For the 2013 Ford Taurus, the engine lineup centers on two configurations: a conventional 3.5-liter V6 Duratec with Ti-VCT for the standard models, and a high-performance 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo used in the Taurus SHO.
Engine lineup for the 2013 Ford Taurus
The 2013 Taurus group offered a mainstream powertrain and a sport-oriented option. The standard versions relied on Ford’s naturally aspirated V6, while the SHO variant employed EcoBoost turbocharging for enhanced performance.
- Standard Taurus engine: 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT
- Taurus SHO engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo
These two configurations defined the engine strategy for the 2013 Taurus lineup, balancing everyday usability with high-performance capability in a single model line.
Standard Taurus engine: 3.5-liter Duratec Ti-VCT V6
The base engines in the 2013 Tauruses used Ford's 3.5-liter Duratec V6, equipped with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) to optimize efficiency and responsiveness across the RPM range.
What Ti-VCT means
Ti-VCT allows independent control of the camshafts, improving fuel efficiency, torque delivery, and idle quality while maintaining smooth operation.
Taurus SHO engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo
On the performance-focused Taurus SHO, Ford replaced the standard V6 with EcoBoost technology: a 3.5-liter V6 equipped with twin turbochargers to deliver greater power and quicker acceleration.
What EcoBoost means
EcoBoost combines turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and advanced engine management to boost performance without a heavy hit to fuel economy, especially noticeable in a mid-size sedan like the Taurus SHO.
Additional considerations for buyers
Choosing between the engines depends on priorities: everyday comfort and smooth power versus high-performance capability. The EcoBoost-powered SHO also carries different maintenance considerations and insurance considerations compared with the standard V6 Taurus.
Summary
In 2013, Ford offered two engine configurations for the Taurus family: a standard 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT for regular models and a high-performance 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo for the Taurus SHO. Each powertrain reflects Ford's aim to balance everyday usability with a sport-tier option within the same model line.