2017 Ford Taurus – Albany, NY

The 2017 Ford Taurus might not necessarily be known as a sports car, but you certainly wouldn’t know that if you explored the vehicle’s performance specs. The available engine offerings manage to crank out a whole lot power, allowing the owner to zoom past any other drivers on the highway.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is one of the brand’s more popular offerings, and that probably has to do with the impressive power specs. The unit manages to pump out a respectable 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, thanks to inclusions like turbocharging and direct injection, drivers can also anticipate a respectable a 24-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.

The 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine reduces those power specs, but this vicariously has a positive influence on efficiency. Ultimately, drivers can expect the unit to deliver an impressive 27-mile-per-gallon on the highway when the vehicle is equipped with the front-wheel-drive capabilities and a 24-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency when equipped with the all-wheel-drive unit. Of course, when we say power is reduced, we don’t mean it’s completely compromised. Drivers can still expect an impressive 288 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque from this unit.

The 2.0-Liter EcoBoost I4 engine is the smallest of the bunch, and this predictably leads to impressive fuel efficiency specs. Drivers can ultimately anticipate a practically unmatched 29 miles per gallon when traveling on the highway, saving them plenty of money at the gas station. The unit also manages to crank out a solid amount of power at 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the inclusion of the six-speed electronic SelectShift automatic transmission, drivers can also expect one of the smoothest rides out there.

There are a number of technological features included in the 2017 Ford Taurus that will influence the entire driving experience. It starts with the brand’s SYNC 3 software, which can easily be accessed via the touchscreen. The unit allows drivers to access an assortment of useful applications, providing both entertainment and convenience. If the driver opts for the “Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link,” they’ll be able to take advantage of an extensive unit that can guide them to any destination.

If drivers instead want to jam out to their favorite tunes (potentially via the SiriusXM Satellite Radio), then you might want to consider opting for the brand’s available sound system. The Audio System from Sony with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics truly provides occupants with an unmatched listening experience. Thanks to the 12 speakers, drivers won’t want to leave their vehicle when they’ve arrived at their destination.

Perhaps the most creative inclusion is the brand’s MyKey technology, which pops up right next to the vehicle’s speedometer. The unit will display an array of useful information and helpful reminders, confirming the technology’s standing as the perfect driving companion. For instance, the system can remind the driver when they’ve forgotten to fasten their seatbelt, and it can also manipulate some of your vehicle’s basic features (like audio) if you exceed a pre-set speed. Of course, the unit also displays fuel efficiency and vehicle diagnostics, and the useful positioning means drivers don’t have to manipulate their body to see this information.

Of course, since you’re presumably going to be making quite the financial investment with your new vehicle, we assume that you’ll want to maintain the like-new condition of your Taurus. Fortunately, the brand included a number of useful safety amenities that should help drivers avoid accidents altogether.

For instance, the Blind Spot Information System will provide the driver with an extra set of eyes, alerting them when another car has snuck up beside them. This technology should hopefully prevent any nasty collisions on the highway. The accompanying Rear Cross Traffic Alert can determine when an object is about to cross behind your ride, alerting you of the impending danger. Meanwhile, the Lane-Keeping System will play similar roles, alerting the driver when they’re beginning to sway from the path. If necessary, the unit can adjust the vehicle’s steering to keep you in your intended lane.