2011 Ford Edge

For 2011, the Edge is completely refreshed with new front and rear fascias, interior design, wheels, paint colors and numerous high-tech safety and entertainment features. The 2011 Edge gets revised cabin styling and an available high-tech entertainment and communication system. The Edge's exterior has also received some styling tweaks, and the five-seat crossover is now offered with a choice of three engines, including a new turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder. New optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning, blind spot detection, rear-view camera and rain sensing wipers. Also new for 2011 is the first implementation of the new MyFord driver connect technology that will manage all the information the driver needs, with minimal distraction to the driver. Overall, the Ford Edge offers both excellent styling and a far more efficient vehicle than a traditional SUV. Opt for all-wheel drive and you've got a great winter car as well. This is a roomy five-seat vehicle with two rows of seats. For many, the Ford Edge a smarter choice than a traditional, truck-based SUV, unless you are towing heavy trailers or frequently driving over rugged terrain.

Powering the 2011 Edge

The Edge is powered by a 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the Edge Sport adds a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6; both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sport adds steering wheel shift paddles. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Standard safety features on all models include six airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, auto-locking power locks, an occupant classification system and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Ford Edge handles reasonably well, given its considerable size and weight. Having its wheels out near the corners aids stability and handling. Naturally, the higher center of gravity prevents the Edge from being as nimble as a sports sedan, but unless you need to drive fast through the corners, you'll find it is perfectly adequate with less body roll than a regular SUV.

Ford Edge Design for 2011

The 2011 changes to the Edge's exterior are concentrated in front, as the crossover gains slender headlights, a revised horizontal-bar grille and a new bumper with a plunging design. From the windshield to the back of the crossover, though, the Edge's profile is essentially unchanged. The Edge has standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, but 18- and 20-inch rims are available. Massive 22-inch polished wheels go on uplevel Sport trim levels, which feature a black-chrome grille. Available features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, high-intensity-discharge headlights and a power lift gate. The Ford Edge has a wide track and a long wheelbase with short overhangs. The Edge is almost eight inches shorter in overall length than the Ford Explorer yet its wheelbase is just over two inches shorter. Also, the track on the Edge is over three inches wider while the overall width is about two inches wider.  The Edge features Ford's bold, American design. The big chrome grille is placed well forward and has wide chrome slats that merge into the relatively small headlights at each side. The high hood is short as the windshield rakes forward more like a sports car or modern minivan.

Inside the '11 Edge

Ford has taken steps to improve the appearance of the 2011 model's interior. The numerous distinct panels that formerly made up the dashboard's top have been replaced by a single piece, and the newly available MyFord Touch system gives both the instrument panel and center dash controls a futuristic appearance and feel. With the system, the traditional analog speedometer is bordered by two LCD screens that can be configured to show various types of vehicle information. An 8-inch touch-screen in the middle of the dash has menus for the climate, audio and navigation systems, among others. Below the screen is one of the Edge's distinctive features: touch-sensitive pads that replace many of the traditional buttons you'd normally find. In models equipped with HD Radio, you can tag songs to buy later from iTunes. Front-seat occupants find a generous amount of room, largely due to the vehicle's generous width. There is a large center console with a storage box big enough for a laptop computer. Two decent cup holders reside alongside the substantial shifter. The center stack is angled outward to make it easy to reach the large knobs for the climate and entertainment controls.

Conclusions

The Ford Edge is a five-passenger crossover sport utility that answers the call for a roomy vehicle with utility and style. It isn't a truck. Nor is it a minivan. Yet it's more than a car. Competitors to the Ford Edge include the Dodge Journey, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows, and an electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control. Available features include a backup camera, blind spot warning system and a collision-warning system. Cargo carrying is an area where the Edge excels. The tailgate lifts to reveal a wide opening. With the rear seats in place there's a reasonable amount of cargo room, but pressing a button automatically reclines the rear seats to open up 69.0 cubic feet of storage space on a nearly flat floor. For any family looking for plenty of space, and excellent style, but also a more fuel efficient vehicle than a full size SUV, the Ford Edge is a perfect match. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Ford Edge site.
Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com.