Ford Taurus vs. Hyundai Azera

Buyers looking to step up from the typical family sedan have plenty of choices. Full-size cruisers like the Ford Taurus and Hyundai Azera offer a relaxing ride, bountiful room and premium appointments on par with some luxury vehicles.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Taurus & Azera >>

Both big sedans have their strengths, but which do we find more compelling?

Taurus Highlights

Unlike the original Taurus we all remember, the modern model is officially full-size, with interior room and trunk space that rival boat-like Ford sedans of the past. While its capacity is nostalgic, the Taurus' performance is light years ahead of its ancestors.

Taurus received several crucial updates in 2013, including a new electric steering unit for sportier handling, and revised brakes with firmer pedal feel and shorter stopping distances. The exterior was also updated with sportier styling, wheels and lighting.

The Taurus offers a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower that delivers 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The standard 3.5-liter V6 has a powerful 290 horsepower, yet still delivers commendable fuel economy for this size class. To the delight of drivers who crave aggressive performance, Ford offers the twin-turbo SHO, which scoots from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. All-wheel drive is available on the midrange SEL and Limited models.

Azera Highlights

The Azera comes in a single trim level, which makes sense since it's fully equipped right out of the box. Every example carries luxuries like leather seating with heat in front and back, a 10-speaker audio system with HD radio, navigation, and a chilled glovebox. The sole engine, a 3.3-liter V6 with 293 horsepower, gets the Azera up to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds – quicker than expected in a sedan built primarily for comfort.

The Hyundai excels on the highway, where it cruises with quiet confidence and plenty of power in reserve for quick bursts of acceleration. With so many comforts on board, passengers should enjoy long trips.

The Best of Both

The Taurus offers surprising driving dynamics in addition to all the traditional advantages of full-size American sedans. With its incredible load of standard features, the Azera makes almost everything else on the market seem stingy.

Our Verdict: Ford Taurus

The Taurus manages to combine scads of interior space with spirited performance; a feat that puts it at the top of its class.

Take a closer look at the Ford Taurus >>

Take a closer look at the Hyundai Azera >>

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