Owners can set the interior up for whatever they've got to lug around in an instant. The rear liftgate on the Limited tester was motorized to help out with loading, and there's a backup sensor in case you bring something on board that impedes your rearward view.

Call me a sissy- but all this space and flexibility actually made me want to go shopping.

In and out with ease
Sitting lower to the ground also means it's supremely easy move items and passengers into and out of the vehicle. There's no step up or down involved- just an easy slide over. Those with decreased mobility will appreciate the 'just-right' height.

Passengers in the second row will appreciate the adequate room for their knees and shoulders, as well as their own climate-control zone. The third row is best for the kids or some cargo. There's an optional DVD player for the rear as well.

The DVD player will keep the kids quiet on long family trips.

A $46,500 Taurus?
Up front, occupants are treated to good visibility and plenty of features in fully loaded trim. Leather seat surfaces in the first two rows are heated, and leather on the steering wheel and shifter add a touch of class. A few splashes of chrome brighten up the scenery, and a punchy stereo with 6-CD changer was appreciated.

In all, Taurus X's interior is very functional, flexible and comfy- though some materials and fit and finish issues let it down. Hard plastic covers almost everything, and a few trim panels were loose or misaligned. It's slightly disappointing that the same attention to detail and materials found in the Fusion are missing here.

A lovely drive
Back when this machine was still called the Freestyle, Ford installed a proven (read: older) 3.0 litre V6 engine and a CVT transmission for a noisy and largely un-entertaining performance experience.

Thankfully, both those bits of hardware are gone- replaced by a 3.5 litre V6 and six-speed automatic. With 263 peaky and free-revving horsepower on board, the Taurus X positively rips when drivers punch the throttle. Sounds nice too- and it makes scarcely a peep when you're gentle. Winter driving mileage averaged about 15L / 100km.

Brakes are fantastic, with a direct and precise feel and strong stopping power. The response from each pedal is sports-sedan like, and the handling is much the same. Even with its ride leaning towards the side of comfort, Taurus X finds a great grip on the road and delivers a quick, precise steering feel fitting of a smaller machine.

In all, it's plenty powerful and a joy to drive, as far as a crossover goes. For wagon roominess, minivan flexibility and a sports-sedan driving experience, be sure to check it out.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard