Also in the 2009 Ford Edge Review:
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6.
Ford Edge Full Review
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8.
9.
The 2009 Ford Edge adds a new Sport model to its lineup. This five-passenger crossover SUV is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. SE, SEL, and Limited trims are joined by the Sport model for 2009. All have a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sport models have standard 20-inch wheels or available 22-inch wheels, unique body panels, dual exhaust, specific seats, and unique interior trim. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include a power-folding tailgate, power-folding rear seatbacks, 20-inch wheels, and the Vista Roof, a sliding glass sunroof that covers both the front and rear seats. Also optional is Sync, a software system that offers voice-activated control of cell phones and digital music players. Note that Lincoln sells a luxury-trimmed version of the Edge called the MKX. The evaluation of the 2009 Ford Edge Sport is based on preview test drives.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
5.5 |
With front-drive or AWD, Edge has good power from a stop. Ford claims AWD versions do 8.4 sec 0-60 mph, which feels about right to us. The transmission is generally responsive, though one test example was hesitant to downshift without a deep stab of the gas pedal.
Fuel Economy
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
4.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Edges averaged just 12.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 15.4-18.0 in city/highway work, and 20.8 with more highway use. We've not had an opportunity to measure with a 2WD Edge. All models use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5 |
5.4 |
Even with our test examples' optional 18-inch wheels, Edge smothers bumps better than many competitive crossovers. Some testers say slight float over highway swells taints otherwise fine ride control. We attribute some minor structural shudder over a few bumps to the Vista Roof on our test vehicles. Sport's optional 22-inch wheels result in a noticeably rougher ride, but it is still fairly composed over cracked highway pavement. We've not had an opportunity to test an Edge with 17- or 20-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
4.8 |
A softly sprung suspension leads to body lean and tire squeal while taking turns at even moderate speeds. This is countered by good steering feel both in the city and on the highway. The brakes have longish pedal travel but deliver drama-free stops.
Quietness
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
5.5 |
The engine sounds gruff in full-throttle acceleration, but it settles down while cruising and at idle. Some tire noise is evident on coarse surfaces, but it's not enough to be a bother. The Vista Roof causes a lot of wind ruckus at highway speeds if it's left in its tilted position. With it fully open, an integrated wind blocker does a decent job of filtering noise to the point where no shouting is necessary in order to carry on a conversation at speeds up to about 70 mph.
Controls
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
6.5 |
The climate controls are handy and simple to use. The gauges and available navigation screen are easy to read for the most part, but they can lack contrast in certain lighting conditions. As for the navigation system itself, it's easy to program. It absorbs most audio functions but doesn't complicate them.
Details
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
6 |
5.4 |
Hard plastic trim dominates Edge's cabin, but most pieces don't look cheap. Assembly quality is fine. Sport's suede-like seat inserts, contrast stitching, and etched metal trim give the interior added sporty flair.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
7.1 |
Legroom is ample. Even with the Vista Roof, six-footers will have sufficient headroom. The seats are all-day comfortable. A low dashboard and chair-height seats provide good overall visibility, though the rear headrests partially block the view astern. Sport's seats provide more support with added bolstering.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
6.4 |
The rear bench is supportive and offers generous legroom, knee clearance, and foot space. The Vista Roof extends over the rear seat, but only the very tall may find headroom lacking. A reclining seatback is standard and adds to passenger comfort. Entry and exit are no-hassle affairs.
Cargo Room
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
8 |
8.7 |
Edge has generous cargo space, even with the rear seatbacks raised. The deck is low, but loading bulky items is complicated by a step-down from the rear sill. The rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat, but they conveniently drop forward with the available pushbutton release located near the tailgate. The seatbacks have to be manually raised, however. Cabin storage is very good, highlighted by a large glovebox and cavernous center console that can hold a notebook computer.
Value within Class
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
6.1 |
Ford has a lot riding on the success of this crossover, and Edge impresses for its car-like ride and generous passenger and cargo room. Base prices are competitive but quickly escalate with options. Edge sport is a credible alternative to sporty SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox Sport or Mazda CX-7, but lacks the Nissan Murano's overall sophistication. Give Edge a look, but favor an SE model or a judiciously equipped SEL for the best value for your money.
Total Score
| 2WD SEL |
AWD SEL w/navigation |
AWD Sport w/22-in wheels |
Class Average |
| 66 |
66 |
66 |
65.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score |
|
56 |
| Average Score |
|
65 |
| High Score |
|
76 |
Engines
| |
dohc V6 |
|
|
| Size, liters/cu. in. |
3.5 /213 |
|
|
| Horsepower @ rpm. |
265 @ 6250 |
|
|
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
250 @ 4500 |
|
|
| Availability |
Standard |
|
|
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
|
|
| 6-speed automatic |
15/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Ford Edge 4-door wagon |
|
|
| 4WD Rollover |
4 |
|
|
| Front Impact, Driver |
5 |
|
|
| Front Impact, Passenger |
4 |
|
|
| Rollover Resistance |
4 |
|
|
| Side Impact, Driver |
5 |
|
|
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger |
5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Also in the 2009 Ford Edge Review:
5.
6.
Ford Edge Full Review
7.
8.
9.