Why are new Tacomas rated so low? Consumer Reports has 2017 lowest/worst

Drove both today. Colorado rides better and technology is better. Especially Apple play.
But something about a taco I've always loved. Like a jeep, they ain't the best, but loved.

I buy taco, don't like. Trade for a Chevy. I'd lose more money other way around.

 

Ditto to the above quote. I just read CR for 2015 (mine w/35,000 mi) and 2017. Not withstanding the problems with a differential leak on some 16s and 17s I continue to be baffled by CR frame of reference for reviews.
OK, I'll agree the driver seat is too low. But cabin noise? My wife has hearing aids and doesn't need them when riding in the Taco because wind/road/ engine noise is so well controlled. In addition to a lot of driving on rough dirt and muddy roads we regularly drive it 1500 miles on interstates to visit family.
I'm impressed with how it rides on the highway. For a truck, it is very comfortable and I'm not as fatigued after 8 hours as I was in my dear old 99 RAV4 AWD. We also had a Lexus 330 for long trips and I had no preference of the Taco over the Lexus for ride comfort on long trips. They don't like the braking either. I've had several panic stops both loaded and empty. Full control, no drift or loss of steering.
Buying the Taco we test drove Colorado, Nissan and Honda. You want wind noise? Try the Frontier whistling between the rear view mirror and the cab . . . . geeez. CR doesn't like the handling and complains that you can't feel the steering. You have to test drive for yourself. Maybe the test driver wants a McFearson front strut, four wheel independent, anti sway bar, Tokyo Drift tuned suspension. Its a truck! CR lauds the Taco as a basic workhorse and complains about steering. Can't have it both ways. I think it's fine in city traffic, winding country roads or off road. That's just me. Apparently I'm not a sophisticated connoisseur of steering.
Some reviews downgrade the Taco because of not keeping up with tech advances like lane cHange warning or cross traffic sensors or all around cameras. That's a bum rap. If that's your thing, buy a truck with those features over safety and long term reliability, or buy a Highlander. You want 6,000 lb towing and excellent off road handling, buy a Taco.
Test drive everything. Buy what makes you feel good and something you can depend on. CR thinks a Colorado is a better deal or a full size pick up like a RAM. But will they still be on the road in 250,000 miles with almost zero rattles?
Years ago I remember CR downgrading the acceptability of a certain TV set because they didn't like the shinny material around the control knobs. (Right, back when TVs had knobs . . .)