2017 Ford Edge Review

2017 Ford Edge - Edge Gives Ford the Upper Hand in the Midsize Crossover Wars.

By: Mark Bilek

Ford's Edge is a five-passenger midsize crossover SUV. It's larger than the Escape and smaller than Explorer. Competitors are many and include the Buick Envision, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano and Subaru Forester.

Edge is essentially unchanged for 2017. Last year it was enhanced with Sync3, variable-ratio steering, fuel-saving start/stop function on the base engine, noise-reducing windshield and keyless entry and ignition.

The Ford Edge is offered in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport. Three engines are available, all paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard on all but the Sport is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 245 horsepower. Optional on SEL and Titanium is a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower. Sport comes with s turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine making 315 horsepower. Front- and all-wheel drive are offered with the base and V6 engine, while the turbo six comes only with all-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity with the 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter engines is 3,500 pounds. The turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is only rated to 2,000 pounds because it's not available with the towing package.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, rear-view camera and dual-front, front-side, front-knee and side-curtain airbags. Available safety equipment includes rear parking sensors, inflatable outboard rear seatbelts, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and a forward collision warning.

Notable features include hands-free lift gate, Sony 12-speaker audio system with HD radio, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats and panoramic sunroof. Prices start at $28,950 for the SE and climb to $40,400 on the Sport. The Edge has a $895 destination charge and is assembled in Canada.

With a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 6 seconds,the Sport's turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 provides ample acceleration. But even the "base" four-cylinder performs admirably. All engines rev smoothly and mate well to the six-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. It does a good job of sending power to the wheels with the best traction to limit wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

EPA estimates for the all-wheel-drive Edge with the 2.7-liter engine are less-than-inspiring 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Routine commuting in an even mix of suburban driving and gentle highway cruising is likely to yield about 22 mpg overall. However, as with almost all Ecoboost engines, your fuel economy can suffer if you consistently push the engine hard.

Dynamically the Edge is one of the more athletic mainstream midsize crossovers on the market. Though large, Edge doesn't feel tippy or sloppy and reacts quickly to driver input. The suspension is firm but never harsh - even on the Sport - and does a great job of filtering road imperfections and reducing unwanted bouncing. Steering is firm and direct with good highway tracking. Brakes have above-average stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal.

Interior noise levels are relatively low, thanks to a sound-deadening windshield. Unfortunately, that windshield is not offered on all models. Road roar and engine clatter are subdued at all times.

Edge's interior is awash in soft-touch surfaces and nicely trimmed plastics. Assembly quality is top notch. Drivers face a modern twin-dial setup that sports a couple of programmable information screens. The base audio system has a disappointingly small display screen, but Sync3's 8-inch touch-screen display is impressive. Ancillary controls are well placed and easy to operate.

Sync3 is a voice- and touch-activated system infotainment system. It operates quickly and with intuitive commands. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.

Edge's interior is expansive for a midsize crossover - partly due to the fact that it doesn't offer a third-row seat. There's plenty of head and leg room for all passengers. Front seats are supportive and well cushioned. Same can be said for the rear seats, plus there's enough width to sit three across in the back seat. With a modest ride height and wide door openings, entry and exit is a snap. Outward visibility is good and the standard rear-view camera helps when parking.

Rear seats in use, Edge offers an impressive 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the best cargo haulers in the class. Fold the seats down and cargo space expands to 73.4 cubic feet. Interior storage also impresses with lots of open and covered bins throughout.

Edge offers a carlike ride that's comfortable and controlled with the added benefit of great passenger space and abundant cargo room. Also appealing are the three engine offerings, allowing buyers to tailor Edge to their needs without breaking the bank. The midsize crossover class is crowded with plenty of quality offerings and that means competitive pricing. Edge has plenty to offer and should be near the top of every shopper's list.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2017 Ford Edge Review

2017 Ford Edge - Edge Gives Ford the Upper Hand in the Midsize Crossover Wars.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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