
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2012 Ford Taurus is handsome, safe, and well-equipped, but it's not as big inside as its big-car exterior suggests. |
As a sophisticated, roomy, tech-savvy premium sedan—now with up to 36 mpg—the 2012 Buick LaCrosse hits the mark for a lot of shoppers who want luxury on a limited budget. |
It's one of GM's best-executed products of the past few years, and even in its final year on sale, the 2012 Chevy Malibu still ranks highly for its spacious cabin, smooth performance and handsome silhouette. |
After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar. |
A classy, comfortable near-luxury sedan, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has a more modern look but traditional big-car handling and smooth performance. |
MSRP From | ||||
$25,555 | $30,170 | $22,110 | $19,795 | $33,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas V6 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize | Large Cars | Large |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan SE FWD | 4-Door Sedan Base FWD | 4-Door Sedan LS w/1LS | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Manual | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Buick Lacrosse | 2012 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon |