For model year 2011, I was blown away with enthusiasm over the Ford Edge at the Sport trim level. Perhaps you may even recall the piece I penned right here on Examiner (along with a few other outlets). I called it, "Crossing Over With An Edge," as a result of the attitude of the Edge--Sport. Sure, it was solid and heavy--something many say they want in an SUV, which makes them feel save. It also came (and still comes) with practically every convenience inside as well as out, to include a killer set of 22" polished aluminum rims. With this in mind, I got excited deep down in my soul when I learned of the opportunity to once again test the Edge, but this time with the EcoBoost engine.
In my driveway it appeared--a Ford Edge at the SEL trim level, in a color called cinnamon (think burgundy). Seeing it there on a set of 18" painted aluminum rims, with black interior all I could think (in comparison to the dazzling looks of the Sport version) was to rid my mind of the excitement of the previously tested Edge Sport and open up to determine what was new hot and new at the SEL trim level for $6,000 less.
With gas mileage at 17 city/23 highway and 19 combined for the hot and haughty Edge Sport, while the Edge SEL with EcoBoost engine boasted 21 city/30 highway and a combined 24 miles per gallon, that's a difference of $2,950 a year in gas for the hot whip, versus $2,300 for the more conservative version of the same vehicle.
But the question is, could you and would you do it: Spend $6,000 less on the sticker price in order to save an additional $650 annually at the pump?
Well, here's my take on it: Sure the Sport is hot! As a man with a good big of vigor left in me, I'd definitely take the hot whip, in the hot color, with the set of 22's and all the bells and whistles. But honestly, the EcoBoost engine in the SEL--four cylinders measuring 2.0 liters, with 240 horses under the hood producing a turbocharged 270 pound-feet of torque, is actually more torque than the base model Edge with 285 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque and close to the Edge Sport with a 305 hp engine producing 280 pound-feet of torque.
So let's say we start from here. If the look of chrome exhaust tips and a set of polished 22's is not for you, but saving over $600 annually on fuel is, than the EcoBoost SEL probably has your name on it. Although some features are unique to the Edge Sport (such as leather trimmed seats with metallic inserts and contrasting stitch that sets them off), many of the standard luxury items found on the Sport are available a la carte, in a similar or same version on the SEL with EcoBoost.
But to add MYFord Touch, voice activation, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera and leather seats to the SEL EcoBoost, you're looking at about $36K, with that $600+ in annual fuel savings. Better yet, click here for an item for item comparison of the two trim levels or even all available trim levels of the Ford Edge.
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