A SMOOTH EDGE
Ford's popular SUV is comfortable and even a little stylish
Igot myself into the Edge to see what this mid-size fiveseat sport ute is all about. It's built exclusively in Ontario, alongside the Lincoln Nautilus, which rides on the same platform.
It's Ford's second best-selling SUV, topped only by the smaller Escape, and it's a solid and pleasant performer for the daily commute.
Two turbocharged engines are available, which Ford calls EcoBoost. Most trim levels, including this tester, use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There's also the ST, with a 2.7-L V6 good for 335 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.
Or at least those numbers are possible because while regular-grade 87-octane fuel is OK and 91 is “recommended” but not required, Ford came up with those power figures on 93-octane gas. A couple of automakers are now pulling this crap so they can advertise higher horsepower numbers, and for what? Ford knows nobody is going to pump the most expensive fuel into a mainstream, family-friendly people hauler. There isn't even a higher-octane fuel recommendation label on the gas filler beyond 91.
So whatever horsepower the four-cylinder Edge was actually making on its tank of 87-grade, its acceleration could be best described as leisurely off the line.
It was fine once it got moving and the eight-speed automatic did a good job of shifting its cogs smoothly and unobtrusively.
The base Edge SE starts at $36,299, strictly with all-wheel drive, and that's unusual because when a model comes in both front- or all-wheel drive, the entry-level starter trim almost invariably is FWD because it's cheaper. You get fewer features than on the next-step-up SEL, of course, but kudos to Ford for giving buyers the ability to get into the least-expensive model and still have AWD, which is popular with Canadians.
The SEL comes in FWD at $38,299, while this tester — the SEL AWD — starts at $40,299. The next-up ST-Line also comes in front- or allwheel drive, but despite its name, it's just a trim level and doesn't have the ST's larger engine. The AWD-only Titanium tops out the 2.0-L lineup at $43,699, while the V6-powered ST is also AWD-only, and it's $49,399.
Mind you, this particular tester was then equipped with a number of options, including a $1,850 panoramic sunroof, $1,200 for “Activex” seating material that looks like leather but is stain-resistant and easier to clean, and a few other goodies that brought it to $46,699 before freight and taxes.
Stepping up from SE to SEL adds such features as an auto-dimming mirror, remote starter, power-adjustable heated front seats (with three levels of warmth), roof rails, a reverse sensing system in addition to the standard rearview camera, and an exterior entry keypad, handy if you don't want to carry the key to the beach or on your hike.
Move up to the Titanium, and you get a hands-free liftgate, a power-adjustable steering column, wireless charging for your phone, a premium sound system, leather seats, and a few other bells and whistles.
Its gentle acceleration aside, the Edge is a very pleasant vehicle to pilot. It handles nicely around corners, with well-weighted steering and accurate response. The cabin is very quiet and the ride is smooth, with all but the very worst bumps soaked up well before they can make their way to the occupants.
I've heard some people complain they can't find a comfortable driving position in this vehicle, but I was fine and found the seats to be supportive. So be sure you check out the seats thoroughly on your test drive. Ford didn't stuff a third row into the Edge and that's a good thing because there's lots of cargo space and rear-seat legroom.
I'd have preferred dials for the cabin temperature and fan speed rather than toggle buttons, but most controls are simple and easy to use, including the touch-screen infotainment system, which uses SYNC 3 and its intuitive menus and icons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and there's a parental lockout for SiriusXM channels.
All models come with Ford Co-Pilot360, a package that includes blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, emergency front braking with pedestrian detection and automatic high-beam headlights. This Edge was further optioned with Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus for an extra $850, adding navigation with voice control, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring and evasive steering assist.
Overall, nothing on the Edge is a spectacular standout on its own.
Instead, everything adds up into a vehicle that's roomy, comfortable, and a decent driver. The Edge certainly isn't edgy, but for most drivers, it gets the job done.