Best Car Reviews - 2017 Ford Taurus AWD

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Introduction

The 2017 Ford Taurus AWD is a traditional large sedan built for buyers who value a comfortable ride, a roomy five-passenger cabin and reassuring all-weather traction. With its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, it offers a relaxed alternative to crossover SUVs while retaining a very large boot and long-distance comfort.

Design and Exterior Features

The Taurus has a substantial, conservative shape with a broad grille, swept-back headlights and a high beltline. At about 203 inches long, it has genuine full-size road presence. The 2017 model carried over the sixth-generation design with only minor model-year changes, but available LED lighting accents, chrome detailing and larger wheels helped higher trims look more upscale. AWD versions of the SEL and Limited retained the same understated executive-sedan appearance.

Large four-door sedan body with a wide stance and formal proportions.
Standard LED taillamps and available LED accent lighting.
Available 18-, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, depending on trim and options.
Heated power mirrors and an available power moonroof.

Interior and Comfort

The 2017 Ford Taurus AWD prioritizes space and comfort over sporty minimalism. Its dual-cowl dashboard design is distinctive, while the wide front seats and generous rear accommodation make it suitable for families and highway travel. The 20.1-cubic-foot boot is a major strength, and the 60/40-split rear seatbacks improve carrying flexibility. Material quality is generally solid, although newer rivals offered more modern cabin design and better outward visibility.

Spacious seating for five adults and a large 20.1-cubic-foot boot.
Available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats.
Available power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory and heated steering wheel.
Dual-zone automatic climate control on upper trims.

Performance and Handling

The regular-gasoline Taurus AWD uses a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 with 288 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on SEL and Limited models, improving traction in rain and snow. EPA estimates for this powertrain are 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 13.8, 9.8 and 12.4 L/100 km. It is smooth and confident on motorways, though its size and weight are noticeable on tight, twisting roads.

3.5-litre V6 with 288 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque.
Six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Available all-wheel drive for improved low-grip traction.
EPA-rated at 19 mpg combined, or about 12.4 L/100 km.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology varies significantly by trim and package. Base models use Ford SYNC voice controls, Bluetooth and a 4.2-inch display, while available SYNC 3 brings a responsive 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims can add navigation, premium Sony audio, satellite radio, remote start and convenient driver-assistance equipment.

Available SYNC 3 infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen.
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Bluetooth, USB connectivity, voice control and 911 Assist.
Available navigation, Sony premium audio and remote start.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. Available systems include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with brake support and active park assist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Taurus an overall five-star rating. IIHS ratings include Good results for moderate-overlap front impact, side impact, roof strength and head restraints, while the driver-side small-overlap result was Acceptable.

Rearview camera, stability control and traction control are standard.
Front-seat side airbags and rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags.
Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Available forward-collision warning, lane-keeping system and adaptive cruise control.

Pricing and Variants

The 2017 Ford Taurus started at $27,345 in the United States before destination charges and options. The range included SE, SEL, Limited and performance-focused SHO trims. For an AWD buyer, the SEL and Limited are the relevant regular-gasoline V6 choices; the SHO adds a twin-turbocharged V6 and standard AWD but requires premium fuel for its rated output. Main large-sedan competitors included the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse and Kia Cadenza. The Taurus competed well on boot space and available AWD, though several rivals felt more contemporary inside.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Comfortable, quiet ride that suits long motorway journeys.
Available all-wheel drive is unusual and useful in the large-sedan class.
Powerful and smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine.
Exceptionally large boot and practical split-folding rear seats.
Strong crash-test performance and a broad list of available safety technology.

Cons

Fuel economy is modest compared with newer large sedans and hybrids.
Thick pillars and small windows limit outward visibility.
Cabin materials and design feel dated beside newer competitors.
Large dimensions make urban parking and tight-road handling less agile.
Some desirable technology and driver-assistance features were optional.

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2017 Ford Taurus at about $559, although actual expenses depend heavily on mileage, location and service history. Owner-reported complaint patterns for this model year and generation include intermittent electrical or infotainment faults, backup-camera problems, engine cooling concerns including internal water-pump failure, unexpected loss of power or stalling reports, and oil leaks after major engine or transmission work. AWD buyers should also confirm that the power transfer unit has been inspected and serviced properly. These reports do not mean every Taurus will develop these problems, but a pre-purchase inspection and complete maintenance records are especially worthwhile.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.8/10. Design: 7.0/10; comfort: 8.5/10; performance: 7.8/10; technology: 7.5/10; safety: 8.2/10. The 2017 Ford Taurus AWD remains a capable and comfortable full-size sedan, but its aging platform, moderate fuel efficiency and limited visibility prevent it from feeling fully competitive with newer alternatives.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the Taurus AWD’s comfort, cargo capacity and stable bad-weather behaviour. Satisfaction tends to be highest among owners who use it for commuting, family transport and long-distance driving, while criticism often focuses on fuel use, dated styling and the importance of keeping up with maintenance.

Owners often praise the smooth ride and quiet highway character.
The spacious boot and roomy rear seat are frequent positives.
AWD is valued by drivers who regularly face rain, snow or slippery roads.
Many appreciate the strong, relaxed response of the V6 for merging and passing.
Some owners advise checking cooling-system, electrical and drivetrain service history carefully on used examples.

Best Cars in This Category

2017 Chevrolet Impala
2017 Toyota Avalon
2017 Chrysler 300
2017 Buick LaCrosse
2017 Kia Cadenza

Summary

The 2017 Ford Taurus AWD is best suited to drivers who want a traditional full-size sedan with a strong V6, useful all-weather traction, generous passenger room and a truly large boot. It is not the freshest or most fuel-efficient choice in its class, but a well-maintained example can offer comfortable, secure and practical transportation with features that remain appealing for family and long-distance use.