Misteredog Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 (edited) Is anyone able to explain why the tow rating of the Taurus X is a mere 2000 lbs.? The drivetrain is the same as the Edge which has a 3500 lb. tow rating, it is based on the D3 chassis which is derived from the Volvo P2 platform and the vehicles boit on that platform are rated at a minimum of 3300 lbs. towing. The Taurus X's principal rivals, the Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons and the Tribeca, as well as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Saturn Outlook, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica etc. all have tow ratings of 3000 to 4500 lbs., with most being rated at 3500 lbs. the same is true for most minivans. The Taurus X looks like a wimp in comparison, I think that even some people who may not be serioulsy considering using their vehicles for towing will see the low tow rating and feeling that the Taurus X is less sturdy will move on. Is the low tow rating on the Taurus X legitimate, or is Ford just being overly conservative and lowballing the rating hoping to doge warranty costs, protect Explorer sales, or both? Edited July 7, 2007 by Misteredog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2000SableWagon Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 I am thinking that it is a spec that carried over from the Freestyle without being updated. The first order guide had a page talking about final drive ratio related to the defunct CVT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kosh2258 Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 The Taurus X has essentially the same drive train as the Edge and that can tow 3500 lbs IF you get the factory towing package. However, the Taurus X has no such tow package available from the factory although aftermarket hitches and wiring kits are readily available. The Edge package includes a larger radiator and transmission cooler along with the receiver and wiring harness. The Taurus X could probably tow 3500 lbs if it was done occasionally but without the increased cooling capacities I don't think I'd make a habit of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meelaan Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 The answer is in, can a FiveHundred/Taurus tow 3,500 lbs? It's the same vehicle as the Freestyle/Taurus X. This is like trying to differentiate a Crown Victoria from a Country Squire. Taurus X is just a station wagon version of the Taurus. Duh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misteredog Posted July 10, 2007 Author Share Posted July 10, 2007 The answer is in, can a FiveHundred/Taurus tow 3,500 lbs? It's the same vehicle as the Freestyle/Taurus X. This is like trying to differentiate a Crown Victoria from a Country Squire. Taurus X is just a station wagon version of the Taurus. Duh. Three things: 1) The stated tow ratings for the Freestyle/Taurus X is 2000 lbs. versus 1000 lbs. for the FiveHundred/Taurus. 2) The Freestyle/Taurus X differs substantially from the sedan versions behind the B pillar, this may or may not result in significant structural diffrences that affect towing ability. 3) The target market for the cars is different,most sedans don't have substantial tow rating, or towing isn't recommended, all of the Taurus X's competition has hiigher stated tow ratings. Duh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meelaan Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Three things: 1) The stated tow ratings for the Freestyle/Taurus X is 2000 lbs. versus 1000 lbs. for the FiveHundred/Taurus. 2) The Freestyle/Taurus X differs substantially from the sedan versions behind the B pillar, this may or may not result in significant structural diffrences that affect towing ability. 3) The target market for the cars is different,most sedans don't have substantial tow rating, or towing isn't recommended, all of the Taurus X's competition has hiigher stated tow ratings. Duh. Marketing, marketing, marketing... Duh. 1. Unibody passenger cars are by default not rated above 1,000 lbs. for towing. However, in the case of the Freestyle/Taurus X, I would be willing to argue that Ford simply kept the numbers low for the sedan version in order to give the TaurusX some sort of SUV appeal. The FiveHundred/Taurus probably can tow 2,000 lbs just like it's station wagon twin. It's just marketing. 2. Does this mean the Magnum and Charger are substantially different in towing abilities? The only way the Magnum surpasses the Taurus X in towing is if its equipped with a V8. The differences in the Taurus and its wagon sibling are skin deep, no matter how a commercials might twist it. Clearly the 3.5L hinders its capability. 3. Again, the tow rating difference is spin. The TX's lower towing rating compared to its competition probably has something to do with its passenger sedan roots and subsequent V6 limitation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.