Ford Edge Review - 2009

Summary

The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover sport utility that offers better fuel economy and road manners than traditional truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer.

Full Review 2009

The Edge handles better than truck-based SUVs while offering almost as much cargo space. Benefiting from all-wheel drive and a fully independent suspension, the Edge is easier to control than a truck-based SUV in the snow or on wet, slippery roads. The Edge is not small. Considered a midsize crossover utility vehicle, the Edge competes with the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. We found the Edge roomy and comfortable with fully foldable seats for big cargo carrying. The Ford Edge was introduced as a new product for the 2007 model year.

Trims and Styling

The Ford Edge comes in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available for all models except the SE.

The Edge SE ($26,635) is equipped with cloth upholstery, driver's seat lumbar adjustment, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split second-row seat, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack, rear spoiler, and P235/65R17 tires on alloy wheels.

Options include a Convenience Package, which includes an auto-dimming mirror, reverse sensing system, automatic headlamps, door-entry keypad, and steering-wheel audio controls ($650); a trailer towing package ($395); and a roof rack ($95).

The Edge SEL ($29,545) and SEL AWD ($31,395) add fog lamps, six-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, keyless keypad entry; six-disc CD changer, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a vehicle information center.

A Leather Comfort Package ($1,125) includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, particulate air filter and six-way power fold-flat front passenger's seat.

Other options include a blue suede interior ($525), cargo package ($555), Sight & Sound Package ($650), Panoramic Vista roof ($1,595), Ford's Sync entertainment and communications system ($395), 18-inch chrome wheels ($840), voice-activated navigation ($1,995), and DVD entertainment ($1,995).

The Edge Limited ($32,300) and Limited AWD ($34,150) come with leather upholstery, Ford's Audiophile sound system with nine speakers, Ford Sync communications and entertainment system, rear park assist, heated front seats, flat-folding six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, memory for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors, second-row reclining and power-folding split seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, interior air filter, heated mirrors, and P245/60R18 tires on chromed alloy wheels.

The Edge Sport ($34,755) and Sport AWD ($36,605) come with unique features, including leather seating with Alcantara suede inserts; an eight-piece body kit, with special front and rear fascias, body-side cladding, and side-skirt rocker moldings; and a 22-inch machine-polished wheel package. Options available on other trim levels are also available on the Sport.

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side-curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seating, anti-lock brakes, traction control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Ford Edge is bigger than it looks in photos. The Edge is eight inches shorter in overall length than the Ford Explorer yet its wheelbase is just two inches shorter. Also, the track on the Edge is four inches wider while the overall width is just one inch wider. Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels.)

The wide track and long wheelbase relative to the body make the Edge look solid: The four wheels are near each corner, making it appear firmly planted on the road. Visually, this aggressive stance makes the Edge stand apart from the relatively tippy look of traditional SUVs.

The Edge features Ford's bold, American design. The big chrome grille is placed well forward and has wide chrome slats that merge into the relatively small headlights at each side. The sporty look is helped by pronounced fender flares and large wheels.

Features and Interior Styling

Front-seat occupants find a generous amount of room, largely due to the vehicle's generous width. The Ford Sync communications and entertainment system can be controlled via voice commands or dashboard buttons. To issue a voice command, the driver hits a steering wheel button and speaks the command. The rear-center passenger even gets more room than normal in a vehicle of this size, thanks to the wide track. Getting in and out is easier thanks to rear wheels that are placed well back and thus allow for less intrusion from the wheel wells.

Cargo carrying is an area where the Edge excels. The tailgate lifts to reveal a wide opening. With the rear seats in place there's a reasonable amount of cargo room, but pressing a button automatically reclines the rear seats to open up 69.0 cubic feet of storage space on a nearly flat floor. The rear seatback splits 60/40 for increased versatility and the back reclines several degrees on all models for improved rear-seat comfort.

First Drive 2009

Underway, the Ford Edge handles reasonably well, given its considerable size and weight. The Edge starts life with a good basic structure. The Edge shares its platform and engine with the Mazda CX-9 crossover, as well. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We tested Edge models with both the optional 18-inch wheels and the 20-inch wheels and found the latter did not produce a harsh ride, despite the larger, heavier wheels and shorter tire sidewall. We drove the Edge with all-wheel drive, which helped make the car more sure-footed. Ford even lists its approach angle (16 inches), departure angle (24.5 inches), and ramp break-over angle (17 degrees), specifications usually reserved for off-road vehicles. We think the Edge will be fine on unpaved roads. We drove the Edge through snow and ice in Chicago and found it handled quite well thanks to the independent suspension and all-wheel drive.

Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is standard on all models and can help the driver maintain control.

Conclusions

The Ford Edge offers striking styling. The Edge is a far more efficient vehicle than a traditional SUV. Opt for all-wheel drive and you've got a great all-year-round car as well. "This car was a joy to drive for more than 1,200 miles of highway, local trips, holiday gift shopping, and commuting in traffic." said Boston Globe "The Edge is a mid-size five-seat crossover SUV that offers a comfortable interior and carlike driving experience." adds Car and Driver This is a roomy five-seat vehicle with two rows of seats. We find the Ford Edge a smarter choice than a traditional, truck-based SUV, unless you are towing heavy trailers or frequently driving over rugged terrain.