The 2013 Ford Taurus offered two engine options depending on trim: a standard 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT for most models, and the high-performance Taurus SHO, which uses a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo. Here’s how those engines break down.
Standard Taurus engines
The bulk of the 2013 Taurus lineup used Ford's 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT engine (Duratec 35). This naturally aspirated V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is designed to deliver smooth, quiet power for everyday driving.
Ti-VCT overview
Ti-VCT stands for Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing. This technology optimizes valve timing across RPM ranges to improve power, efficiency, and low-end torque.
- 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT (Duratec 35) — naturally aspirated V6 with variable cam timing, used in most non-SHO Taurus models.
In short, this engine powered the majority of the Taurus lineup, providing reliable performance and comfortable highway cruising with reasonable fuel economy for a full-size sedan.
Taurus SHO engine
For the performance-oriented Taurus SHO, Ford installed a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with twin turbochargers. This setup is tuned for significantly higher output and is paired with performance-focused hardware to handle the boost.
EcoBoost technology
EcoBoost combines turbocharging with direct injection to deliver more power per liter than a naturally aspirated engine, while still aiming to maintain competitive overall efficiency.
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo — turbocharged engine delivering about 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, featuring direct injection and twin turbocharging.
The SHO engine represents a distinct performance option within the Taurus family, offering substantially more power and sportier driving characteristics than the standard models.
Summary
In 2013, the Ford Taurus could be equipped with two engine configurations: a standard 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT for most trims and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo for the Taurus SHO. Both engines were designed to deliver strong performance, with the EcoBoost option providing a notably higher level of power for enthusiasts.