Midsize crossover sport utility vehicles, like the Ford Edge, remain popular choices for today's consumers thanks to offering a car-like ride and "right" size.
The Edge, which debuted last year, features a bold and sporty exterior, likable ride characteristics and a comfortable, more versatile cabin.
For 2008, Ford has added more luxury and convenience features, including a new top-of-the-line Limited trim level, which replaces last year's SEL Plus.
New available features include Ford Sync hands-free communication and entertainment system, voice-activated navigation, and power liftgate, which advance Edge's appeal.
The Ford Edge is loaded with safety features, too. Every Edge comes standard with Ford's Advance Trac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), seat-mounted side air bags, Safety Canopy side air curtains and Ford's Personal Safety System.
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2008 Ford Edge can be had in one of three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. The base SE includes a 265-horsepower V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, full power accessories, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel.
The SEL adds chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, illuminated door entry keypad, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, aluminum instrument panel finish and reverse sensing system.
Stepping up to the Limited lands leather-trimmed seats, heated and memory seats, an audiophile sound system with nine speakers, dual zone automatic climate control, fold-flat power passenger seat, unique brushed aluminum center stack, EasyFold second-row seats, and an exterior chrome beltline accent.
All trim levels can be ordered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD models send power to the front wheels during most driving conditions. When needed, AWD models can divert almost all of the engine's power to the rear wheels to control traction.
My 2008 Ford Edge Limited AWD tester looked sharp and ready to roll with its elegant black clearcoat finish and snazzy optional 20-inch chrome wheels.
The cabin seats five and is very comfortable. Third-row seating is not offered, so, if you need seating for six or seven, you'll need to step up to the Ford Taurus X, formerly the Freestyle.
My favorite feature, now available in most Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, is Sync, an industry-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system.
The available system, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that MP3 files stored on my Bluetooth cell phone could be played through my tester's audio system without any wired connections.
It was easy to link my phone up and I enjoyed being able to operate it with voice commands while driving my 2008 Ford Edge Limited AWD tester to Detroit and back.
During my weeklong test, I put over 800 miles on my tester. On the return trip back from Detroit, my Edge's AWD system did very well at providing excellent traction as I traversed along snow-covered sections of I-94.
The cabin is well insulated and provides a quiet, refined feel. The higher seating position is appreciated and delivers a commanding view of the road.
All the comforts and solid ride made my Edge tester the perfect vehicle for this moderate road trip. Edge's 3.5-liter V-6 is strong and powerful. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and effortlessly.
However, as is the case with vehicles in this segment, fuel economy isn't all that great. But if you need a versatile vehicle, capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, the Ford Edge is a great choice.
2008 Ford Edge Limited AWD Engine: 3.5-liter (265 hp) V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive type: AWD
Fuel economy: 15 city/22 highway
Base price: $32,070
As tested: $38,785 (including $705 for destination)
Web site: www.ford.com