2017 Ford Edge: Ups the Ante with New Tech Offerings [Review]

2017 Ford Edge: Ups the Ante with New Tech Offerings
[Photo: Arv Voss]
The Blue Oval’s original crossover was the Ford Edge, which was launched late in 2006 and has maintained its popularity, becoming the proven leader in its class. This year, the 2017 Ford Edge offers more technology, a higher degree of craftsmanship and enhanced driving dynamics.

Edge will be offered in four levels of trim: the base SE; the SEL Edge; Edge Titanium and the top-of-the-line model, the Ford Edge Sport. Pricing starts at $28,700 plus $895 to $40,900 for the Ford Edge Sport plus the $895 for Destination. The Titanium model joined the lineup in 0215 replacing the old Limited trim.

WHAT’S NEW

It’s anticipated that the Edge in SEL trim will be the volume sales leader even though the Edge Sport is more upscale and offers more features and equipment.

The 2017 Ford Edge will draw its power from one of three engine choices:

  • 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing and sequential multiport fuel injection
  • 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing featuring Direct Injection
  • 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 rated at 280 horsepower and 250 pound feet of torque (for SE, SEL and Titanium).

All engines are mounted forward, and will mate to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters that sends power to either the front or all four wheels via an on-demand system. AWD is available in all trim levels with all engines.

Visually, the Edge displays a bold, aggressive and athletic form, adding more features and technologies that contribute to a more engaging driving experience. Up front, the Edge leads off with a rear-sloping, three-bar grille, a horizontal lower air intake, lower side vents, wraparound headlamp assemblies and a sculpted hood. The windshield is sharply raked into a rearward-sloping roofline that flows into the angled rear glass, which is topped by an integrated spoiler lip. In profile, the Edge showcases blacked out “B” and “C” pillars surrounded by bright trim. The “D” pillar or rear sail panel meets with the new LED taillamps that are accented by strong character lines. A lower composite cladding surrounds the entire vehicle. Sport model Edges come with a blacked out grille treatment and an exaggerated lower aero kit, as well as black surround trim for the greenhouse glass.

My test car was in Sport trim and AWD, powered by Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. It wore an exterior finish called “Blue Jeans Metallic” and came with an Ebony perforated leather interior. Its base price was $40,900 while options elevated the final sticker to $46,980. Options included: Equipment Group 401A with voice activated navigation system, Blind Spot monitoring system, remote start, auto-dim driver outside mirror, Lane Departure Warning, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 180-degree front camera with washer, Enhanced Park Assist, rain sensing wipers, second row inflatable safety belts, 21-inch polished premium aluminum wheels, and HID headlamps.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The 2017 Ford Edge Sport delivers many features that are not available on many competitor’s vehicles. For instance, the rear lift gate, which opens by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper and closes with the same action. The Enhanced Park Assist automatically parks in both parallel and perpendicular spaces and exits the space as well without touching the steering wheel. The Cross Traffic Alert is also a big plus.

PERFORMANCE

The Edge in Sport trim delivers admirable performance with its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine – impressive acceleration, braking and handling, while providing a comfortable and stable ride. The ride quality is firmer, but not at all harsh. It is, without question, the way to go for performance junkies. The power delivery is on a par with many V8s.

Safety features include: a Glove box-integrated knee airbag; AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Curve Control, Dual-stage front airbags, and Ford’s Safety Canopy System.

TFLCAR’S TAKE: The interior devotes more attention to detail and craftsmanship, and is equally as impressive as the exterior enhancements. Bottom line: the new Ford Edge is a crossover worth crossing over to. Ford produces the Edge at its Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, near Toronto.

Price and Performance: 2017 Ford Edge Sport AWD

Base MSRP: $40,900
Price as Tested: $46,980
Engine: 2.7L, direct-injected DOHC EcoBoost V6 w/ twin independent variable camshaft timing
Horsepower: 315hp @ 4,750 RPM
Torque: 350 lb. ft. @ 2,750 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed automatic w/ SelectShift
0-60: Not tested
Suspension: Front: MacPherson struts and L-shaped lower control arm w/ isolated subframe and stabilizer bar
Rear: Integral-link independent, w/ coil springs and anti-roll bar
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with four-channel ABS and AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion 265/40 R21 mounted on 5-spoke Graphite-painted alloy wheels
Fuel capacity: 19.2 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 17 MPG City/24 MPG Highway

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length:  188.1 inches
Width: 75.9 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height:  68.6 inches
Curb Weight: 4,060 pounds