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2016 Ford Taurus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2016 Ford Taurus is the newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system, which replaces MyFord Touch on versions with the 8-inch screen. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with only a few equipment changes.
About the 2016 Ford Taurus
6th generation (2010-2019), post-2013 refresh, late-cycle year.
Ford positions the Taurus as a traditional full-size sedan built around space, comfort, and confident road manners. The brochure stresses strong power, available all-wheel drive, a roomy and well-finished cabin, smart driver-assist tech, and generous trunk space. Compared with rivals, Taurus leans less on flashy design and more on long-trip comfort, winter-weather traction, and the unusual option of a true performance version in the SHO.
The 2016 Taurus lineup runs from the practical SE through the more polished SEL and comfort-focused Limited. Limited stands out with heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats, while the performance-focused SHO combines a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension.
What changed, by category
Tech
SYNC 3 replaces MyFord Touch on versions with the 8-inch touchscreen, including Limited and SHO. The SE gets an updated base SYNC system with AppLink, and the SEL's smartphone interface changes from optional to standard.
Styling
The SE moves to standard 18-inch alloy wheels.
2016 Ford Taurus specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl EcoBoost Turbo 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost Turbo 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost Turbo 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 16 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27–29 mpg | 27–29 mpg | 24 mpg | 27–29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–288 hp | 240–288 hp | 365 hp | 240–288 hp |
| Torque | 254–270 lb-ft | 254–270 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 254–270 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 Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Ford Taurus?
The biggest change is SYNC 3, which replaces the older MyFord Touch system on Taurus versions equipped with the 8-inch touchscreen. Most of the vehicle carries over from 2015.
Does every 2016 Ford Taurus have SYNC 3?
No. SYNC 3 is tied to the 8-inch touchscreen setup and is standard on Limited and SHO. The SE has a smaller 4.2-inch SYNC system with AppLink.
Was the 2016 Ford Taurus redesigned?
No. The 2016 Taurus keeps the same basic body, chassis, styling, and powertrain lineup as the 2015 model. Its updates are limited mainly to infotainment and minor trim equipment.
Did the 2016 Taurus SHO receive a performance upgrade?
No. The SHO carries over its 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, standard all-wheel drive, and sport-tuned suspension. Its notable 2016 update is the SYNC 3 touchscreen system.
Is the 2016 Ford Taurus meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Only slightly. The 2016 is most appealing over the 2015 if the easier-to-use SYNC 3 touchscreen matters to you; otherwise, the two years are very similar in styling, structure, and performance.
2016 Ford Taurus Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Ford Taurus.
4.2
2016 Ford Taurus
(242 reviews)
“Good size sedan, rather large so be aware of the space it needs. Good acceleration and handling but no matter how they set them up turbo/twin turbo cars do NOT perform as well as a V8. Comfortable and well equipped. Consider this car.”
“Absolutely love this vehicle. I love how quiet the inside cabin is, the adjustments for driver seating, and the superior smooth ride. I am very glad I purchased this vehicle.”