There are plenty of reasons to like the Taurus. With the first North American application of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, better fuel efficiency (estimated 31 mpg highway) takes a spotlight on the 2013 Taurus. Yes, Taurus still offers a 3.5-liter V6. But for 2013 there’s more V6 horsepower (going from 263 hp to 288) and more torque (going from 249 to 254). Ford’s flagship sedan offers the 288 hp V6 as standard equipment in the SE, SEL, and Limited models. Replacing the previous model’s power hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering is electric power-assist steering with 2.65 turns lock-to-lock compared to the prior 2.98 turns lock-to-lock. Simply put: the driver can command faster wheel turns.

The 112-inch wheelbase Ford Taurus’ last major overhaul was in 2010, so adding a 4-cylinder engine choice, tweaking the base V6 engine, and going with a new steering system is somewhat unusual in the industry. This latest Taurus also means the MyFord Touch infotainment system is powered via a new version of SYNC. (MyFord Touch essentially replaces many button/dial/knob command points with a center-dash LCD screen and toggle switches on the steering wheel.) The all wheel drive Taurus with 6-speed automatic transmission and 3.5-liter V6 engine collects estimated mpg of 18 city and 26 highway. MSRP of the all wheel drive Taurus SEL with 3.5-liter V6 is $30,650.