New Car Test Drive Review of the Edge
The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover sport utility that offers better fuel economy and road manners than traditional truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer.
The Edge handles better than truck-based SUVs while offering almost as much cargo space. It's 500 pounds lighter than an Explorer and enjoys an edge of two to three miles per gallon in fuel economy and offers similar advantages over other traditional SUVs. Benefiting from all-wheel drive and a fully independent suspension, the Edge is easier to control than a truck-based SUV in the snow or on wet, slippery roads. Getting in and out of it is easier, too. Yet it gives up nothing in passenger and cargo space. In fact, the back seats in the Edge are roomier than those in the Explorer, a benefit of its design.
The Edge is not small. Considered a midsize crossover utility vehicle, the Edge competes with the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander and CUVs, all of which are larger than their slippery styling suggests.
We found the Edge roomy and comfortable with fully foldable seats for big cargo carrying. It drives well, with good performance from a modern V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Edge has a contemporary look we find appealing. We like its bold chrome grille. We think it'll please buyers coming from SUVs who want a rugged look with room for the family and assorted stuff. And we think it'll satisfy buyers moving from a sedan who will find they haven't given up much in the way of comfort, convenience and driving dynamics.
Ford Edge was introduced as a new product for the 2007 model year; the 2008 Edge offers more equipment and a new Limited model. Ford Sync communications and entertainment system is available on the 2008 Edge, allowing the driver to change radio stations and make phone calls using voice commands. The available navigation system adds voice activation, the driver's window now powers up or down with one touch, and a new interior appearance package has red seating surfaces with contrasting stitching. A power liftgate, a universal garage door opener, and 20-inch wheels are available.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Ford Edge comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available for all models.
Edge SE ($25,565) and SE AWD ($27,315) come equipped with cloth upholstery, driver's seat lumbar adjustment, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split second-row seat, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack, rear spoiler, and P235/65R17 tires on alloy wheels. A six-disc CD changer ($245) is optional.
Edge SEL ($27,560) and SEL AWD ($29,310) add fog lamps, six-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, keyless keypad entry; 6CD, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a vehicle information center. A Premium Package ($1675) upgrades the SEL with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, heated front seats, memory for the driver's seat and driver's exterior mirror, universal garage door opener, and heated exterior mirrors with courtesy lights. Options include an upgraded sound system ($385) and a Seating Flexibility Package ($985) that adds leather upholstery, a flat-folding six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and a second-row split folding rear seat. Available for both SE and SEL models are Ford Sync entertainment and communications system ($395) and P245/60R18 tires on alloy wheels ($295). These tires are also offered on chromed alloy wheels for the SEL ($750).
The new Edge Limited ($30,555) and Limited AWD ($32,305) come with leather upholstery, Ford's Audiophile sound system with nine speakers, Ford Sync communications and entertainment system, rear park assist, heated front seats, flat-folding six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, memory for the driver's seat and driver's exterior mirror, second-row reclining and power-folding split seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, interior air filter, heated mirrors, and P245/60R18 tires on chromed alloy wheels. Limited options include an Interior Appearance Package ($525) with red leather seat inserts with contrast stitching; P245/50R20 tires on alloy wheels ($895); towing package ($395); navigation system ($1995); Sirius satellite radio ($195); power liftgate ($490); rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1295); roof rails ($95). The Vista Roof dual sunroof ($1395); the portion over the front seats works like a typical sunroof, though larger, while a fixed glass panel spans the second row of seats; power-operated cloth shades can close off both sections.
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seating, anti-lock brakes, traction control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Rear park assist is available and can help alert the driver to objects or people behind the vehicle when backing up.
