shift lever, a centre bin under the armrest, a glovebox, door pockets, and map pockets on the back of the front seats. Luggage space is very generous: the Taurus has a huge, fully lined trunk (569 L/20.1 cu. ft.) with a large opening that will swallow numerous suitcases. Minor criticisms include a floor that is not entirely flat, a trunk lip with a fairly high liftover height, and a restricted opening behind the 60/40 folding rear seatbacks.
Overall, I liked the 2013 Ford Taurus with the turbocharged “Ecoboost” engine. It drives more like a sport sedan than a family sedan, yet it has a comfortable ride, a big cabin, a roomy trunk along with relatively good fuel economy when compared with V6 competitors. For potential purchasers, the most important test-drive will be in the interior where the various touch-sensitive controls and menu-driven screens should be experienced to see if they can be lived with on a daily basis.
Pricing: 2013 Ford Taurus SEL
Base price: $33,799
Options: $6,600 (2.0-litre turbocharged ‘Ecoboost’ 4-cylinder engine $1,000; leather upholstery $1,200; voice-activated navigation system $700; power moonroof $1,200; rear spoiler $300; 8-inch touch-screen, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, adjustable pedals, centre speaker $2,100)
Freight charge: $1,550
A/c tax: $100
Price as tested: $42,049
Competitors
Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Mazda6
Nissan Maxima
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Camry
Toyota Avalon
Volkswagen Passat
