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Ford’s new Edge crossover vehicle has seemingly arrived at just the right time for the troubled automaker, offering style, roominess and strong performance. The crossover market continues to expand as consumers switch from gas-guzzling SUVs to car-based crossover vehicles that are easier to drive and deliver better fuel economy. So while Ford estimates it will only sell about 100,000 units annually, that’s still a fairly big number in a market getting more crowded by the day. And any successful vehicle will help financially ailing Ford, which has relied too heavily on its F-150 pickup and Explorer SUV for too long. Both have seen declining sales as the wide variety of crossovers has stolen Explorer sales and strong new pickups from Nissan and Toyota steadily chip away at the F-150.
Walkaround: Ford hasn’t set any styling trends in a long time, but the Edge is both sporty and functional at a time many crossover buyers demand style as well as practicality.
The Edge’s three-bar chromed grille is similar to the Fusion’s and Ford has seemingly taken a page out of Nissan’s truck and SUV styling guide, making it a trademark grille. A version of it even appeared on the Interceptor concept at the Detroit Auto Show.
The windshield is aggressively raked, and the front-sloping rear window and raised beltline emphasize the sculpted “shoulders” formed around distinct wheel arches. The wheels being located at the extreme corners give it an aggressive stance as well as better handling and a comfortable ride, and finish off the illusion of motion used by other style leaders.
The Edge comes in two trim levels — the base SE or upscale SEL with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Interior: Inside, the Edge easily accommodates four tall adults, who sit fairly high, but like most other SUVs, wouldn’t want to sit in the middle of the rear seat. Folding down the rear center armrest though reveals dual cupholders.
The front bucket seats are quite supportive and comfortable. Instrumentation is easy to read, but seems more about style than function. There’s dual cupholders in the front console and beverage holders and storage pockets in the doors, while rear doors offer juice box holders.
The split rear seats both recline and flip forward, and when folded flat, enlarge the roomy cargo area. An optional front passenger seatback folds forward to accommodate long objects with the rear hatch closed. The cargo opening is conveniently low and wide. There’s no third-row seat.
The base Edge SE comes well-equipped, including air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry, and an AM/FM/Single CD/MP3 capable, 4-speaker audio system.
Sirius Satellite Radio is available on both trim levels, but the SEL adds a 6-way power driver’s seat, premium 6-disc CD with nine speakers, steering wheel audio controls, unique interior treatments, overhead console, dual lighted visor mirrors, fog lights, and chrome tips decorating the Edge’s dual exhaust outlets.
Also available on the SEL are stitched leather seats, heated front seats, 6-way power front passenger seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote release for second row fold-flat seats, DVD entertainment and navigation systems, dual automatic temperature controls, audiophile sound, and 18-inch (vs. standard 17-inch) wheels.
One cool option for the SEL is a panoramic glass Vista Roof. It covers the entire seating area with glass panels and has a tilt/slide glass front sunroof and fixed rear glass panel. Closeable, twin power cloth shades block sun glare.
Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags. The Edge also boasts Ford’s Advance Trac, Roll Stability Control traction/anti-skid system, which is unique in utilizing two gyroscopic sensors.
Under The Hood: Powering the Edge is a smooth, new high-revving, 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC, 265-horse, V6. This one of the best powerplants Ford has built in recent years and will find its way under the hood of other Ford vehicles.
It does the 0-60 mph drill in just 7.6 seconds, and is coupled with a responsive new six-speed automatic transmission. There’s no manual shift feature, but it’s not really needed. Believe it or don’t, the automatic was developed jointly with General Motors to hold costs down.
Fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg/city and 25/highway with front-wheel drive and 17 and 24 with all-wheel drive — and it burns regular.
Behind The Wheel: The Edge is an excellent example of a modern crossover, blending automotive attributes and unibody construction, with SUV body-on-frame utility. The ride is agile and comfortable, with steering that’s car-like and precise. Handling is stable, but the Edge’s 4073-pound weight (or 4282 as in our AWD test vehicle) is evident during quick maneuvers.
Stopping distances are short and the brake pedal has a progressive action for consistently smooth stops. The AWD system has no low-range gearing for serious off-road driving, but Ford says it provides “confident all-weather (road) driving,” — whatever that means.
Whines: The dual cupholder cover in the front console partially blocks the driver’s reach when it’s open, which seems like an inane design flaw. It seems to get the best from the Edge requires spending more on options than you may want.
Bottom Line: The Edge’s slick design is based on Mazda’s sporty CX-7 crossover platform — because Ford owns part of Mazda. The Edge isn’t as sporty as the CX-7 because it’s heavier and more comfort-oriented. But it should sell well as the market for highly functional minivans diminishes as crossovers provide minivan usefulness minus the social stigma — and it offers many features today’s buyers demand with prices ranging from $25,320 to $29,070, with all-wheel-drive versions going for $26,970 to $30,720. | 
