By Barbara & Bill Schaffer
Since its 2006 debut, the Ford Edge has been a hit for the Ford lineup with sales averaging near 10,000 per month, except when the bottom fell out of the market in 2009.? The Edge has the right combination of styling, performance and utilitarian characteristics to give it that popularity.
We recently spent a week reacquainting ourselves with the Ford Edge, driving the latest iteration, of the good-looking crossover with the new EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.? Normally on a vehicle like this, we find ourselves favoring more horsepower and the larger engine, but we think the new turbocharged EcoBoost has an ?edge? on the other two power train choices.
As the smallest engine in the lineup, the four-cylinder EcoBoost only has 240 horsepower as compared to the standard V-6 which is rated at 285 hp. ??However, the turbocharged Edge feels agile, responsive and it?s quick making the 0 to 60 mph acceleration run in 7.7 seconds — that?s just a few tenths of a second more than the V-6 time (7.3 seconds). ?In addition, passing power was strong, with no discernible turbo lag, and with speeds approaching three digits when passing a big truck on a long straight stretch.
? As expected, the EcoBoost has better fuel economy than the V-6 — 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 24 combined.? We actually averaged 27.8 mpg during our time behind the wheel.
The 3.5-V-6 has a combined rating of 22 mpg for FWD and 21 for AWD; the 3.7-liter is 22 mpg and 19 mpg respectively.
When the Ford Edge debuted, one of our complaints was the lack of a manual shift mode on the six-speed automatic transmission.? The new models now have the mechanism for manual shifting.? On the EcoBoost and 3.5-liter V-6 models, manual shifting is accomplished using a thumb-activated toggle on the left side of the console mounted shifter. ?The Sport, with its 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6, gets much more desirable wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Our test car was the Ford Edge Limited wearing a $35,765 sticker including the destination charge.? The lower level SE and SEL models with front-wheel drive start at $28,350 and $31,905 respectively, while the top of the line performance-oriented Sport starts at $37,935.? The EcoBoost engine option adds $995 to the SE, SEL and Limited models.? All-wheel drive is $1,950 on any V-6 model. All the models have several available equipment groups to dress it up or enhance the features.? One of the new features we liked was the power tailgate.
??????????? Aerodynamic enhancements are included as part of the EcoBoost package adding side door rocker moldings and active grille shutters to improve fuel economy.? When more air is required to cool the engine, the vents open automatically when the ventilation is not needed they closed to channel air around the vehicle, rather than trapping it in the engine compartment.? Other fuel saving technologies include low-rolling resistance tires, a new rear liftgate spoiler and exterior side mirrors.
When the Ford Edge received a major refresh in 2010, it was the first Ford to get the innovative SYNC? with MyFord Touch? driver connect technology.? This system is designed to make it easier for the driver to access the multifunction color display and infotainment systems, but we still find it confusing, although Ford appears to be working hard to make changes to simplify the system.
The SYNC system is available on all models and features include hands-free calling through a Bluetooth? pairing, hands-free music via USB-connected digital media player and customer support plus software updates via SyncMyRide.com for registered owners.
Other available SYNC Services include traffic information and directions as well as weather, horoscopes, movie times, etc. Also available is Vehicle Health Report, which allows customers to receive an online report of vehicle diagnostics, and 911 Assist?, which can connect directly to a 911 operator through the paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys.
The Ford Edge gets good safety ratings, thanks to good crash test results, plus it has standard safety features like electronic stability control and AdvanceTrac? with RSC? (Roll Stability Control?).
The new EcoBoost engine adds a fun new environmentally friendly touch, but we just like the way the Ford Edge drives and the way it looks.?
