WASHINGTON — Last week we looked at the stylish Nissan Murano — not a word that can be said about not many midsize crossovers. Except maybe the Ford Edge.
Both are very popular and more stylish than many others. I looked at the redesigned Edge last year before it went on sale, and I’ve now spent a week with the top-of-the line Ford Edge Titanium AWD.
One thing that sets the Edge apart from its competitors is the choice of three engines — a turbo four-cylinder engine, which is what my tester had, or two V6 engines, one with twin turbo, in the Ford Edge Sport.
If I were you, I would go straight for the Ford Edge Sport. Its powerful twin-turbo V6 can satisfy power-hungry people like me. But others will be happy with the base-level 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine and 245 horsepower, which moves the Edge just fine in most cases. It only seemed a bit sluggish when loaded with people and cargo.
A larger V6 is an option in this Titanium, as well as other trim levels for $500. You gain 35 horsepower and the ability to tow 3,500 pounds. The one thing you lose with a bigger engine is some fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine with AWD is rated at 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. Over the 723 miles I drove that week, I hit 23 mpg on regular fuel.
The ride is more carlike than I remember from last year. Even though this is a good-size crossover, it drives and handles like a smaller vehicle. It might not be the sportiest ride, but it’s a good fit for a more upscale Edge than previous models. It feels more connected to the road than before. The ride is better and less choppy on rough surfaces, even with larger 19-inch wheels. One thing I noticed over the week: the quiet cabin. The driving experience is a step up for this more premium-feeling vehicle.
The quiet interior is also a nicer place to spend time, with an upgraded look and feel to the materials. This might make you think twice before looking at Lincoln’s version of this Edge. There is seating for five, but no third row is offered, so there isn’t a compromise for passenger or cargo space.
The leather seats are a nice touch and provide good comfort. The rear seats have good head and leg room. The Edge is wide enough that three people can fit in the back in relative comfort. Two car seats and a booster seat fit without much hassle at all.
My model was fitted with the $5,645 equipment group 302A, which adds voice-activated NAV, among others. The NAV doesn’t always work very well, but the panoramic vista roof is a hit and the heated and cooled front seats are nice. Even the rear seats are heated. I enjoyed the heated steering wheel. The enhanced parking assist will park you, and the front camera will let you see what’s going on when leaving that spot. This new Edge should keep most tech-happy buyers intrigued.
The Ford Edge has been a popular midsize crossover for years, and with this redesign it’s a more upscale Edge with more choices for more people. It might not be as revolutionary as its competitors, but it has undergone a solid rework that will keep people coming through Ford’s doors.
