By David Colman
Hypes: Aero Crafted Looks, Commendable Interior Space
Gripes: 1960 Shift Pattern, Chiclets Dashboard Feel
At $38,910, Ford’s EcoBoost Edge pushes the price envelope for a 4 cylinder SUV with front-wheel-drive. Base price on the Edge is $34,915. But by the time you’ve added the $995 optional 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine, new for 2012 and featuring direct injection, the $485 Vision Package (with blind spot monitoring), the numerical keypad Driver Entry Package ($895) and a Voice Activated Navigation System ($795), you’ll find yourself spending more than you would for a comparable VW Tiguan, and squarely into Audi Q5 all-wheel-drive territory.
Although you can fit your Edge with either a 3.5 or 3.7 liter V-6, (good for 285hp or 305hp respectively), the turbocharged and intercooled inline 4 cylinder EcoBoost motor produces 240hp, and more torque (270lb.-ft.) than even the 3.5 liter V-6. In the long run, you’ll spend less money operating the EcoBoost Edge thanks to its superior 21MPG/30MPG fuel economy, which trumps any of the V-6 models (which average 17MPG/23MPG). Best of all, you will never notice a power deficit with the EcoBoost engine due to its immediate response to depression of the throttle pedal, and excellent reserve of passing power.
The lively turbo motor deserves a better gearbox than Ford has provided. This one, a 6-speed automatic, has a floor-shift with provisions for Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive/Low. That’s it. No steering wheel paddles, no way to access intermediate gears for quick downshifts. Just PRNDL, like it was 1960 all over again. Plus, it’s all too easy to slip the lever into “L” when you really mean to select “D” because the detents between steps are weak.
Inside the cabin, the Edge compares favorably with the Tiguan and Q5. On newer model lines like Edge, Ford has refined fit and finish to match the best of the imports. The cockpit here has an expensive look, with flush panel meets, and leather-trimmed 10-way adjustable power front seats that are new for 2012. Even rear seat passenger comfort is well developed, with the 60/40 folding back seats affording plenty of headroom, a pair of overhead grab assists, lots of side glass area, a drop down center beverage holder console, and best of all, sliding and reclining rear seat adjustments.
