The mid-size Edge has graced Ford dealerships since 2006, generating more than 400,000unit sales. The versatile, five-seat, car-based crossover is the beneficiary of an intense mid-cycle refresh first revealed at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Edge shares underpinnings with the recently introduced Lincoln MKX crossover. This 2011 mid-cycle modification incorporates enough nuances to qualify as a complete redo. It's quite a departure from 2010 and worthy of a look.
Instead of only one available engine (a 3.5-liter V-6), this 2011 version will soon offer three, including a V-6 borrowed from the famed Mustang Pony Car.
As with most recently redesigned Ford vehicles, The 2011 Edge includes an "Easy Fuel' system eliminating the need for a plastic twist cap. Just maneuver the fuel nozzle past a self-sealing barrier plate. When the fuel tank is satisfied and the nozzle removed, the plate automatically closes.
New four-wheel disc brakes with larger rotors and revised friction materials address a common complaint of earlier Edge entries of lackluster stopping ability. A firmer bite is now felt when summoning the brake pedal. A retuned, tighter handling suspension translates to a flatter response through turns and over hills while providing a comfortably smooth ride during the test week.
The 2010 Chicago Auto Show saw the debut of an all-new trim level: a high-performance Edge Sport, borrowing Mustang's 3.7-liter V-6 delivering 305 horsepower. Sport includes a blackened chrome grille (rather than bright, shinny chrome-like variety), sport-tuned suspension and large 22-inch wheels. All Edge models now have narrow band headlight housing surrounding the front grille complimenting an already athletic stance. With the exception of the side doors and roof, all of the 2011 Edge's exterior sheet metal is new. Dual exhausts come standard while rear wheels are pushed to the back end of the cargo area with little side frame overhang.
In addition to the Edge Sport, other available trims include SE, SEL and Limited. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims while Chicago-friendly all-wheel drive is optional everywhere except SE. The 3.7-liter V-6 is exclusive in Sport.
At the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's President of the Americas, boasted that by 2013, 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will offer an EcoBoost engine, Ford's lower-emission, high horsepower technology. While Ford already markets V-6 EcoBoost engines in several products, the 2011 Edge will be the first Ford in North America to offer Ford's global 2.0-liter I-4 EcoBoost. Availability for the I-4 EcoBoost is slated for later in the 2011 model year.
Fuel economy is average at best for the 3.7-liter V-6. Our all-wheel-drive tester registered 17 miles per gallon city and 19 mpg highway. Add one mile more in each category if selecting front drive. For better fuel economy, select the 3.5-liter V-6 generating 19 and 27 mpg respectively (with front drive). The 3.5-liter engine is standard in SE, SEL and Limited. Both V-6 engines utilize 87-octane fuel. Sport's 3.7-liter is mated to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, allowing for manual changing of gears without a foot clutch. While fun to play with, this feature is more at home in a true sports car rather than a 4,428-pound crossover. If the pocketbook allows, opt for the more potent V-6 which fits this weighty crossover best.
Pricewise, our Edge Sport all-wheel drive started at $38,070. The short list of options included a driver's entry package ($895) vision package ($395) and voice activated Navigation ($795) for a bottom line of $40,930 including a $775 destination charge. A front-drive Edge Sport starts at $36,220 while the lowest-priced front-drive SE lists at $27,220.
Adaptive cruise control is now available, using advanced radar technology which monitors traffic ahead and automatically slows the vehicle when necessary. This feature has been available in the full-size Taurus sedan for a couple of years. Road noise and wind noise have been reduced thanks to an acoustic laminated, thicker windshield and enhanced engine cover.
Air conditioning, rear window defroster, power windows, power locks, cruise control, rear defroster, power outside mirrors and CD player come standard in all trims. Sirius satellite radio is optional in SE while standard in other trims. Edge Sport includes a power start button rather than a key and ignition cylinder set up.
With a 7.9-inch ground clearance, Edge is easy to maneuver in and out. No jump up motion is necessary to enter. Sport models have supportive front leather bucket seats enhanced with white stitching, also found on side doors. Silver metallic inserts across the dash and on the doors add a stark contrast to black seats. Head and leg room are generous. All side doors include molded beverage holders.
Back seatbacks manually fold directly onto the cushions with a 60/40 split when side levers are lifted. When prone, the larger side includes a fold-down arm rest with dual hidden dual beverage holders. Two adult riders fit with optimal comfort although three can fit in a pinch. With second row seats folded, the cargo area increases from 32.2 to 68.9 cubic feet. Second row seats also have a power fold function with buttons located in the hatch region on the upper left side (in all models sans the entry SE). In Limited and Sport models, the front bucket seat folds flat. Cloth surfaces are standard in SE and SEL models. Four side doors and back hatch window provide drivers with decent rear and side visibility. For larger gatherings, Ford markets the three-row Flex.
The power lift hatch includes an interior button on the left dash (right of the circular headlight activation dial) slightly hidden by the manually tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Another button in the lower left hatch area powers shut the door when needed. When opened, head clearance is minimal, so expect to bend a little to avoid knocking your noggin if 6-feet or taller.
A standard blind spot monitoring system alerts drivers with an amber dot illuminating in the side view mirror when a vehicle is traveling and hiding in the side blind spot. Cruise control functions are found on the steering wheel.
The much hyped Sync system, developed for Ford with an assist from Bill Gates and his Microsoft Empire, is a factory-installed, communication interface allowing portable cell phones and digital media players to work with the vehicle's existing sound system. Sync, when working as advertised, also responds to hundreds of voice commands, allowing hands-free usage of portable phones and iPods. Ford and Microsoft recently introduced a second-generation of Sync and the 2011 Edge features this upgrade. This latest Sync update also can turn the vehicle into a Wi-Fi hot spot, meaning a 3G modem laptop can be functional inside the vehicle without an extra-long cable wire trailing behind. Sync is free for the first three years, after which a small monthly fee may be assessed.
Tech enthusiasts have embraced the simplicity and power of MyFord Touch, a visual outlay working in tandem with the Sync system creating a scroll-through index of personalized commands. MyFord Touch is optional in SEL while standard in Limited and Sport.
MyFord Touch Instrument panels feature a center analog speedometer flanked by 4.2-inch LCD digital display windows on each side. Five-way push-button controls on both sides of the three-spoke steering wheel (similar to what's found on a TV remote) let drivers cruise through a variety of menu selections inside both display windows. Right side display categories include: phone, navigation, entertainment and climate. The left window includes fuel, mileage and trip information as well as an animated tachometer visual when scrolled into action.
MyFord Touch isn't exactly technology made simple, but rather technological interactivity made simpler. In just the last two years, Ford has leapfrogged the competition in this fast-evolving interface facet. Tech savvy folks may never need to break out the instruction manual. Tech-wary individuals may find this current generation of MyFord Touch and companion Sync compelling at first; but without too much hair pulling and a demonstration by their friendly Ford dealers, the basics can be gleaned quickly.
The flat, updated MyFord Touch center stack features a large touch panel, similar to what's found on the kitchen microwave or some hand-held electronic portable devices, monitoring ventilation, navigation and audio functions. The only dial is found in the center to control volume (the face of doubles as a touch pad for 'seek' and other functions). Behind the touch panel is a small, hidden storage region for small devices or purses. Above is a color touch screen doubling as the navigation screen and back up camera display.
The system includes USB ports for portable electronics, a diminutive SD (Secure Digital) memory card slot (for personalized music uploading pictures and in-vehicle navigation system updates) and AV input ports.
This welcomed mid-cycle update brings Edge neck and neck with other rivals in this popular five-passenger crossover segment which includes Nissan's Murano, and the lower priced Hyundai Santa Fe. Ford's Edge rides smoothly with an impressively tiny turning radius for a vehicle of this size. These and other 2011 updates will help Edge hold resale value down the road. For the foreseeable future, Edge will forego the V-6 EcoBoost engine and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Ford assembles Edge in Oakville, Ontario near Toronto.
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