How is the ride quality?

[maak]

I understand the ride is going to be stiff being what the car is designed to be. I have a wife and 3 kids and am wondering if the car is still comfortable and roomy enough for all of them and would like other real world opinions. thank you.

 

[brucelinc]

I have learned that opinions on ride quality can vary greatly. My suggestion is to drive one and judge it for yourself. I do not just mean a quick spin around the block, either. Take one for a longer test drive over all kinds of roads. It also depends on what you are accustomed to. If you currently drive a Buick or Lexus or other softly sprung vehicle, you might find the SHO to be stiff. It is definitely firmer than a non-SHO Taurus. I personally would call it firm and controlled but not harsh. The Performance Package cars are firmer than the non PP models and are a bit too firm for me but others find them quite comfortable.

While the SHO may not be quite as roomy inside as its large exterior would suggest, I would think the room and overall comfort would be fine for a couple with 3 children - unless they are adult children who are basketball stars.

Every car is a compromise. The SHO gives up a bit of softness compared with normal family sedans but provides much better performance and is vastly more engaging and fun to drive.

 

[Kelly Padfield]

Well my car is running on wheels with a very small profile 255/30ZR22 and I expected the ride to be rough, but I was shocked at how well it seems to ride with that low profile of a tire. I'm not sure what they are like on stock size wheels but I find my car rides better then my 07 Avalanche and I just dumped $5k into the suspension hah.

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

 

[sholxgt]

My MKS is a clone to a non-PP SHO with the exception of adjustable ride settings. Even in the Sport setting the ride is supple enough for me.

However, I don't find the interior space to be very good. It's fine for 4 adults, but I don't think that 3 children in the back would be all that great. They are either small and in child seats that take up a ton of space, or they are larger and taking up more space themselves.

I suggest looking at an Explorer, Edge, or Flex with the 3.5 Ecoboost. You lose very little, if anything, in speed, but gain significant interior space.

 

[markathome]

I have three teens. They will ride in the back, but not for any long distance as they touch each other then gripe, ha.
It's a great touring and trip car with the huge trunk. The ride, very comfortable at interstate speeds. It is a very heavy car that rides well. However, it is a fun drive on a two lane back country road. The Limited model rides softer.

Huge trunk; here's a photo from our most recent trip to the beach.
Two beach umbrellas, 4 folding beach chairs, 2 standard folding chairs, 3 small suitcases, and room for two more suitcases:

Lots of folks do not realize the special design of the trunk hinges that do not require clearance within the trunk.

Sent from my XT1094 using Tapatalk

 

[Chris Horner]

I have three kids 10 and under who fit fine. Older than that though.....try and see. I have a pp and it's firm but never uncomfortable. I'm in the south - blown out northern roads might be a different story. SO much fun to drive though.....

 

[Mdrew]

I went from a 2010 fusion to a 2015 sho. The ride quality is superb as far as I'm concerned. I'd love to lower it but not if it compromises how well it rides.

 

[steelgiant5]

It's not a Buick, it's not a racecar.. It's a sporty comfortable ride. I had 2 booster car seats with back supports and an 8 year old in the back on Friday night. They were fine for an hour long drive. It works good for my family of 4, but I can't take it to the beach with a 21 month old and all the extra stuff she requires. When she is older maybe.


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[RamAireTransAm]

My MKS is a clone to a non-PP SHO with the exception of adjustable ride settings. Even in the Sport setting the ride is supple enough for me.

However, I don't find the interior space to be very good. It's fine for 4 adults, but I don't think that 3 children in the back would be all that great. They are either small and in child seats that take up a ton of space, or they are larger and taking up more space themselves.

I suggest looking at an Explorer, Edge, or Flex with the 3.5 Ecoboost. You lose very little, if anything, in speed, but gain significant interior space.

what edge got the 3.5 ecoboost?what year

 

[SHOdded]

2015+ sport got the 2.7. Other trim levels 2012-14 got the first gen 2.0, 2015+ the 2nd gen 2.0.

 

[sholxgt]

2015+ sport got the 2.7. Other trim levels 2012-14 got the first gen 2.0, 2015+ the 2nd gen 2.0.

Thanks SHOdded. My bad. 2.7 EB only for the Edge.

 

[SHOdded]

We had been wishing for a 3.5EB powered Edge for a LONG time