Last updated August 4, 2026
The Ford Taurus lineup starts with the SE, the straightforward full-size sedan with V6 power and everyday essentials. The SEL adds useful comfort and convenience, while the Limited turns the Taurus into a more upscale highway car. The SHO is the performance branch, pairing the roomy Taurus body with a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, and a firmer driving feel.
The Base Model trim level, called SE, is the straightforward Taurus: a roomy V6 sedan focused on everyday essentials rather than luxury extras.
Best for: Drivers who want full-size space, simple controls, and relaxed highway manners.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, called SEL, is the everyday upgrade, adding the comfort and convenience features drivers tend to notice most.
Best for: Daily drivers who want a more comfortable Taurus without moving into the luxury-focused trim.
Highlights
Adds dual-zone climate control, remote start, rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel over the SE.
9 in stock
The Premium Comfort trim level, called Limited, is the comfort-first Taurus, with an upscale cabin built for relaxed commuting and highway travel.
Best for: Drivers who value seat comfort, premium audio, and added driving assistance more than extra performance.
Highlights
Adds heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, driver memory, premium audio, and blind-spot monitoring over the SEL; later examples also feature Ford's touchscreen system.
8 in stock
The Performance trim level, called SHO, is the fast Taurus, combining strong acceleration and sharper road manners with much of the Limited's comfort.
Best for: Drivers who want a quick, all-weather sedan without giving up Taurus passenger space and comfort.
Highlights
Adds a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, standard all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and paddle shifters over the Limited while retaining much of its comfort equipment.
5 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Performance | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SEL9 in stock | SHO5 in stock | Limited8 in stock | |
| Lineup role | Everyday-upgrade SEL | Entry-level SE | Performance-focused SHO | Comfort-focused Limited |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 288 hp | 288 hp | 365 hp | 288 hp |
| Drive wheels | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Signature cabin features | Dual-zone climate control | Power front seats | Heated and cooled front seats | Heated and cooled front seats |
| Convenience and assistance focus | Remote start and rear parking sensors | Keypad and keyless entry | Paddle shifters | Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts |
| Performance hardware | Regular V6 setup | V6 with Sport Mode | Sport suspension and twin turbos | Regular V6 setup |
In later years, the lineup runs from SE to SEL, Limited, and SHO. SE is the simple model, SEL adds everyday conveniences, Limited focuses on comfort, and SHO is the high-performance version. SHO returned with the 2010 redesign.
The SE is the straightforward Taurus. In later years, it pairs the regular 3.5-liter V6 with basic voice controls, power front seats, automatic headlights, keypad entry, and single-zone climate control.
In later years, the SEL adds conveniences drivers notice daily: dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, rear parking sensors, heated side mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
On newer models, the Limited adds a more upscale cabin with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, driver memory, a heated steering wheel, premium Sony audio, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The SHO is the performance-focused choice. In later years, it replaces the regular V6 with a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and adds standard all-wheel drive, a firmer suspension, and paddle shifters while retaining many Limited-style comfort features.
The SE is the sensible fit if your priorities are full-size room, V6 power, and simple everyday equipment. It avoids the extra comfort and performance hardware found farther up the trim ladder.
The SEL is the middle-ground trim. In later years, it adds dual-zone climate control, remote start, rear parking sensors, and heated mirrors without moving into the Limited's more luxury-focused cabin.
The Limited is the comfort-first trim. Newer examples combine the Taurus's roomy highway-friendly character with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, memory settings, stronger audio, and added driver-assistance equipment.
No. The SHO is a genuine performance model with a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, standard all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and paddle shifters. It accelerates much harder and feels more focused than a regular Taurus.
The SHO has standard all-wheel drive throughout its 2010–2019 run. Some upper regular Taurus trims were also sold with all-wheel drive, while front-wheel drive remained part of the lineup, so verify the drivetrain on the individual car.
On newer models, heated and cooled front seats are defining equipment on the Limited and SHO. Both also include heated outer rear seats, making them the trims to focus on if seat comfort matters.
On newer models, the Limited and SHO are the clearest fits for SYNC 3 touchscreen shoppers. Ford replaced the older MyFord Touch system with SYNC 3 on touchscreen-equipped versions for 2016, while late-run SE models use a simpler 4.2-inch display.
No. In the later lineup, steering-wheel paddle shifters are part of the SHO's performance equipment. The regular SE, SEL, and Limited use the standard six-speed automatic without that SHO-specific control setup.