more about this model "They don't make 'em like they used to." For those who think this saying applies to cars, we present the 2017 Ford Taurus, a car that delivers the values of a traditional large American sedan: Comfortable ride, roomy interior and a trunk large enough to qualify for its own ZIP code. In a market flooded with small, high-tech, fuel-efficient cars, the Taurus has an old-school vibe that we're sure will resonate with some buyers. Unfortunately, the Taurus is beginning to show its age in ways that aren't so commendable. 2017 marks the eighth year of production for the current-generation Taurus, and there are other large sedans that do a better job with more fuel-efficient powertrains, better driving dynamics, newer technology and better cabin trim.
The Taurus offers two engine choices: A traditional 3.5-liter V6 producing 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 240 hp and 270 lb-ft. V6 models offer all-wheel drive as an option; the four-cylinder is front-wheel drive only. EPA fuel economy estimates range from 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway) for the 2.0T, down to 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) for the AWD V6.
Ford also offers a sporty version called the Taurus SHO, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out 265 hp and 350 lb-ft and delivers it to all four wheels. Fuel economy is comparable to the non-turbo V6 AWD powertrain. The SHO turned a 5.8-second zero-to-60-mph run in Edmunds testing, which is slower than the high-performance versions of some of its competitors. The SHO is more agile than the regular Taurus on curvy roads, which feels bulky and ponderous in the turns, but again it's simply not up to the standards set by its newer rivals. We like the smooth, quiet ride best, which makes the Taurus a great car for long road trips.
The Taurus' cabin is starting to look dated. Although we like the dual-cowl design and the new Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system, the poor-quality materials let it down. Space is the Ford Taurus' ace in the hole. There's plenty of stretch-out space for both front- and rear-seat occupants, though the high dash, thick pillars and small windows make the cabin feel more cramped and confined than it really is. They also limit visibility, which further hampers the driving experience. But the trunk is a wonder to behold: With 20.1 cubic feet of space, it's unlikely you can pack enough suitcases to fill it.
Ford offers the Taurus in four trim levels. The SE is the one you'll most likely find on a rental car lot, though it is equipped with all the basics; we prefer the additional creature comforts in the SEL. The leather-lined Limited broaches on luxury car status, especially when equipped with optional advanced driver aids, like adaptive cruise control and automated parking. Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Ford Taurus for you.
2017 Ford Taurus Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ford Taurus and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Taurus featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ford Taurus and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Taurus 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Taurus.
Vehicle
SEL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I took a rental 2017 Fors Taurus from Avis for a vacation from NJ to NC and Tennessee. We covered 1761 miles in total from start to finish. We wanted a tough car for the journey offering great comfort, power, fuel efficiency / economy and this car met all our expectations through out our journey. I loved driving this car, it was very smooth, peppy and we never got tired. I was also surprised by the fuel efficiency it offered. It gave me 40.4 mi to a gallon which is exceptional. The best I had seen was 34.6 in a Camry. I couldn't imagine a car if this size could offer and with all the reviews I read and the promise what the company made which is 30 mi to a gallon, this went far beyond. I double checked all the receipts which I normally keep track during every vacation whether or not I missed something, but I was spot on.i was also amazed with the features this car offered! Thank you Ford Taurus for making our vacation a memorable one!!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Ford Taurus
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Ford Taurus earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.5 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Ford Taurus 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, SHO, Wagon
Available Trims: SEL, SE, Limited, SHO, SES, SE Fleet, SES Deluxe, LX, GL, SEL Fleet
Exterior Colors: Ingot Silver Metallic, Magnetic Metallic, Shadow Black, Tuxedo Black Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Oxford White, Blue Jeans Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, Ebony Black, Smoked Quartz Tinted Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Merlot Clearcoat Metallic, White Gold Metallic, Tuxedo Black Clearcoat Metallic, Bordeaux Reserve Red Metallic, Arizona Beige Clearcoat Metallic, Candy Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Gold Ash Clearcoat Metallic, Medium Royal Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Oxford White Clearcoat, Steel Blue Metallic, Vibrant White Clearcoat, White Suede, Windveil Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Black Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic, Dark Side Metallic, Deep Impact Blue, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, White Suede Clearcoat, Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Kodiak Brown Metallic, Spruce Green Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Deep Impact Blue Metallic, Graphite Blue Metallic, Kona Blue Metallic, Matador Red Clearcoat Metallic, Alloy Clearcoat Metallic, Atlantis Green Metallic, Bright Calypso Green Metallic, Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Chestnut Clearcoat Metallic, Cinnamon Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic, Gold Leaf Metallic, Green Gem Metallic, Guard Metallic, Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic, Smokestone Clearcoat Metallic, Sunset Metallic, Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic, True Blue Clearcoat Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal Black premium leather, Charcoal Black leather, Dune cloth, Charcoal Black cloth, Charcoal Black leather/sueded microfiber, Dune premium leather, Charcoal Black/Mayan Gray leather/sueded microfiber, Light Stone leather, Charcoal Black premium cloth, Dune leather, Light Stone premium cloth, Medium Parchment, Medium Graphite, Light Stone cloth, Light Stone premium leather, Black leather, Camel leather, Medium/Dark Pebble leather, Charcoal Black/Mayan Gray premium leather, Ebony Black leather, Medium Light Stone cloth, Medium/Dark Flint leather
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Trip Computer, Tire Pressure Warning, Post-collision safety system, Stability Control, Auto Climate Control, Alarm, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Aux Audio Inputs, Remote Start, Parking sensors, Leather Seats, Heated seats, Mobile Internet, Cooled Seats, Keyless Entry/Start, AWD/4WD, Navigation, Sunroof/Moonroof, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Upgraded Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Stereo, Upgraded Engine, Third-row seating
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive, all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
