PROS
Good passenger and cargo room, Comfortable ride, Powerful engine
CONS Engine noise, Lots of hard plastic inside
Redefining a a market segment At one time the Ford Explorer was the best selling midsize SUV in the nation. Guess, what? It still is. That's right, Explorer outsells competitors like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota 4Runner. So why would Ford jeopardize that sales leadership by introducing the Edge--a vehicle that's similar in dimensions and mission?
The answer is simple, the Explorer is a dinosaur among today's SUVs. It's a traditional truck-based, body-on-frame, rear-drive biased, design can't compete with more fuel-efficient and car-like competitors.
Don't get me wrong, there's a place for a vehicle like Explorer, but it's not an ideal replacement for a minivan--like so many other SUVs. It's best suited to cross-country vacations with the family or hauling the jet skis to the lake. Explorer's not the best choice for daily commuting, taking the kids to soccer practice, or running to the store for a gallon of milk.
Vehicle Tested |
2007 Ford Edge SEL Plus AWD
Base Price: $30,720 As-Tested Price: $36,615 Built in Canada.OptionsTowing Package Panoramic Sunroof Navigation System Cargo Management System 18-inch Chrome Wheels Reverse Sensing System Audiophile Package
Engine: DOHC 3.5-liter V6 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Drive Wheels: all-wheel drive |
Those tasks are better performed by a vehicle that's car-like to drive, more fuel efficient, and easier to get in and out of, perhaps something like Edge. That's why crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander are gaining in popularity. Get the picture? Ford sure hopes you do.Edge is new for 2007 and shares chassis components with Ford's midsize sedan the Fusion. It's a five-passenger wagon with a single-piece tailgate and exterior dimensions similar to midsize SUV competitors.
Three models are available: SE, SEL, and SEL Plus. All are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. Sole powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter V6 with 265-horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, Edge can tow 3500 pounds.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear-obstacle detection system is optional.
SE models come with air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, keyless entry, split-folding rear seats, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and a CD/MP3 player with digital media connection.
SEL adds to SE leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver seat, entry keypad, 6-disc CD changer, and automatic headlights. SEL Plus adds to SEL leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, memory system, remote-folding rear seats, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and steering-wheel audio controls.
Key options include a towing package, navigation system, panoramic sunroof with a second glass panel over the rear seats, and rear-seat entertainment system. Prices range from $25,320 for the front-drive SE to $30,720 for the AWD SEL Plus. All models have a destination charge of $675.
Get up and Go
Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed manual transmission make their debut in the Edge. Together, Ford claims they will push Edge from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds. While that time is comparable to other midsize SUVs, Edge feels quicker than most off the line and has good passing response. The transmission also upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for more passing power.
Throttle response is quite linear, which makes Edge quite easy to modulate in stop-and-go driving. Sadly, the engine is somewhat coarse in hard acceleration--especially when cold--and has a gurgly idle that seems out of place in an SUV.
Edge with AWD is EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That's comparable to other car-based midsize SUVs and better than most truck-based midsize SUVs. For example, A comparably equipped Ford Explorer sports EPA ratings of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
In routine commuting expect Edge to average 18 mph. If your commute includes a fair amount of highway driving, you might average slightly more than 20 mpg. Ford says that Edge's 3.5-liter V6 will run fine on less-expensive regular-grade fuel.
On the Road Edge doesn't drive like a traditional SUV--and it shouldn't given its car-based roots. The suspension does an excellent job of filtering out harsh potholes and freeway expansion joints. It also minimizes, but doesn't eliminate, undue body motions on rough roads. The ride can become busy on coarse concrete surfaces, but Edge rides more smoothly than most competitors.Because Edge is an SUV, you don't expect it to handle well in fast turns or quick lane changes. Thanks to responsive and firm steering, good suspension composure, and grippy tires, Edge rewards aggressive drivers with above-SUV-average handling limits. Still, a fair amount of body motion in turns and hard stops quickly reminds you that Edge is an SUV and needs to be driven with care.
Brakes have excellent stopping power, but the pedal has a dead feel. This makes it difficult to bring Edge to a smooth halt and can become frustrating in stop-and-go traffic.
Interior noise levels are impressively low--once the engine quiets down. There's just a hint of wind noise at highway speeds and little tire or road noise. Available panoramic sunroof is larger than most and gets noisy when open on the highway.
Behind the Wheel Edge's interior shares a lot of components with other Ford products. For example, the gauges are from Fusion and seem slightly small for the instrument panel design. Ford is not alone is parts sharing, but for some reason it's a little more obvious in Edge than in some of its competitors. Another interior drawback is the abundance of hard plastic surfaces.
Just because the interior doesn't look expensive doesn't mean it isn't functional. All of Edge's controls are well placed and clearly marked. The available navigation system is easy to program and has a large screen that's easy to read day or night. Climate and audio controls are high enough to be easily reached by both driver and passenger.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2007 Ford Edge |
Front Impact, Driver | 5 statrs |
Front Impact, Passenger | 4 stars |
Side Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars |
Rollover Resistance | 4 stars |
Front seats are comfortable and surprisingly supportive in aggressive driving. Leg room is good and head room ample, though it's only adequate on models equipped with the panorama sunroof. Visibility to the rear is hindered by thick pillars and a smallish rear window. On the upside outside mirrors are large and a rear park assist is available.
Rear seats are both roomy and comfortable. The rear seatback reclines for added comfort. Rear door openings are large, making entry/exit easy as long as you don't mind the modest step up.
Cargo space is expansive, even if the rear seats are up. Tailgate is large and load floor is low, making it easy to stow large objects. Rear seatbacks fold semi-flat to increase cargo space. Electronic releases for the rear seats are available, but the seats must be pushed back up manually, regardless. Interior storage is comparable to others in the class.
One minor note, the optional panorama sunroof opens over the roof of the vehicle. So, if you intend to load a cargo carrier or stack cargo on the roof, you may want to skip it. Smartly, Ford made the panorama roof unavailable on models with roof racks.
Bottom Line
Given the fact that Ford has two of the best-selling SUVs in the nation--Explorer and Escape--I wouldn't expect Edge to disappoint. It doesn't. The vehicle drives, rides, and is as economical as a midsize car, but has the cargo versatility and passenger room of a midsize SUV.
Ford should have spent a little more money on interior fittings, but for a first shot out of the gate, Edge is extremely competitive with other car-based SUV--both in road manners and overall features.