Within the month the new 2015 Edge will arrive in Ford showrooms from the assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario.
Edge will come in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport. SE, SEL, and Titanium will be motored by the 2.0 L inline-four EcoBoost engine with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
The Edge Sport is equipped with a 2.7 L V6 EcoBoost engine with active grille shutters, leather trimmed sport seat, sport-tuned suspension, and 20-inch polished aluminum with magnetic low gloss painted pocket wheels.
I drove the Titanium and Sport extensively. While enjoying them both, the Titanium will be the choice to critique.
As mentioned above, Titanium is powered by a 2.0 L EcoBoost engine featuring DOHC, four valves per cylinder, and twin independent variable cam shaft timing. There is 245 hp at 5,500 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Edge routes the power through a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and that combination delivers a fuel economy of 20 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. However, my driving experience netted me over 30 mpg.
Titanium performed well whether it was involved in the stop-and-go traffic of Phoenix, where acceleration and braking performance were essential, or driving the open roads of various pavement quality at highway speeds, which tested the engine’s power and the vehicle’s passing capability as a whole.
Whatever the driving task, the suspension helped, completing the endeavor comfortably and quickly. Independent MacPherson struts and L-shaped lower control arm with isolated sub frame and stabilizing bar supports the front corners, while independent multi-link rear suspension with isolated sub frame and stabilizer bar keeps the tail in control.
The city of Phoenix is a beautiful modern urban area, but it was the mountains that won my heart. Driving the Usery Mountain Road with its tight turns and scenic overlooks was a wonderment. In some places the road was new, but coarse and worn in some other places. But with features like 4-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, even slow traffic and blind turns were easy to handle.
Some of the terrain was rolling, allowing up to 30-55 MPH with a variety of pavement quality. This made the adventure all the more relaxing. Simply turning the HD radio with 12-speaker radio system to favorite songs enamored my heart as I watched the majestic scenery roll along just beyond the windows. It was great just listening to Willie and the Boys in quiet comfort while the panorama of the Southwest paraded by reflecting in the arroyos and cactus alongside the road.
Inside, leather trimmed seat that were wide enough for my high positioned butt, and 40.2 inches of headroom plus 42.6 inches of legroom made the driving experience all the more enjoyable.
There was plenty of room for cargo to be easily placed in the cavernous 73.4 cubic feet of volume behind the front seat, with hands-free lift gate to assist the loading. Rear view camera, 911 Assist, SOS Post Crash Alert System, Remote Keyless Entry, Torque Vectoring Control, and Perimeter Alarm add to the appreciation for safety.
With all the amenities, safety features and creature comforts, one might expect to pay as much as $40,000.
MSRP
SE: $28,100-$30,020
SEL: $31,500-$33,420
Titanium: $35,600-$37,520
Sport: $38,100-$39,595
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Bumper to Bumper
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
5-year/60,000-mile Safety Restraint System
5-year/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance Program
5-year/Unlimited-miles Corrosion
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcausssey@sbcglobal.net
