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Ford is in the midst of a new-product blitz. Two new midsize sedans, the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, join an all-new Mustang, the Ford Freestyle crossover SUV and the compact Mercury Mariner SUV.

The Five Hundred is Ford’s newest iteration of the family sedan. Built on a chassis with a 112.9-inch wheelbase derived from the Volvo XC90, the Five Hundred sits tall and has a spacious interior. Ford owns Volvo. The Five Hundred is available in three trim levels in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Base prices start at $22,145 for the SE and top out at $27,845 for an all-wheel-drive Limited.

The base SE has a continuously variable transmission, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, 17-inch wheels, power outside mirrors, interval wipers, keyless entry, power windows and locks, six-way power driver’s seat, split fold-flat rear bench seat, rear-seat armrest with cup holders, two 12-volt power points, AM/FM stereo with single CD player and air conditioning.

The Five Hundred’s clean, conservative styling mirrors the simplicity that has been popularized by Audi and Volkswagen. Some might wish for a bolder look, but the Five Hundred is purposely understated. The Five Hundred is not a Taurus replacement, but it will certainly take center stage among the Ford sedan family.

In many ways, the Five Hundred represents a new paradigm for Ford sedans. It has a generous interior with a tall, upright seating position that provides a command of the road like that of an SUV. Occupants sit 4 inches higher than in many comparable sedans, yet step-in height is low. Older buyers or those with mobility problems will appreciate the fact that you don’t sit low or have to bend over much to get in. The 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom is greater than in the full-size Crown Victoria.

On the SEL and Limited models, a folding rear seat back creates a long but fairly narrow cargo space. The back of the front passenger seat also folds to create a space long enough to carry an 8-foot ladder. The 21-cubic-foot trunk can hold eight full-size golf bags.

The Five Hundred’s interior is comfortably styled with soft-touch paint finishes, leatherlike textures and well-shaped seats. The instrument panel has simple, chrome-trimmed gauges. Audio and climate controls adorn the center stack that blends into the console. Buttons are large and easy to use, while the console has two cup holders and the gearshift.

A small storage bin, good for maps, cell phones and the like, is under a door in the top of the instrument panel. Additional storage is found in the door panels and rear-seat armrest. Eight cup holders are located throughout the interior, including one in each front door pocket.

Wood grain trim on the SEL test car added an upscale look. Fingertip controls on the steering wheel make it easy for the driver to operate the radio and cruise control.

Although the steering wheel tilts, it doesn’t telescope, and I felt as if I was sitting too far from the wheel when I had the seat adjusted properly for my feet.

The Five Hundred uses Ford’s 3.0-liter, Duratec V-6, and it is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission or a CVT continuously variable transmission. The CVT is standard on the base SE as well as the all-wheel-drive version. The CVT uses a steel link belt and two variable-size pulleys for a nearly infinite choice of gear ratios. The CVT is almost as fuel-efficient as a manual.

The V-6 produces 203 horsepower. Acceleration is more than adequate, but not scintillating. This engine is fairly smooth, but gets a little noisy under full throttle.

The optional all-wheel drive system is one currently used by Volvo. Self-leveling shock absorbers are part of the all-wheel-drive package.

Side-curtain airbags and a rollover sensor are part of the Five Hundred’s safety package. Antilock brakes and traction control are standard.

Price

The test car was an SEL with a base price of $24,145. Options included side-curtain airbags, leather seats and rear parking sensors. The sticker price was $26,535.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.