With significant revisions for 2011, the Ford Edge has gone from a solid contender in the midsize crossover SUV segment to a top choice. It's most notable changes include more power, an updated exterior design, new features, higher quality cabin materials and additional noise insulation. This is a roomy and comfortable vehicle with a smooth drive, high-tech goodies and plenty of safety features.
In terms of performance, output for the Edge's 3.5-liter V6 has been boosted by 20 horsepower to 285, while gas mileage performance increased slightly at the same time. In addition, the Edge Sport was on the receiving end of a 3.7-liter V6 that's good for a robust 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. New braking hardware was also added to all Edge models across the board.
In terms of looks and feel, the new Edge's interior has a more upscale ambience thanks to improved materials and the availability of Ford's MyTouch, a technologically advanced electronics interface that complements Ford's already impressive Sync system with a new touchscreen display and additional voice commands to control the Edge's many high-tech features.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Ford Edge is offered in four trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Sport.
Standard features on the base Edge SE include power windows, power doorlocks, power mirrors, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack, while the SEL adds to these with a 6-way power driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, satellite radio, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, a trunk-mounted second-row folding seat release and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Edge Prices:
Car sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now. And Ford has recently been offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. It remains a buyer's market right now, resulting in an excellent opportunity to get the lowest price.
The bottom line? Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons to get the best price. Here's an article on the best negotiating technique to take advantage of the current slow car market (definitely read before ever going to a dealership): How To Buy A New Edge At The Best Price
Moving up to the Edge Limited adds leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, a power passenger seat, driver memory settings, the MyFord Touch interface, Ford Sync, a rearview camera, ambient lighting, heated front seats, two USB inputs and a 12-speaker Sony stereo with HD radio. The Edge Sport is equipped similarly to the Limited, but also adds a sport-tuned suspension as well as transmission paddle shifters.
Many of the upper trim's features are available on the lower trims through several optional packages. Additional optional features, depending on the model, include a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, an SD-card-based navigation system with real-time traffic and Sirius travel link, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, keyless entry/ignition, adaptive cruise control and xenon headlights.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the Ford Edge SE, SEL and Limited models is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Under the hood of the Edge Sport is a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft, again paired with the 6-speed automatic but also featuring manual shift control. All models are front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional for all except the SE.
The EPA gas mileage rating for a front-drive 3.5-liter model is 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. These numbers dip just slightly on all-wheel drive models to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Fuel economy for the Edge Sport is rated at 18 city and 25 highway with front-wheel drive and 17 and 23, respectively, with AWD.
Incidentally, here's an infographic on the 12 automakers who've been giving the best new car deals off MSRP (includes Ford).
Safety:
Standard safety features for all Edge models include stability control with rollover avoidance logic, antilock disc brakes (ABS), blind-spot mirrors, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and Ford's MyKey system which allows parents to program speed and stereo volume limits for teen drivers. In addition, an optional Vision package that includes blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring systems is available on all models except the SE.
Government crash tests for the 2011 Edge had not yet been completed at the time of this writing. However, the 2010 Edge earned five out of five stars in side-impact testing for both front and rear passengers, as well as five stars for the driver and four for the passenger in frontal-impact testing.
Interior:
The upgraded interior of the 2011 Ford Edge is attractive, roomy and solidly constructed with higher-grade materials. Overall, it has a more modern and higher-tech look, especially those equipped with MyTouch. The seating is comfortable and supportive, both front and rear. Head and legroom are both satisfactory, however, rear headroom tightens up for those who opt for the dual-pane "Vista Roof".
Maximum cargo capacity is a decent 32 cubic feet with the backseat up and can be expanded to 69 by folding them down. This bests that of its rival the Nissan Murano, but is less than the Toyota RAV4 or larger choices such as the Chevy Traverse and its sibling, the Ford Flex.
Drive:
The 2011 Edge possesses a refined and comfortable ride, easily absorbing road bumps and imperfections while still maintaining satisfactory handling abilities. Acceleration is strong and its overall performance feels confident and secure. And very noticeable is the Edge's impressively quiet ride, especially on the highway, due to added noise insulation. The Edge Sport has more power and is also a bit more agile, although the ride is a bit firmer due to its larger wheels.
Price:
2011 Ford Edge:
SE, FDW: list price: $27,445, invoice price: $26,024
SEL, FWD: list price: $30,460, invoice price: $28,484
SEL, AWD: list price: $32,310, invoice price: $30,167
Limited, FWD: list price: $34,460, invoice price: $32,124
Limited, AWD: list price: $36,310, invoice price: $33,807
Sport, FWD: list price: $36,460, invoice price: $33,944
Sport, AWD: list price: $38,310, invoice price: $35,627
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