What Is It?
2007 Ford Edge
What's Special About It?
Although it already has the Freestyle, Ford figures there's still room in its lineup for a slightly smaller and sportier crossover. Set to go on sale late this year, the 2007 Ford Edge not only looks less homely than its sibling, it promises better performance and functionality than its competitors.
"Trust me when I say that the powertrain delivers what the bold styling promises," said Elaine Bannon, chief nameplate engineer, when we asked how the Edge stacks up against the Nissan Murano. "When you drive this vehicle you'll know right away it's a step above anything else out there." We would have been surprised if she said anything different, but with a standard 250-horsepower V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission the Edge has the hardware to back up her claims.
Available in both front- and rear-wheel drive, the Edge is built on a car platform that should provide a better ride quality than most truck-based SUVs. There's an independent suspension front and rear and disc brakes at each corner. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard with 18-inchers optional. Ford's exclusive Roll Stability Control system is another available option to help prevent rollovers and there's side curtain airbags front and rear if it doesn't.
At 193 inches, the Edge is 6 inches longer than the Murano but shares a nearly identical wheelbase. Ford claims it has best-in-class head- and legroom in the second row, but with only 68.7 cubic feet of available cargo space it comes up a little short compared to the Murano's 82 cubic feet of space.
Even without the cargo space of the Murano, the Edge can be made to feel more spacious with the optional Vista panoramic sunroof, a class exclusive feature. Ford also says the Edge's MP3 port is another first for the class along with a center console big enough to swallow a laptop. And like most other crossovers, the Edge has multiple power points, a multitude of cupholders and an optional rear DVD entertainment system. About the only item not on the options list is a third-row seat. Ford left that one to the Freestyle.
What's Edmunds' Take?
No third-row seat makes the Edge slightly less family-friendly than the Freestyle, but its styling and performance make up the difference. This is the crossover Ford should have built in the first place. — Ed Hellwig
2007 Ford Edge
What's Special About It?
Although it already has the Freestyle, Ford figures there's still room in its lineup for a slightly smaller and sportier crossover. Set to go on sale late this year, the 2007 Ford Edge not only looks less homely than its sibling, it promises better performance and functionality than its competitors.
"Trust me when I say that the powertrain delivers what the bold styling promises," said Elaine Bannon, chief nameplate engineer, when we asked how the Edge stacks up against the Nissan Murano. "When you drive this vehicle you'll know right away it's a step above anything else out there." We would have been surprised if she said anything different, but with a standard 250-horsepower V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission the Edge has the hardware to back up her claims.
Available in both front- and rear-wheel drive, the Edge is built on a car platform that should provide a better ride quality than most truck-based SUVs. There's an independent suspension front and rear and disc brakes at each corner. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard with 18-inchers optional. Ford's exclusive Roll Stability Control system is another available option to help prevent rollovers and there's side curtain airbags front and rear if it doesn't.
At 193 inches, the Edge is 6 inches longer than the Murano but shares a nearly identical wheelbase. Ford claims it has best-in-class head- and legroom in the second row, but with only 68.7 cubic feet of available cargo space it comes up a little short compared to the Murano's 82 cubic feet of space.
Even without the cargo space of the Murano, the Edge can be made to feel more spacious with the optional Vista panoramic sunroof, a class exclusive feature. Ford also says the Edge's MP3 port is another first for the class along with a center console big enough to swallow a laptop. And like most other crossovers, the Edge has multiple power points, a multitude of cupholders and an optional rear DVD entertainment system. About the only item not on the options list is a third-row seat. Ford left that one to the Freestyle.
What's Edmunds' Take?
No third-row seat makes the Edge slightly less family-friendly than the Freestyle, but its styling and performance make up the difference. This is the crossover Ford should have built in the first place. — Ed Hellwig
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