The former glory of the Taurus lineup has long gone; other sedans in the Ford lineup have since taken over as the automaker’s flagship sedans. However, the performance-oriented version of the Taurus i.e. the SHO trim still glitters among other performance-oriented sedans in this segment. Despite the model’s old-fashioned looks, the 2018 Ford Taurus SHO is a powerful sedan to reckon with when it comes to sheer firepower under the hood. The SHO unlike other trims is motivated by a powerful V-6 and is further fitted with a performance package that is not offered on other models.
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2018 Ford Taurus SHO Exterior
The exterior of the Taurus SHO like other Taurus trims is characterized by a low profile with a sleek roofline but a rather conservative look. The model has a 112-inch wheelbase. The sedan has somewhat extended front and rear overhangs, strong rear haunches as well as some sculpted body lines that give the sedan a bulky look. Although the exterior stance looks rather old, it is still considered stylish particularly for buyers looking for a conservative-looking sedan. Our sources intimate that the 2018 model will get a more modern looking exterior profile characterized by a hexagonal grille as well as new LED headlights and fog lights for the front fascia. However, the familiar look of the model will remain.
Our sources also intimate that the model will ride on a new set of 20-inch wheels. The sources also reveal that the rear fascia will be revised and will feature an extensive use of chrome accenting. The rear will also have redesigned dual exhaust tips as well as a new spoiler. The SHO exhaust tips will be slightly different than those of lower trims to fit the SHO’s performance orientation.
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Interior
According to our sources, the interior of the Taurus SHO will be revamped. The sedan offers ample space for both front and rear passengers but due to its low roofline, it is a bit difficult to access the rear seats. The multi-contour front seats are particularly comfortable. The SHO features a wraparound instrument panel that separates front seats into distinct driver and passenger zones. The sedan also offers ample cargo space; 20 cubic feet to be precise, this space comes in handy particularly when going on a weekend getaway with your family.
All models come with the automaker’s SYNC 3 system that supports Bluetooth connectivity and Smartphone connectivity among others. It is hosted by an 8.0-inch touch-screen, unlike base trims which have a 4.2-inch screen. The model also comes with a premium sound system from Sony.
It also features a wide center console, a design that is usually more popular with coupes than full-size sedans making the feature a nice touch from Ford Motors.
The rear visibility of the sedan is a bit poor courtesy of the small rear window and wide pillars; thankfully, a rearview camera is standard. To further help the driver control the vehicle safely, the SHO is offered with a host of new active features such as blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, forward collision warning as well as a post-crash mitigation system dubbed “SOS”. The SOS system can switch on hazard flashers, unlocks all doors as well as sound the horn in case airbags deploy.
Engine and performance
The 2018 Ford Taurus SHO is powered by a 3.5 L, V-6 engine that produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Unlike lower trims which are offered in either 2WD or AWD, the SHO being a performance-oriented sedan is only available in AWD. Channeling power to the wheels is a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of fuel economy, the V-6 returns 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on highway drives as well as 19 mpg on combined drives.
In addition, the SHO gets a performance package that helps fine tune its performance; this package is not available on other trims. All this helps the model to dash from a standing position to 60 mph in 5 seconds. At this level of power output and performance, the sedan will easily disappoint some lackluster sports cars on the streets. In addition, the model features stiffer springs, shocks as well as larger anti-roll bars.
Price and release date
Official prices of the 2018 Ford Taurus SHO are yet to be released just like prices of other trims. However, I don’t expect prices to vary significantly from those of the current model. The SHO trim currently has an MSRP of $42,520.
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Competition
The performance oriented Taurus SHO competes with performance-oriented versions of Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Charger, Kia Cadenza and Chevrolet Impala.
