For 2011 Ford's crossover receives a freshening, gaining a less anonymous face, new high-tech engines and an exciting new information system that's borrowed directly from Ford's concept cars. The crossover market has gotten more crowded in the past twelve months, but the updated Edge still stands out.
Distinguishing the new Edge is simple thanks to a massive new grille that carries Ford's chrome-bar face to new extremes. The broad, flat panels of the grille dive deeply into the front bumper and enclose the headlamps. The rest of the Edge's lines have been freshened as well, with revised side trim and new taillights. The low-ish greenhouse and 18-inch standard wheels conspire to make the Edge look smaller than it actually is; it's not obvious at a glance but this is actually a rather large vehicle. There's a hot-rod version of the Edge now as well; the Edge Sport is distinguished visually by a blacked-out grille and special headlight treatment. The Edge Sport also gets massive 22-inch wheels.
The interior has been tweaked as well, and it's notable mainly for its lack of switchgear and adornment. The clean look comes courtesy of the new MyFord Touch system. Ford calls it "driver connect technology." MyTouch is an interesting take on the vehicular interface. It looks like a standard buttons-and-panels setup, but there are no physical buttons. The entire system is an LCD touchscreen. This takes some getting used to--in the end it doesn't work entirely differently than conventional buttons would. Ford also adds a multi-configurable instrument panel so the driver can select specific information for display, and a comprehensive 8" info touch screen. There are also two configurable information screens on either side of the instrument panel that allow the driver to select which vehicle functions are displayed.
Beyond the new technology, the Edge has a good-looking and comfortable interior as well. The instrument panel is multi-textured and folds over itself in an elegant and interesting way. The seats are comfortably wide and tall, and up to five passengers ride in comfort. The sound deadening and headliner have been upgraded for a quieter ride, and to improve response from SYNC's voice-recognition system. From the driver's seat, you'll also notice that Ford has added its groovy new blind-spot side view mirrors to the Edge. The cargo hold will accept up to 32.2 cubic feet of stuff; fold the seats and the Edge's capacity goes up to almost 70 cubic feet. Radar-based adaptive cruise control is available, and can be paired with a collision-mitigation system that warns the driver and pre-charges the brakes if an impending crash is detected. Ford's Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is also available.
Under the skin, the Edge is revitalized with updated V6 power. A choice of 3.5 and 3.7 liter V6 engines is offered. Both engines sport double overhead cams and variable cam timing. The 3.5 V6 is the standard engine, and produces 285 horsepower. This engine offers decent acceleration, though perhaps not as brisk as the horsepower figure might suggest it should be. That can be attributed to the Edge's two-ton curb weight. This isn't a bad thing, of course; the Edge is designed for versatility, not drag racing. Equip it properly and it'll return 27mpg on the freeway, which isn't bad for the class. The Edge Sport is now a separate model that comes equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 that's shared with the Ford Mustang, and its 30 horses should provide more entertaining performance. Six-speed automatic transmissions are standard; the Edge Sport gets paddle shifters to entertain the enthusiasts. Front- and all-wheel drive are offered.
That the Edge drives heavy may come as a surprise--remember, Ford's done a good job of making this rather large vehicle look compact. Thanks to upgrades in the suspension and a dramatic reduction in body roll, the weight translates to a solid and unperturbed ride. It's got the gravity of an old '70s American land-yacht, but without the float. MacPherson struts are used up front, with an independent rear. Four-wheel disc brakes provide confident stopping power; stability control and trailer sway control are standard. The Edge is a decent long-distance driver for three or four passengers, and better adapted to the road than many SUVs of course.
One thing's for sure--the American family car will never be the same. The redesigned 2011 Ford Edge is an excellent blend of several different automotive disciplines, and it manages to do just about everything well. Ford has priced it attractively, too. The Edge starts at $27,995, and even my well-equipped Edge SEL with all-wheel drive, a backup camera, MyFord Touch and SYNC went out the door for $34,240.
All specs are for the 2011 Ford Edge AWD.
Length: 184.2 in.
Width: 76.0 in.
Height: 67.0 in.
Wheelbase: 111.2 in.
Curb weight: 4265 lb.
Cargo space: 32.2 cu.ft. (seats up); 68.9 cu.ft. (seats down)
Towing capacity: 3500 lb.
Base price: $32,070
Price as tested: $34,240
Engine: 3.5 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 285 @ 6500
Torque: 253 @ 4000
Fuel capacity: 18 gal. (FWD)
Est. mileage: 18/25
By Chris Jackson - MyCarData
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