2010 Ford Edge

Open a back door and you’ll be met with a split 60/40 seat complete with a fold-out armrest. Move the armrest down and you’ll find a a pair of extra cupholders. Each side of the split seats recline. And with headrests attached, the seats fold almost flat. Folding the 60/40 seat increases cargo capacity from 32.2 to 69.0 cubic feet. And when in use, back seat passengers won’t feel cramped as legroom is definitely respectable.

Power and Dynamics

So far so good, but from our perspective, the powertrain could be one of the best ingredients of the Edge. Under the hood is an extremely willing dual overhead cam 3.5 liter Duratec V6. The use of variable cam timing and a multi-path induction system results in a healthy performance pulse in the upper reaches of the rpm range. Drop a foot on the gas pedal in a passing situation, and the 265 horsepower (@ 6250 rpm), 250 lb.-ft. of torque (@ 4500 rpm) Duratech V6 responds instantly. Part of the warm and fuzzy feeling is due to the way the 6-speed automatic communicates between the engine and the driver. It’s all handled by the adaptive pressure control in which the shifting pressure control is learned from the driver in order to keep the shift times within specified limits.


And there’s more. The suspension system is fully independent, with a pair of MacPherson struts on the nose coupled to a multi-link setup on the rear. Even with the big 22-inch hoops fitted to our Sport test model, the ride was compliant and relatively quiet (we expect less sporty models with less aggressive rolling stock to prove even more silent). Steering was decidedly precise, with body roll in turns moderate. All Edge models come equipped with what Ford calls AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). Translated, this is a stability control system based upon a gyroscopic sensor that can measure both roll and yaw. What that all boils down to is if the Edge is experiencing heavy oversteer, understeer and dangerous body roll (any number of combinations of those factors) then the management computer takes over to sort out the dilemma. The computer has several options available to it in order to control yaw and roll. Included are the ABS four wheel disc brakes, engine throttle and traction control. And it can use any combination of those options to sort out a mess you might find yourself in. If desired, you can switch off the AdvanceTrac system, but the default mode has the system operational every time the Edge is started.


Overall, the Edge is both roomy and feature-filled. As pointed out above, it’s equipped with a world class powertrain (one that’s sure to be “copied” by others as we speak). And it’s most definitely a good looker, particularly within its class. Bottom line? Ford’s crossover-utility vehicle definitely hits the nail squarely on the head. It just goes to show that late bloomers might have a decided advantage—or an edge. (www.fordvehicles.com)