With its comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and an engine that nicely blends power and fuel economy, the 2009 Ford Edge is definitely worthy of consideration in the five-passenger midsize crossover SUV segment.
And new for 2009 is a Sport model featuring larger wheels and tires and sportier interior and exterior styling elements. Also new for all 2009 Edge models are standard blind spot mirrors and Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert system (sets off the horn and emergency flashers when the airbags have been activated).
The 2009 is available in four trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Sport.
Standard Features:
Standard features on the already well-equipped base SE include full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, reclining rear seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary jack, and 17 inch alloy wheels.
The SEL trim has all of the above plus 18 inch wheels, fog lights, a six-way power driver seat, a door-entry keypad, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Easy Fold rear seat, trip computer, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio.
The Limited model adds a leather interior, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver-seat memory, chrome exterior trim, heated exterior mirrors, additional ambient lighting, a flat-folding power passenger seat, Ford's voice-activated Sync system and a nine-speaker sound system. Many of these features are available on the SEL as options.
The new Sport model includes almost all the Limited's features and adds 20 inch polished aluminum wheels, a brake dust shield, larger exhaust tips, unique bodywork, Alcantara seat trim and other special interior and exterior styling accents.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Edge Prices:
There's no question that dealers are struggling right now. And this has led to some extremely good deals to be had on new Ford Edge models, as well as many other vehicles ... often below invoice prices, sometimes far below.
See the link at the bottom of this article for exactly how to get the lowest price on a new Ford Edge.
Options:
The SE model has a convenience package which adds steering-wheel audio controls, automatic headlights, reverse parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Satellite radio is also available as a stand-alone option.
On the SEL and Limited models, options include a panoramic glass roof featuring a power front sunroof and a fixed rear skylight, either 18 or 20 inch chrome wheels, a rear entertainment system, and voice-activated navigation with Sirius Travel Link and digital music storage (a single-CD player replaces the 6-disc changer).
While factory models don't combine the DVD entertainment system with the Vista Roof, you can have a Ford dealer install a dual-screen system by mounting the displays in the front headrests.
22 inch wheels and performance tires are available options on the Sport, while class II towing preparation is available on all Ford Edge models.
Engines And Gas Mileage:
All Edge models are equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and all trims are available in both front-wheel or all-wheel drive. On the AWD models, the power is sent primarily to the front wheels until some slippage occurs. At that time, nearly all the power is shifted to the rear.
A front-wheel-drive Edge can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. And properly equipped, the Ford Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
EPA gas mileage estimates for front-wheel-drive Edge models are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage for the four-wheel-drives declines slightly to 15 mpg city and 22 highway.
Safety Features:
Standard safety features on all Ford Edge models include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and blind spot mirrors.
The 2009 Edge has also received high grades in government crash testing. It rated a perfect five stars in side impact testing for both front and rear passengers, and five stars for the driver and four for the passenger in frontal impacts.
Drive:
The 2009 Ford Edge is a capable handler with a comfortable ride and quiet cabin. Acceleration is strong and the automatic shifting is smooth.
Price:
How To Buy A New Ford Edge At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Edge here's a technique that shows how to buy one at the lowest possible price, especially given the current slow economic environment.
2009 Ford Edge:
SE, FWD: retail price: $26,635, invoice price: $25,129
SE, AWD: retail price: $28,485, invoice price: $26,832