2012 Ford Taurus vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2012 Ford Taurus edges between two classes of sedans, depending on how you equip it.

In its base form, it overlaps with the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry; but when loaded it takes on larger, more luxurious sedans like the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse.

In that latter group, the Buick LaCrosse is perhaps closest to the Taurus in overall packaging; like the Taurus, the LaCrosse offers a more modern, stylish, and sporty take on the traditional luxury sedan--with the emphasis on comfort.

But unlike the Taurus, the LaCrosse offers no true sport model.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata remains our top-rated mid-size model; it boasts top-notch highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg, thanks to its direct-injected four-cylinder engine, and at the value-priced end of the market it can't be beat.

The latest Chevrolet Malibu occupies roughly the same size class—bigger than the usual front-driver—but offers a fuel-saving four-cylinder version, though no all-wheel drive; the Malibu is also slated for a redesign for 2013.

Both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord might not feel as large and substantial at first look, but they offer more economical four-cylinder options with just as much comfort and possibly roomier backseats.