2007 Ford Edge SEL AWD Review

SEE ALSO:Compare Edge Models:Ford Buyers Guide

THE AUTO PAGE
by
JOHN HEILIG SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Ford Edge SEL AWD
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 265 hp @ 6250 rpm/250 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 185.7 x 75.8 x 67.0 in.
Tires: P245/60R18
Cargo volume: 68.7 cu. ft.
Economy: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway/14.7 mpg test
Price: $36,360 (includes $695 destination charge and $10,030 in options)

The Bottom Line – Excellent example of a cross-over. Good engine/transmission. Good, practical size. Price is high, though.

Ford’s new Edge is designed to be a crossover between a conventional station wagon and a sport utility. As such, it competes with the highly successful Explorer and other mid-size SUVs. However, in a side-by-side comparison, it appears the Edge has, well, the edge.

The Edge has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, compared to the 4.0-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 available in the Explorer. The Edge’s engine is rated at 265 hp, while the Explorer’s V6 is rated at 210 hp and the V8 at 292. So right there, the Edge is more practical with more power from a smaller V6 and almost as much as in the V8. The Edge’s V6 claims 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. I achieved 14.7 mpg in an overall test, which I felt was low. The Explorer’s V6 claims 15/20 mpg.

Power reaches the wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission with no manual mode, which I felt was an asset. I felt the engine/transmission combination offered smooth, quiet power without much fuss. When I needed the power, it was there. When I didn’t need it and we were cruising, there was the quiet confidence of something substantial under the hood.

I’m big on cargo area, and the Edge came across well. I fit one golf bag and a pull cart in the rear cargo area with ease. With a normal foursome in the seats, I’m confident all four bags could have fit in the rear with equal ease, leaving plenty of seating room for the golfers. Rear seat leg and shoulder room is excellent with a flat enough center floor for a third passenger to ride back there without too much discomfort. Since my fellow golfers are usually senior citizens, there are assist handles fro the rear passengers locate don the B pillars.

The front seats offered very good side support. They were heated as well, pleasing my wife.

Behind the rear seat, the Edge offers 32.1 cubic feet of storage vs. 45.1 cubic feet in the Explorer. However, side-by-side they appear almost identical. Our tester had power fold-down rear seats which made converting from a four/five passenger vehicle to a two-passenger vehicle with a lot of cargo capacity a snap.

My first impression, which usually lasts through the test week, was that I liked the Edge. Styling is reminiscent of the Lexus RX and other Japanese SUVs. The ride height is high, but not so high that it is difficult to enter and exit. I felt in control from the driver’s seat, even before I pulled out of my driveway.

Continuing with the exterior styling, there’s a huge sunroof with glass that extends all the way back to the rear seat ($1,395). So if those senior citizens are looking to improve their tan on the way to the golf course….

The retro-styled instrument panel offered black-on-pewter dials with red pointers. Edge has the standard four instruments with a digital odometer and fuel economy gauge located in the center.

There’s a nice navigation/audio screen in the center of the dash that doesn’t overpower as some do. Even at night the light doesn’t intrude. Our tester had Sirius radio installed ($195), which was good.

Interior storage included a small tray on top of the dash with a non-slip surface, a nice tray ahead of the shifter and a deep console with an insert tray. There were two cupholders up front with a bottle holder in each door.

Our tester had ford’s keyless entry, which consists of five buttons on the driver’s door that can be programmed with a combination to unlock the doors. My daughter has this feature on her car and will never again own a car without it, she says. The combination allows you to leave the keys in the car (hidden, of course) and you can lock the doors and not have to carry a lot of keys around with you when you’re on two-foot power. I have used this feature a few times and really like it.

The new Edge is a nice package with good size that isn’t overwhelming, excellent power for the vehicle, and decent comfort. I was disappointed with the price, though. Besides the Sirius radio and panoramic roof we had 18-inch chrome wheels ($750), a reverse sensing system that was convenient ($245) and the DVD navigation system with audiophile 6-disc CD radio ($2,380).

© 2007 The Auto Page Syndicate