Small-vehicle sales are increasing, big-vehicle sales decreasing, and although most people want better fuel economy, not everyone can get by with a small car.
Some people have passenger-toting or cargo-carrying needs that transcend what runty rides have to offer. The first place most of those people have turned to was an SUV.
Now, instead, they might want to take a good look at the Ford Edge.
Edge is a midsize crossover vehicle, with SUV-like styling and a car-based platform, that has roomy seating for five and a 32.2 cubic-feet rear cargo area. The 60/40 split second-row seats can be folded down when more cargo capacity is needed — up to 69.0 cubic feet. When rear-seat passengers are the priority, added comfort is provided by the seatbacks’ ability to recline.
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, Edge has an EPA fuel economy rating of 16/24 mpg with 2WD, and 15/22 mpg with AWD.
These numbers aren’t going to make the National Environmental Trust break out into the Hallelujah Chorus, but they’re several miles above what the Explorer SUV, for example, has to offer with a V6 engine: 14/20 with 2WD and 13/19 with AWD. Two or three extra miles to every gallon makes a big difference, especially over the life of the vehicle.
Edge’s engine generates a peppy 265 horsepower and is paired with a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, it has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Previously available in SE and SEL trim levels, for 2008 the Edge also has a Limited model that comes with a nine-speaker stereo system with six-disc CD changer and MP3; dual electronic climate control; fold-flat six-way power passenger seat; EasyFold power second-row seats; heated front seats and mirrors; and leather-trimmed seats.
Also available for 2008: an Interior Appearance Package that adds leather-trimmed seats with premium red seating surfaces and contrasting stitching; a new 18-inch wheel option; class-exclusive 20-inch wheels; the Ford Sync hands-free communication and entertainment system; voice-activated DVD navigation system; and a power rear liftgate.
My Limited tester was optioned with almost all of the above, plus a rear sensing system and a really neat panoramic vista roof that lets rear seat as well as front seat passengers enjoy the sky. The roof’s front glass panel slides open; the rear glass panel is fixed. Power-operated twin cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block all light.
The base SE model, however, has more than enough to offer, with a reasonable base price of about $25,500.
The Edge has a wide track and wheels that are positioned far out at the corners. This helps make it a good handler on turns and twists, with very little body roll. It also contributes to the vehicle’s sporty look. Well, sporty looking for something this big — 185.7 inches long and more than 4,000 pounds vehicle weight.
The Edge’s cabin rates high on the comfort scale, and even at freeway speeds it stays blessedly quiet.
My tester’s all-wheel drive configuration provided an extra measure of reassurance the week I had it during this momentous past spring, when the roads weren’t dry for one moment.
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