Ford is on the leading edge with Edge in its unique blend of style, size, function, features, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics at a surprisingly reasonable price. It's on the high side of midsize—big enough to be roomy for up to five full-size folks, small enough to feel taut and maneuverable on the road.
In addition to the styling benefits, Edge also reduces weight—which benefits braking, handling and economy—and allows its rear roof to slope sharply for car-like style and aerodynamics. Buyers who need room for more than five adults can opt for Ford's slightly larger and more squared-off Freestyle CUV, or an Explorer or Expedition SUV. Those who want something smaller can opt for Ford's popular Escape.
Exterior Design
Unlike traditional people-and cargo-haulers (SUVs and minivans), Edge's stated role is to redefine the segment as an “iconic” crossover with bold American design. That begins with its Fusion-like three-bar chrome grille, wing-like wraparound headlamps and steeply sloped windshield, extends along its high-shouldered, flare-fendered flanks and finishes with the fast-sloping rear window, integrated roof spoiler, crystal clear taillamps and sporty dual exhausts. To enhance its wide, aggressive stance and optimize interior room, the wheels are pushed toward the corners.
Interior features and function
The exterior design carries into Edge's ultra-quiet cabin with sharp, graphic lines and angles. The standard two-tone interior uses mostly premium materials, with chrome accents on the shifter, door releases and center vent surrounds. The center stack, which picks up the shape of the “powerdome” hood, houses an AM/FM, CD/MP3 audio system. It flows into a console that houses the shifter and a pair of bottle/cup holders. Available audio enhancements include an available in-dash, six-CD changer, SIRIUS satellite radio, Audiophile sound system and DVD based navigation, which uses a sharp and extra-bright 6.5-inch screen and text-to-speech technology that can read turn-by-turn directions aloud in English, Spanish or French.
The large, deep center console box has adjustable inserts that can customize the space to store anything from CDs to purses to laptop computers. In addition to a 12-volt outlet on the instrument panel and another on the rear of the console, there's a third in the cargo area, plus a fourth one inside the console that can power a cell phone, iPod or PDA. Also inside the box is a standard MP3 player/audio input jack that enables hundreds of hours of music play through the audio system. A small slot on the side of the box is there to keep cords in order. An optional multifunctional DVD entertainment system features a flip-down 8-inch LCD module, an infrared remote control and two sets of wireless headphones.
The standard manually adjustable front seats can be replaced by optional six-way power leather-trimmed and heated seats with manual recline and lumbar support. For added flexibility, a fold flat front passenger seat is also available. The 60/40-split second-row provides impressive roominess in all dimensions and can fold forward into a level load floor or recline up to 15 degrees using the same easy-to-use handle. They can also flop down at the touch of a button with optional EasyFold™ release toggle switch in the cargo hold. The integrated rear console folds down to reveal another pair of cup holders. With the rear seats folded flat and the front passenger seated folded, consumer can transport items up to eight feet long. The large rear liftgate opens to 32 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the second row or 68.7 with the second row folded, a capacity rivaling many mid-size SUVs.
Performance and safety
Edge's all-new 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6 delivers an eager 265 horses and 18 mpg city, 25 mph highway EPA economy through a new six-speed wide-ratio automatic. The available “intelligent” all-wheel drive monitors and predicts traction at all four wheels and delivers torque front to rear to those with the best grip before any begin to slip, and it reduces EPA mpg just one to 17/24.
The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with ride-smoothing hydro bushings on an isolated front subframe. The rear is four-link independent with outboard rear shocks for improved wheel control. Brakes are four-wheel anti-lock discs, wheels are substantial 17¬inchers, and 18-inch painted or chrome alloys are optional on uplevel SEL models. It all works surprisingly well to deliver car-like ride and agile handling despite the CUV's 4,000-pound-plus curb weight.
Ford's AdvanceTrac™ traction control, Roll Stability Control and six airbags (dual-stage front, seat-mounted side and Safety Canopy side curtains are standard safety features. An available class-exclusive panoramic Vista Roof™ offers sunlight over both seating rows and opens up to halfway back when desired. Edge pricing begins below $26,000, including destination.
Ford is well positioned with this “iconic” new Edge, offering additional consumer choices in the showroom with 5-passenger SUVs and CUVs like Escape and Edge and 7-passenger SUVs and CUVs like Explorer and Freestyle. |
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