2012 Ford Taurus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ford Taurus is a light-update year, not a redesign. Its main change is that integrated blind-spot mirrors become standard on every trim.
About the 2012 Ford Taurus
6th generation (2010-2019), third model year, last year before the 2013 refresh
Ford positions the Taurus as its large, comfort-focused sedan: a roomy five-passenger car with a very large trunk, a quiet cabin, and a long list of available safety and convenience technology. For most buyers, the Taurus is a highway-friendly cruiser rather than a sporty sedan, though it stands out in the segment by also offering available AWD and the much quicker SHO performance version.
The SE is the straightforward version, with a 3.5-liter V6, cloth seats, and practical everyday features, while the SEL adds comfort touches such as dual-zone climate control and paddle shifters. The Limited emphasizes comfort and technology with leather, driver memory, SYNC voice controls, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. The SHO is the performance model, pairing a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 with standard all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford Taurus specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, TT 3.5L | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 263 hp | 263 hp | 365 hp | 263 hp |
| Torque | 249 lb-ft | 249 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 249 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 20.1 cu-ft | 20.1 cu-ft | 20.1 cu-ft | 20.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main change to the 2012 Ford Taurus?
The main change is that integrated blind-spot mirrors become standard across the 2012 Taurus lineup. SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO all receive them.
Is the 2012 Ford Taurus a redesign?
No. The 2012 Taurus remains part of the sixth generation introduced for 2010, with only light equipment changes. It is the final model year before the larger 2013 refresh.
Did the 2012 Ford Taurus get a new engine?
No. The engine lineup and core mechanical package stay close to 2011. The SHO remains the performance version with a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive.
Which 2012 Ford Taurus trims have integrated blind-spot mirrors?
Every 2012 Taurus trim has integrated blind-spot mirrors as standard equipment. That includes SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO.
Did any 2012 Ford Taurus features stop being standard?
Yes. Heated front seats move from standard to optional equipment on the Limited and SHO for 2012.