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2009 Ford Taurus X Bottom Line

February 23, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

To bring you this comprehensive review of the 2009 Ford Taurus X, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com have read all of the latest expert reviews. Additionally, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Ford Taurus X to help bring some clarity where the reviews differ.

Likes:

  • Safety
  • Plenty of zip from the engine
  • Spacious, comfortable interior
  • Wide range of high-tech, high-convenience features

Dislikes:

  • Won't be mistaken for an exhilarating driver
  • Looks could use some work

Buying Tips:


If you want this level of safety but can’t handle the higher price and lower fuel economy of the 2009 Ford Taurus X, look to the Ford Taurus sedan.

Last year the Ford Freestyle was renamed the Taurus X and given a very mild restyle, along with a much peppier powertrain—making it, despite the odd name, a much more appealing vehicle.

The Freestyle has a profile that deceptively looks a lot like that of a full-fledged SUV, with some overall design cues inspired by the once-popular Explorer. But the Taurus X isn’t meant to go crawling off-road; passenger duty is its forte, and the Taurus X is actually closer to a tall-roof station wagon. For last year, along with the name change, the chunky SUV cues were softened a bit; more chrome was part of the spruce-up, along with a new taillamp design and an upgraded interior.

Before you condemn the Taurus X for its outward appearance, take a look inside, as the overall design allows for an incredibly spacious, and space-efficient, interior, with three rows of seating. The front two rows work well for adults, while the third row is manageable for short trips thanks to the stadium-style seating that perches the last row a bit higher than the others. Up front, the driving position is a Goldilocks-esque "just right" that falls somewhere between SUV-tall and sedan-short. The extended roofline and wagon profile of the Ford Taurus X offer impressive cargo capacity, especially with the third row folded down, and the loading height is very convenient. In full cargo mode, the 2009 Ford Taurus X can accommodate items up to nine feet in length.

The 2009 Ford Taurus X rides firmly but with an underlying softness, so maneuverability is secure and crisp. However, it seems out of its element on tight, twisty turns. A very good, stable on-center feel makes the Taurus X especially relaxed and ideal for long highway hauls.

The 2009 Ford Taurus X is available in SEL, Eddie Bauer, or Limited trim levels, and each offers either front-wheel drive or an "intelligent" all-wheel-drive system that sends most of the power to the front wheels except when it's needed in back, before wheels slip. The features list for the Ford Taurus X leaves little to be desired, with the base 2009 Ford Taurus X SEL offering air conditioning, keyless entry, and CD sound. The top-end Eddie Bauer edition gets a nice two-tone paint scheme, 18-inch wheels, and new badging, along with a reverse-sensing system, heated seats and mirrors, wood-grain trim, adjustable pedals, an upgraded sound system, and the SYNC hands-free calling and entertainment interface.

An optional power liftgate headlines the available extras on the 2009 Ford Taurus X; other noteworthy options include Sirius Satellite Radio, DVD entertainment, and voice-activated navigation.

For those who value safety features and safety cred, the Taurus has it in spades. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard on the 2009 Ford Taurus X, along with front side airbags and side curtain airbags that reach outboard occupants in all three rows. When compared to the old Freestyle, the front footwells have been reinforced, and interior door panels have been redesigned for better protection. In addition, 2009 brings a new SOS-Post Crash Alert system, which automatically flashes the turn signal lamps and pulses the vehicle horn immediately following an emergency. The Taurus X (considering its name change) has been a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick, as it is for 2009, and it gets top "good" scores in crash tests, along with top five-star scores in the federal government's crash tests. It's one of the safest models on the road of any size, from any manufacturer.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Ford Taurus X, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Saturn Outlook is one of a group of GM crossovers that includes the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia; it performs well and has a more refined ride than the Taurus X, though it feels smaller inside than the Taurus X, and its third row is tight. The same goes for the Honda Pilot, which also rates well for safety and has a tight third row of seating. Some may find the Pilot's faux-rugged, boxy appearance alluring. Otherwise, the Subaru Tribeca is another alternative, with a style that, to some, says SUV while actually serving as a station wagon. The Tribeca handles much better than the Taurus X and is more exciting to drive, but it also has a cramped third row.

The Bottom Line:

Ford may never call it a wagon for marketing reasons, but the 2009 Ford Taurus X is just that—practical, convenient, safe, and quite possibly one of the best wagons ever produced.

To bring you this comprehensive review of the 2009 Ford Taurus X, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com have read all of the latest expert reviews. Additionally, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Ford Taurus X to help bring some clarity where the reviews differ. Likes:SafetyPlenty of zip from the engineSpacious, comfortable interiorWide range of high-tech, high-convenience featuresDislikes:Won't be mistaken for an exhilarating driverLooks could use some workBuying Tips: If you want this level of safety but can’t handle the higher price and lower fuel economy of the 2009 Ford Taurus X, look to the Ford Taurus sedan. Last year the Ford Freestyle was renamed the Taurus X and given a very mild restyle, along with a much peppier powertrain—making it, despite the odd name, a much more appealing vehicle. The Freestyle has a profile that deceptively looks a lot like that of a full-fledged SUV, with some overall design cues inspired by the once-popular Explorer. But the Taurus X isn’t meant to go crawling off-road; passenger duty is its forte, and the Taurus X is actually closer to a tall-roof station wagon. For last year, along with the name change, the chunky SUV cues were softened a bit; more chrome was part of the spruce-up, along with a new taillamp design and an upgraded interior. Before you condemn the Taurus X for its outward appearance, take a look inside, as the overall design allows for an incredibly spacious, and space-efficient, interior, with three rows of seating. The front two rows work well for adults, while the third row is manageable for short trips thanks to the stadium-style seating that perches the last row a bit higher than the others. Up front, the driving position is a Goldilocks-esque "just right" that falls somewhere between SUV-tall and sedan-short. The extended roofline and wagon profile of the Ford Taurus X offer impressive cargo capacity, especially with the third row folded down, and the loading height is very convenient. In full cargo mode, the 2009 Ford Taurus X can accommodate items up to nine feet in length. The 2009 Ford Taurus X rides firmly but with an underlying softness, so maneuverability is secure and crisp. However, it seems out of its element on tight, twisty turns. A very good, stable on-center feel makes the Taurus X especially relaxed and ideal for long highway hauls. The 2009 Ford Taurus X is available in SEL, Eddie Bauer, or Limited trim levels, and each offers either front-wheel drive or an "intelligent" all-wheel-drive system that sends most of the power to the front wheels except when it's needed in back, before wheels slip. The features list for the Ford Taurus X leaves little to be desired, with the base 2009 Ford Taurus X SEL offering air conditioning, keyless entry, and CD sound. The top-end Eddie Bauer edition gets a nice two-tone paint scheme, 18-inch wheels, and new badging, along with a reverse-sensing system, heated seats and mirrors, wood-grain trim, adjustable pedals, an upgraded sound system, and the SYNC hands-free calling and entertainment interface. An optional power liftgate headlines the available extras on the 2009 Ford Taurus X; other noteworthy options include Sirius Satellite Radio, DVD entertainment, and voice-activated navigation. For those who value safety features and safety cred, the Taurus has it in spades. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard on the 2009 Ford Taurus X, along with front side airbags and side curtain airbags that reach outboard occupants in all three rows. When compared to the old Freestyle, the front footwells have been reinforced, and interior door panels have been redesigned for better protection. In addition, 2009 brings a new SOS-Post Crash Alert system, which automatically flashes the turn signal lamps and pulses the vehicle horn immediately following an emergency. The Taurus X (considering its name change) has been a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick, as it is for 2009, and it gets top "good" scores in crash tests, along with top five-star scores in the federal government's crash tests. It's one of the safest models on the road of any size, from any manufacturer. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Ford Taurus X, also consider:Honda PilotSaturn OutlookSubaru TribecaReason Why:The Saturn Outlook is one of a group of GM crossovers that includes the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia; it performs well and has a more refined ride than the Taurus X, though it feels smaller inside than the Taurus X, and its third row is tight. The same goes for the Honda Pilot, which also rates well for safety and has a tight third row of seating. Some may find the Pilot's faux-rugged, boxy appearance alluring. Otherwise, the Subaru Tribeca is another alternative, with a style that, to some, says SUV while actually serving as a station wagon. The Tribeca handles much better than the Taurus X and is more exciting to drive, but it also has a cramped third row. The Bottom Line:Ford may never call it a wagon for marketing reasons, but the 2009 Ford Taurus X is just that—practical, convenient, safe, and quite possibly one of the best wagons ever produced. To bring you this comprehensive review of the 2009 Ford Taurus X, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com have read all of the latest expert reviews. Additionally, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Ford Taurus X to help bring some clarity where the reviews differ. Likes - ...

Other Choices:

The Saturn Outlook is one of a group of GM crossovers that includes the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia; it performs well and has a more refined ride than the Taurus X, though it feels smaller inside than the Taurus X, and its third row is tight. The same goes for the Honda Pilot, which also rates well for safety and has a tight third row of seating. Some may find the Pilot's faux-rugged, boxy appearance alluring. Otherwise, the Subaru Tribeca is another alternative, with a style that, to some, says SUV while actually serving as a station wagon. The Tribeca handles much better than the Taurus X and is more exciting to drive, but it also has a cramped third row.

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See the Ford Taurus X in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Kevin Brown #1, Posted: 10/14/2009

    I purchased a 2009 Taurus X in ealry April 2009. As of Oct 09 I have driven it >15,000km's. I simply love this car. The comfort, quality, ride, and driving characteristics are superb. In Canada, even in base SEL FWD trim, the car is exceptionally well equipped- two tone paint, CD-6 changer, satellite radio, IPOD/MP3 player jack, three zone A/C and heat, power pedals, power front seats, fog lamps, cruise control and back-up sensors.
    This summer we drove the car over 2500 kms fully loaded with 5 passengers and all out luggage. Although I purchased the roof racks from Ford and a Thule bag it was not needed as there was just enough space behind the second row with the third seat folded into the floor.
    To date, not a single defect and I have not a single complaint. An awesome family vehicle!

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