Ford Edge - touching Ford's Edge

Ford Edge - touching Ford's Edge

Ford Edge - touching Ford's Edge

When gas prices went through the roof a few years ago, and SUV owners realized they didn’t need a full-framed truck to get kids to school and back, Ford Explorer sales plunged. Still a great vehicle, it just wasn’t what drivers needed or wanted. Fortunately, Ford had recently introduced the Fusion-based Edge crossover that offered everything people loved about their Explorers without the demerits. Edge was significantly updated for 2011 including the debut of MyFord Touch and a handsome Sport edition.

“Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and dynamic driving quality,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles.”

Edge is a unique blend of American and Japanese technology. Styling is clearly American, but the underlying chassis and vehicle architecture are derived from the last-generation Mazda6 and are shared with the Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and Lincoln MKX. Powertrains change completely.

A Ford-engineered 3.5-litre V6 returns to produce 285 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Highway fuel economy is rated a relatively-efficient 19/27-MPG city/hwy. Edge Sport, like our test vehicle, comes with the Mustang’s 3.7-litre V6 that ups the ante to 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque - plenty to haul its handsome self at way super-legal speeds. Fuel economy drops slightly to 18/25-MPG city/hwy. Both engines are matched with six-speed SelectShift™ automatic transmissions.

Given the jump in performance with V6 engines, and customers’ desire for improved fuel economy, there is plenty of room on the Edge’s options list for a smaller engine. So, engineers drew up an EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain offers nearly V6 levels of performance while delivering 30% better fuel economy than Edge posted when it debuted in 2006. Final EPA ratings will be released closer to launch.

Few exterior clues let you know about the vast changes within. A revised grille reminiscent of the Fusion sedan’s and new body trim definitely amp up the performance feel, but optional 22” wheels and black grille on the Sport model bring it home. The lower front facia and underbody shields contribute to diminished wind noise and improved fuel economy. All of the body enhancements give Edge a more contemporary, meaner look.
Under the taut skin are retuned suspension and chassis systems. Shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars were re-engineered to allow firmer, sportier handling. Corners and hill crests are attacked with greater vigor. Upgraded four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes enhance stopping ability. Edge offers Hill Start Assist (reduces rollback on hills), Trailer Sway Control (detects oscillating trailers and brakes the vehicle to compensate), and Hydraulic Brake Assist that provides higher braking forces when emergency stops are detected. Already available in the Taurus, Edge is available with Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support that automatically reduces speed and pre-charges the brakes when a collision is imminent.

Undoubtedly getting the most attention with the new Edge is the first application of MyFord Touch. Buttons and knobs are mostly replaced by an iPhone-type touch pad on the center console. Two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster show trip computer and infotainment settings while an 8-inch touch-screen in the center control stack adjusts climate, audio, and navigation functions. Passengers can tag songs on the HD Radio system, and then download them to their iPODs later.

Although much of the Edge is based on the previous model, it comes off as an entirely-new car. My Ford Touch is really cool and couldn’t be more 21st Century. New powertrains, updated style, and crisp handling will continue to gain friends. Throw in a hybrid version (pretty easy given the Fusion has one) and the Edge would take the prize. An as tested price of $40,930 makes the Edge Sport competitive with the GMC Terrain, Toyota Venza, Honda Crosstour, and Nissan Murano.
By Casey Williams - MyCarData