Ford’s 2012 Edge CUV with optional 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo-charged engine (a 3.5L V6 is standard), has boosted the vehicles’ visibility and attractiveness.
The little four that generates 240-hp and an impressive 270 lb-ft of torque, produces the power of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder (21 city, 30 highway mpg). Coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, the little four moves the Edge with spirit.
The midsize Edge has been a great transition for Ford. It’s positioned between the full-size Explorer SUV and Escape compact SUV. And it’s become one of the most popular crossovers in the country, despite being in one of the most highly competitive segments of the auto business. Its popularity has enlarged since the introduction of the EcoBoost four.
Offered in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport models, I tested the midpoint SEL. It comes standard with a host of essentials plus such notables as heated side view mirrors, hill start assist, reverse sensing system, Sirius radio, 18-inch wheels and more.
But it’s the options that enhance the Edge experience, some good, some not so good. The latter is aimed at the optional MyFord Touch, which is better than the original version, but it’s still complicated to use for some simple operations. And, unfortunately, it’s lumped in with the leather, rearview camera and ambient lighting equipment group ($2,510). I like the latter three, but could do without the Touch.
The FWD SEL started at a base of $31,060 but after adding the above package plus red candy metallic paint ($395), EcoBoost engine ($995), Blind Spot Monitoring ($485), Voice Activated GPS Nav ($795) that displays on a 7x4.25 inch screen, and delivery of $825, the bottom line reflects $37,065. Still not a bad price for this much content.
Edge has a lot of highpoints like a classy, comfy interior with a fold flat front passenger seat, easy ingress/ingress into the back seat thanks to wide opening doors and a low 18.5-inch step-in, convenient press-a-button folding second row seats that expands the 32 cubic foot, 35-inch deep, 47.5 wide, 32-inch high cargo area to 69 inches of depth or 69 cubic feet. While there’s no power liftgate, threshold liftover is a mere 30.5 inches that makes for easy loading.
I presume that as part of MyFord Touch, a gals voice would periodically come on and say “If you want vehicle maintenance information press YES or REMIND ME LATER.” After a while it became a pain and I couldn’t figure out how to shut off this reminder.
Performance wise, the EcoBoost had ample pep and power both from a standing stop and at passing speeds. It’s been 0-60 tested at 8.4 seconds. And it was exceptionally quiet for a four cylinder.
The transmission was a bit lethargic engaging when going from Drive to Reverse and back again. This wouldn’t be good when attempting to rock back and forth when being stuck in snow.
My Edge test car rode composed and smooth over most road surfaces. It absorbed bumps and tar strips admirably although it did feel somewhat heavy and similar to that of a minivan. Parking was slightly encumbered due to limited rear view, but the camera system helped immensely.
Overall, I liked the Edge and its handsome styling. I would prefer though to have AWD for winter driving here in the Northeast. There was some wheel spin when starting off on rain slick roads, particularly on uphill starts. I can only imagine what it would be like in snow or ice. Front wheel drive in certain cars is not what it’s cracked up to be and is often dependent on the cars’ weight distribution. I once had a Chevy Citation company car that would go through deep snow like a 4WD vehicle, and it only had 14-inch wheels.
To its credit, Edge comes with a five star government safety rating for side crash, three for frontal crash and four for rollover. It also achieved a “Good” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
To test drive an Edge, stop by Haldeman Ford on Lehigh Street in Allentown or Gilboy Ford on MacArthur Road in Whitehall. And to automatically receive auto news and reviews from Nick Hromiak, click on the “Subscribe” notation on this page.
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