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- Highs Cavernous trunk, available all-wheel drive, Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use.
- Lows Hefty curb weight, numb steering, outdated interior compared to rivals.
- Verdict The Taurus might suit buyers looking for a traditional large sedan, but it lacks the refinement and driving dynamics you'll find in many competitors.
Overview
The 2017 Ford Taurus is a traditional full-size American sedan with a broad-shouldered design and a performance variant in the form of the 365-hp Taurus SHO. However, the Taurus feels like its treading water against both newer sedan rivals and a growing number of family-friendly SUVs. Despite its substantial size—not to mention its hefty curb weight— the interior of the Taurus has less passenger space than most direct competitors. To its credit, the trunk is cavernous and the ride is smooth, as long as you avoid the pothole-thumping optional 20-inch alloys on higher trim levels.
What's New for 2017?
Apart from a few new exterior colors, the Ford Taurus enters the 2017 model year without any significant changes.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SE: $28,220
- SEL: $30,650
- Limited: $37,730
- SHO: $43,395
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard powertrain in the Taurus consists of a 288-hp 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive configurations. This delivers a reasonable turn of speed, though the Taurus’s substantial weight works against it in terms of fuel economy and cornering prowess. An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder has less horsepower but more overall torque than the base V-6. In practice, we found the turbo-four struggles to improve either straight-line speed or fuel mileage compared to the V-6. At the top of the lineup is the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 that comes in the SHO trim. With a total of 365 horsepower, the Taurus SHO is undeniably faster, though it’s not exactly what you’d call sporty or light on its feet.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The front seats in the Taurus accommodate people of all shapes and sizes, while providing comfort and support for even the longest journey. Available massaging front seats, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel make a good thing that much better. Problems surface when talk turns to back-seat space, which is surprisingly snug considering the size of the Taurus. A high beltline and narrow windows also give this Ford sedan limited outward visibility. The dashboard itself and the materials used throughout the cabin are looking very dated and out of step with the competition. At the very least, the Taurus is a star when it comes to hauling cargo thanks to its 20-cubic-foot trunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Taurus comes standard with the basic Ford Sync system that includes a small 4.2-inch display screen, one USB port, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, and limited smartphone connectivity. Available Sync 3 brings along an 8.0-inch touchscreen and popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, additional USB ports, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio. The interface responds quickly and has handy features like pinch-to-zoom for the optional navigation system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford Taurus’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.