Smaller with engines, bigger with fuel economy.
That’s what Ford is doing by adding its 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder to its Taurus lineup that the automaker says will give the model the best highway mileage of any large sedan.
On the strength of its EPA ratings, the new turbo four will beat out the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon (non-hybrid) in highway fuel economy and deliver 26 miles per gallon combined. On the power front, the Valencia, Spain-assembled engine delivers 240 horses at 5,500 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 revs.
Ford has also tweaked the Taurus’ base 3.5-liter V6, adding 25 horsepower as well as one mile per gallon city and two miles per gallon highway. The refreshed powerplant churns out 288 hp (@ 6,500 rpm) and 254 lb-ft (@ 4,000 rpm), where last year’s model made do with 263/249. For comparison’s sake, the 2012 model year Taurus 3.5-liter V6 was rated 28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is quickly becoming ubiquitous in the Blue Oval’s stables, as it’s already slotted in vehicles including the Edge, Escape and Explorer, not to mention the Focus ST and Fusion.
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