?2015 Ford Edge?
New Edge Grows in Stature and Performance

Scottsdale, AZ – The Ford Edge not only grew larger inside and out for the 2015 model year, but it has also gotten considerably better. The new Edge delivers improved steering and handling characteristics, a smoother ride quality and quietness, better braking performance and advanced technology.

The Ford Edge was the original Crossover Utility vehicle from the Blue Oval team when it was launched in late 2006 and it has continued to gain progressively in popularity over the years, becoming the proven leader in its category. This year, the all-new Ford Edge comes loaded with more technology, a higher degree of craftsmanship and enhanced driving dynamics.

Edge will be offered in four levels of trim: the base SE; the SEL Edge; Edge Titanium and the top-of-the-line model, the Edge Sport. Pricing starts at $28,995 for the SE; $32,395 for the SEL; $37,595 for the Titanium model; and $40,095 for the Edge Sport. All starting prices are inclusive of the $895 Destination charge. The Titanium model is new to the lineup and will replace the old Limited trim.

The Edge SEL trim is expected to be the volume sales leader, but neither the SE or SEL were available for testing at the National press launch in Arizona ? only the Titanium and Sport models were represented.

Power for the new Edge will come from either a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16 valve EcoBoost? inline 4-cylinder engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing and sequential multiport fuel injection that delivers 245 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with 275 pound feet of torque at 3,000 rpm standard for SE, SEL and Titanium; from a 2.7-liter DOHC, 24-valve EcoBoost? V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing featuring Direct Injection that turns out 315 horses at 4,750 rpm while developing 350 pound feet of torque at 2,750 standard for the Sport; or from an optional 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 rated at 280 horsepower and 250 pound feet of torque (for SE, SEL and Titanium). A 2.0-liter diesel is available, but only in Europe at this time.

All engines are mounted forward, and mate to a six-speed SelectShift? automatic transmission that gears energy to either the Front (FWD) or to all four wheels (AWD) via a full time on-demand system. AWD is available in all trim, levels with all engines.

The introduction to the new Edge began by rotating groups of journalists through four roundtable workshops labeled: The Biz, covering marketing and sales history; The Details, outlining the Edge?s new attributes; the Drive, which explained the following day?s prescribed drive route; and finally The Tech, detailing new features and their technology. Day two consisted of pairing up to drive both the Titanium and Sport model Edges.

Visually, Edge displays an all-new image from its wheels to the roof, redesigned and reengineered in a bolder, more aggressive and athletic form, adding more features and technologies that contribute to a more rewarding and engaging driving experience. Up front, the Edge leads off with a new rear-sloping, three-bar grille, a horizontal lower air intake, lower side vents, new wraparound headlamp assemblies and a sculpted hood. The windshield is sharply raked into a rearward-sloping roofline that flows into the angled rear glass, which is topped by an integrated spoiler lip. In profile, the Edge showcases blacked out ?B? and ?C? pillars surrounded by bright trim. The ?D? pillar or rear sail panel meets with the new LED taillamps that are accented by strong character lines. A lower composite cladding surrounds the entire vehicle. Sport model Edges come with a blacked out grille treatment and an exaggerated lower aero kit.


My driving partner and I began our 160-mile journey in an AWD Titanium Edge that wore an exterior finish of Bronze Fire Tinted Clearcoat and came with a Cognac perforated leather interior. Its base price was $37,595 while options elevated the final sticker to $45,515. Options included: Equipment Group 302A with voice activated navigation system, Blind Spot monitoring system, remote start, auto-dim driver outside mirror, Lane Departure Warning, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 180-degree front camera with washer, Enhanced Park Assist, rain sensing wipers, Panoramic vista roof and second row inflatable safety belts; the Bronze Fire Clearcoat paint; 20-inch All-Season tires, 20-inch polished premium aluminum wheels; HID headlamps; and Class II trailer tow package.

Our second steed was an AWD Sport model Edge with a Tuxedo Black metallic exterior finish and an Ebony perforated suede interior. The base price was set at $40,095 with options bumping the final tally to $45,980. Optional fare included: Equipment Group 401A with voice activated navigation system, Blind Spot monitoring system, remote start, auto-dim driver outside mirror, Lane Departure Warning, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power liftgate, 180-degree front camera with washer, Enhanced Park Assist, rain sensing wipers, HID headlamps, second row inflatable safety belts, front license plat bracket, California/green states emissions and Panoramic vista roof. I later tested a Ford Edge Titanium FWD at home with a White Platinum metallic tri-coat exterior and a Cognac perforated leather interior.It was powered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic SelectShift automatic transmission in a FWD configuration. The base sticker read $35,600 while options an Destoination and Delivery charges elevated the final tally to $42,290.

SUMMARY: The 2015 Ford Edge delivers many features that are not available on a lot of competitors ? things such as; the rear lift gate which opens by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper and closes with the same action; the Enhanced Park Assist that automatically parks in both parallel and perpendicular spaces and exits the space as well without touching the steering wheel. The Cross Traffic Alert is also a big plus.

The Edge in Titanium trim delivers stellar performance characteristics with its 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine ? acceleration, braking and handling, while providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The Ford Edge Sport?s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine propels the vehicle with a gusto that surpasses that experienced in the Titanium Edge tested. The ride quality is firmer, but not at all harsh. It is, without question, the way to go for performance junkies. The power delivery is on a par with many V8s.


The interior is also new, with more attention to detail and craftsmanship, and is equally as impressive as the exterior enhancements, and in the bottom line analysis of the new Ford Edge is a Crossover worth crossing over to.

Production of the new Edge will take place at Ford?s Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, near Toronto.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Ford Edge Titanium FWD

Base Price:	$35,600.
Price as Tested:	$42,290.
Engine Type and Size:	2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve EcoBoost? inline 4-cylinder with twin independent variable camshaft timing and sequential multiport fuel injection.
Horsepower (bhp):	245 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):	275 @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed SelectShift? automatic.
Drive Train:	Forward mounted front engine / FWD.
Suspension:	Front – MacPherson strut and L-shaped lower control arm with isolated subframe and stabilizer bar. Rear – Integral-link independent, with coil springs and anti-roll bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with four channel ABS and AdvanceTrac? Roll Stability Control?.

Tires: Hankook Ventus 1 Noble2 – 245/55 R19 All Season mounted on 5-wide curved ?V?-spoke aluminum wheels.

Wheelbase:112.2 inches

Length Overall:188.1 inches

Width:75.9 inches ? without mirrors.

Height:68.6 inches

Curb Weight:4,060 lbs.

Fuel Capacity:18.3 gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates:20-mpg city / 28-mpg highway

Drag Coefficient:Not listed.

0 – 60 mph: Not Tested.

 

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.