Acceleration

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Much improved compared to the departed Freestyle. Taurus X moves briskly from a stop and has more than sufficient passing and merging reserves. Some testers found the transmission slow to downshift for best response. It also lacks any sort of manual-shift option, which would be useful for improving transmission behavior.

Fuel Economy

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
5	4	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive Taurus X averaged 18.3 mpg in city/highway driving. An AWD version averaged a somewhat disappointing 16.5 mpg in similar driving conditions. Taurus X uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
7	7	5.5

Taurus X rides much like the sedan that shares its name; firm, but comfortable and compliant over larger bumps. Highway-speed composure is excellent.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Taurus X is arguably more car than truck, but some of our testers don't find it especially nimble. It corners with confidence, but it's let down by noticeable body lean in turns. A bulky turning radius hurts close-quarters maneuverability. The brakes feel strong, but pedal action is a bit heavy and wooden. Simulated panic stops induced some moderate nosedive.

Quietness

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Wind noise is kept well in check, but road noise rises as speeds climb. The cabin is otherwise serene, though a coarse engine note intrudes during acceleration.

Controls

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Clear and simple gauges are easy to read, but audio and climate controls comprise many look-alike buttons and sometimes hard-to-read electronic displays, all set too low for easiest use. The available navigation system suffers from a slightly undersized dashboard screen and could be more intuitive; it absorbs most audio adjustments but doesn't complicate them. Some testers say stalks for the wipers and turn signal are too far from the steering wheel.

Details

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Cabin assembly mostly top notch, but materials disappoint. Hard plastics dominate the interiors, with precious few soft or padded surfaces to be found.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
9	9	7.1

Despite its car-like stance, Taurus X's low dash top and tall windows combine for a take-charge driving feel. Visibility is generally good, though the view to the rear corners is hindered by roof pillars. Headroom and legroom are both six-footer ample, but some testers still want more rearward seat travel. Once situated, the seats are comfortably supportive with the high positioning a boon for entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
8	8	6.1

The large rear doors afford easy entry and exit to roomy 2nd-row with comfortable chair-height seats. Taller passengers may want for head clearance beneath intrusions from the sunroof housing/DVD combo. Available fore and aft sliding 2nd-row buckets allow favoring leg space or cargo room. The 2nd-row seats fold and tumble for good access to the 3rd row. Our testers are divided on the 3rd-row accommodations. Some say it's surprisingly spacious, other call it adequate at best. All agree, though, the bottom cushion is too low for long-distance comfort.

Cargo Room

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
9	9	8.6

All rear seats fold flat. Wide load deck stretches to 9.5-ft with the right-front seatback folded down. The 3rd-row seat converts more easily than most, disappearing into a floorwell that provides handy storage otherwise. Useful console and dash top bins swallow lots of small stuff.

Value within Class

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
8	7	5.8

The oft-overlooked Taurus X earns our praise for being a pleasant and practical family wagon with class-competitive power and roomy accommodations for people and cargo. A crude-sounding engine and cheap-looking interior trim are our only major complaints. Like the idea of an SUV but don't want all the bulk? Your "crossover" may have just arrived.

Total Score

AWD SEL	2WD Limited	Class Average
75	73	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76