The Edge joined the Ford lineup in 2007 as their first try at a midsize Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). The Crossover is a relatively

The Edge remains one of the top contenders for midsize crossover sales. (Photo: Ford)

new breed of vehicle that combines the comfort, convenience features and road manners of a car with the passenger and load capability of an SUV. That means, for example, that the traditional SUV’s body on frame design has been replaced with a unibody design to take advantage of a lower ride height for ease of entry and exit. 

The car-like performance of the unibody design also makes it easier to offer ride comfort and good handling. And that car-like performance can be enhanced to provide some of the most popular SUV characteristics by adding all-wheel drive and decent towing capability without sacrificing much in the way of fuel economy. The Edge shares its chassis, basic architecture and many mechanical components with the Mazda CX-9 and Lincoln MKX.

Even at a

Now a familiar profile, the Edge projects a sporty image. (Photo: Ford)

glance, the new Edge, with its distinctive three-bar chromed grille is easily identified as a Ford. Its blunt nose, arched profile and high-mounted rear spoiler make it one of the more attractive crossover designs. Matte black lower front and rear fascias and rocker panels give Edge a sleek look.

The five-passenger Edge is available in a new less expensive SE trim, as well as SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels. The SE comes standard with front-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, blind spot mirrors, full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, variably intermitent, speed sensitive wipers, reclining backseats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo

Interior detailing is good and available features are first rate. (Photo: Ford)

with CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio jack and SIRIUS satellite radio. Four-discs with ABS is also standard, as are traction and stability control plus a full assortment of airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The SEL adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, upgraded cloth upholstery, upgraded interior trim, automatic climate control with dual zone front temperature capability, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, automatic headlights, an in-dash six-CD changer, keypad locking, an auto dimming mirror, and more.

The

Seats are comfortable and supportive. (Photo: Ford)

Limited has a unique new interior package that blends leather-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching on seats, steering wheel and shift knob, along with a dark brushed aluminum centre stack panel and premium Edge-logo floor mats. Other features include memory seats, upgraded audio features, standard SYNC telematics, and reverse parking sensors.

The 2010 Edge Sport continues to be aimed at customers who want a sportier look and a personalized vehicle. It starts with the SEL's standard equipment and adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, better tires, ambient interior lighting, and Alcantara faux-suede enhanced upholstery.

The

Nav system is easy to use. (Photo: Ford)

Sport model also shows its personality with an eight-piece factory-installed body kit that includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body colour instead of the dark lower finish on other Edge models. The front air dam comes with integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert. Edge Sport is available in four exterior colours: Tuxedo Black, Red Candy, Ingot Silver and a limited-run Sport Blue.

When equipped with the available wheel/tire handling package, Edge is elevated to a new level of appearance and performance. P265/40-R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires are mounted on 22-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels delivering a head-turning appearance.

Ford Sync just might be the best connectivity system anywhere. (Photo: Ford)

Performance-tuned shocks, springs and steering components help for better handling, but ride quality as a daily driver is sacrificed. It feels more at home on a road course or twisty mountain road.
 
The 2010 Ford Edge is powered by a 3.5-litre V6, good for 265 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. All models except the Sport have standard Front-Wheel Drive, and all but the SE can be equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). With AWD, power goes to the front wheels until wheel slippage occurs. Then, power is automatically sent to the wheels with the most traction.

Powertrain

Automatic climate control is the way to go. (Photo: Ford)

performance is more than adequate for a vehicle this size. The six transmission ratios make the best of what can be considered a pretty good engine.  Acceleration from standstill is satisfying and engine noise at cruising speeds is minimal. The transmission has no manual shift capability, a feature that is missed by some and overlooked by others.

Edge’s 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 8.3 seconds. Both engine and transmission have been tweaked to improve fuel economy, now at 11.8 L/100km city/8.1 highway. All-wheel drive models get 12.5/8.8 respectively. The Edge can be equipped for towing up to 1 588 kilos (3,500 pounds).

The

Now that's a sunroof! (Photo: Ford)

interior has the flexibility needed to haul both cargo and people. The large centre console uses a removable divider and tray to organize the space both vertically and horizontally for storage of everything from a laptop computer and handbag to coins and MP3 players.
 
The Edge has four power points, three within the driver’s reach, along with a MP3 audio jack. Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat and organized. The console lid has a ticket clip, two penholders and a tissue holder.
 
Edge comfortably seats five, offering available heated six-way power-adjustable front

Open air crossover touring is ideal for warmer climes. (Photo: Ford)

seats and adult-size headroom and legroom for the second row. The reclining 60/40-split second-row seat folds to provide a nearly level load floor for carrying equipment in the cargo area. Items as long as eight feet will fit inside with the available fold-flat front passenger seat. Each rear seat can be folded manually using a hand release or automatically with a powered mechanism, operated from the rear of the cargo area.

Edge’s available panoramic Vista Roof provides a great view of the sky and brightens up the interior. The roof features a large 27.3-inch by 29.4-inch forward panel that offers tilt and slide opening, and a 15.75-inch by 31.3-inch fixed rear glass panel. The oversized front panel provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof and the

On the open road the Edge handles well. (Photo: Ford)

enormous skylights allow natural light to flood the cabin while protecting the interior from the elements. Twin power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block nearly 100 percent of ultra-violet rays.
A full complement of bells and whistles adds to the comfort and convenience of all onboard. Edge for 2010 also is available with Ford SYNC – with no monthly fees. The newest SYNC feature provides traffic, directions and information, with turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.

Other features include automatic headlamps with wiper activation, an in-cabin ambient lighting package and such customer-friendly

Edge is a stylish, well-built CUV. (Photo: Ford)

standard features as passenger grab handles and a cargo management system with four hooks, two tie-downs and a cargo net.

With its comfortable seats, quiet interior, good view in all directions and plenty of comfort and convenience features, traveling down the road in an Edge can be quite pleasant. The Sport’s ride on roads with broken pavement or potholes can be uncomfortable, but other models without the special tires and suspension don’t have that problem. 

Prices range from $30,499 for the SE, $33,999 for the SEL, $37,499 for the Limited and $40,699 for the Sport. Optional equipment can run prices considerably higher.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(41H) Engine Block Heater

(16W) Rubber Floor Mats

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(471) Cargo Package

(553) Convenience Group

(68B) Black Roof Rack Side Rails

(85B) Satellite Radio