Ford's five-door mid-size Edge crossover arrived in 2006, undergoing a major, next-generation redesign in the 2015 model year. While crossovers may look similar to their bulkier off-road-intended predecessor, the traditional sport-utility vehicle, differences abound where eyes don't normally roam.
Rather than heavier truck-based underpinnings, Edge and other crossovers, offered by just about all major manufacturers, opt for a smoother riding, car-based uni-body construction. Edge shares a platform with Ford's mid-size Fusion sedan.
Currently, crossovers of all sizes have taken the mantel of family hauler, surpassing the once-mighty minivan and steeling thunder from mid-size sedan sales. In the 2016 calendar year, Edge sales (134,588) registered a 10,000 unit increase from the previous year while Fusion (265,840) experienced a 35,000 unit drop during the same time frame.
While both enjoy suitable ride and handling, Edge's hatchback and easy-fold second-row seating provides flexibility while drivers enjoy an elevated seating position. With the second-row folded, 73.4 cubic feet, of cargo space is available, decent for a mid-range crossover.
Updates for 2017 remain minimal save for a few new exterior color hues and the adaptability of two Smartphone interfaces (Apple's CarPlay and Android's Auto), now 'syncable' with Ford's entertainment/electronic information hardware, aptly marketed as Sync.
Within Ford's marketing scheme, Edge falls between the larger, Chicago-built Explorer and smaller Escape.
Edge's pleasant, modern exterior design appeals to a mass audience, never intending to polarize. Inside, five riders find the going quite satisfactory. During the recent redesign, length increased by almost four inches and height by 1.3. Ford resisted the temptation to shoe-horn an extra third row, which works for larger-dimensioned crossovers (see the Ford Explorer) but remains a snug fit within the confines of most mid-sizers. Those that offer such an amenity (Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander) have third-row layouts best suited for pre-teens.
Artistic freedom, made possible via LED lighting, provides the tailgate with a streaming neon light effect. A red illuminated cross bar illuminates at night connecting tail light housings as it stretches below the static rear window. To the top, a spoiler, that also houses a brake light. In front, a hexagonal front design sports Ford's time-honored blue oval logo. Both head and tail lights wrap around, extending to side fenders.
The power rear tail gate, hinged at the top, opens via a myriad of options including: a key fob button, dashboard push icon left of the steering column, or a swipe of a foot under the cargo area.
Shoppers enjoy plentiful choices of under hood engines. Most mid-size crossovers, especially those skewing towards the diminutive end of the spectrum, settle for one or two powertrains. Edge offers an impressive three.
Two of the three powertrains enjoy turbocharging, or, as Ford markets them, 'Ecoboost' engines, combining direct fuel injection ('Eco") with tweaked up turbo charging ('Boost').
Turbochargers run off of recycled exhaust gases spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump concentrated air into the engine. Turbocharging increases horsepower output without adding undue weight, thus pimping up fuel economy. A dual 'twin turbo' design minimizes 'turbo lag,' a hesitation delay sometimes present when punching the gas pedal.
Two powertrains feature six cylinders, bucking a trend in a segment usually four-cylinder centric. All mate to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. Trim levels include: SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport.
Unique to Sport trims, our tester this week, the most potent engine, a twin turbo, 2.7-liter V-6 generating 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. A similar variant of this V-6 is found under hood of Ford's best-selling vehicle, the F-150 light-duty pickup. Unique to the top-level Sport; a specially-tuned stiffer suspension making this the best-handling Edge variant.
Ford offers no gas-electric hybrid powertrain under the Edge namesake, instead, marketing the C-Max mid-size hybrid crossover for those seeking a miles per gallon boost.
All wheel drive comes standard in Sport while front wheel drive is standard in S, SE and Titanium (all-wheel-drive is optional for the three lower trims). Our all-wheel-drive twin turbo V-6 generated 17 miles per gallon city and 24 mpg highway utilizing regular, 87-octane fuel. All trims include a nifty 'capless' self-sealing fuel lead.
The second V-6 offering is naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 280 horsepower and capable of utilizing E-85 Ethanol fuel blends. While ethanol blends were slow to catch on in the U.S., the technology remains popular in South America, a big market for Ford and Edge.
The sole four cylinder is a twin-scroll, high-compression 2.0-liter, 245 horsepower EcoBoost that's standard in the three remaining trims (SE, SEL, Titanium), and tow-rated to move an impressive 3,500 pounds. With summer officially here and weekend activities cresting, this variant is an ideal choice for carting toys to lakes, shores and beaches; whether it be Lake Geneva, Lake Delton or closer-by Lake Ellyn.
Starting price checks in at $28,700 for a SE trim. Our Sport tester started at $40,900. The bottom line ended at $47,830 after factoring assorted options and $895 destination charge.
A $3,345 equipment group featured voice activated navigation, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and heated/cooled front seats. Stand-alone options included: $1,150 radar cruise control, $195 second-row inflatable seat belts and 21-inch premium aluminum wheels.
All trims feature adaptive steering, assisting the vehicle at lower speeds, such as parking lot encounters, by helping turn the front wheels with less driver effort.
An easy-to-reach push-button start comes standard across all trims. Edge's instrument panel is colorful, brightly-lit and logically designed. A traditional, circular analog speedometer with white backlighting rests atop a secondary horizontal gear-shift (PRND) indicator. To the left, a multi-panel information display controllable from steering wheel left-side buttons. Always present in each panel selection: a bar-type fuel gauge. Flanking the speedometer's right: a sound-system, navigation, hands-free phone selection triad. Button clusters on the steering wheel's right wing monitor this window.
Plentiful headroom awaits all travelers. Rather than front windshield wipers dancing to a synchronized side-by-side back-and-forth swish, Edge wipers swipe a larger swath of the glass with a meet-in-the-middle, stretch-to-the-sides rhythm.
The ventilation system, under a colorful multi-function, slightly tilted eight-inch touchscreen, misses the mark in design terms. Small, circular black tactile push buttons reside on a black background, requiring more than a quick glance when updating interior ventilation comfort despite white reverse type. Easy-grab dials are scarce, save for the large cyclops-like on/off/volume button. Below reside dual self-charging USB ports with a flip-down door.
The eight-inch screen monitors stereo commands through direct touch. Finding a desired station not saved on the screen's pre-set icons takes a frustratingly number of pokes and prods. Bring back the scroll dial please.
2017 Edge Sport
Price as tested: $47,830
Engine: 2.7-liter Ecoboost V-6
Horsepower: 315
Fuel economy: 17 city/24 highway
Overall length: 188.1 inches
Overall height: 68.6 inches
Overall width: 85.8 inches
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,060 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five years/ 60,000 miles
Built: Oakville, Ontario
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