2015 Ford Edge: A Supermodel With A Ph.D. In Organic Chemistry
When the Ford Edge was launched in 2006 I had the opportunity to test-drive it on Northern California’s stunning Route 101.
At the time I reported. “This five-person CUV (crossover) has a more European feel. I wouldn’t describe it as sexy, shot from guns, smokin’, or whimsical. But, the Edge is tight, bright, and confident – a fun city car and a competent highway vehicle with room to stow.”
I concluded, “Edge is joining what the industry claims as the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the US. Buyers continue to want space but are willing to settle for less with the flexibility of an SUV that handles like a car and, of course, low gas mileage. Expect to see more of the above.”
The prediction was true. The 2006 Edge was indeed on the cusp of the growing CUV industry. After four consecutive years of record utility vehicle sales in 2014, Ford Motor Company sold an all-time high of 1.4 million utility vehicles in markets worldwide – up 11 percent from 2013. Edge growth is up 20 percent in China!
In addition, a 2014 Initial Quality Study by JD Powers predicts SUVs will soon outpace the truck market. To note, women are 50 percent of the buying audience for the Ford Edge.
And as for those comments about “shot from guns” and “smokin’ ”…well, I can retract those this time around: the 2015 Edge Sport with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine has improved its 0-60-mph time by 1.0 seconds was a spunky surprise. Another win comes with fuel economy of 18 city/ 27 hwy for front-wheel drive and 17-city/ 24 hwy for all-wheel drive.
The all-new Edge has been honed in every detail with a new body structure that includes a redesigned front and rear suspension that absorbs noise and handles roads better.
Edge Boasts Cool Technology
Yes, I tried these hands free features that make a driver say “Wow!”
Using 12 ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle, Active Park Assist automatically guides the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also find and steer the vehicle into a roadside parallel parking space. You just control the shifting, accelerating, and braking while the steering wheel turns itself to maneuver the vehicle perfectly into place.
Enhanced active park assist also includes “park out” guidance to help steer you out of a tight space, as well as a side parking sensor that watches your back, front, and sides, to warn you when you come close to any nearby object.
I also like the available hands-free liftgate that combines sensors and a kick under the rear bumper to open. In other words, as long as you have the key on you, you do not have to lift a finger to unlock the hatch!
Changes to the Edge body
The cabin is bigger and more refined: The 2015 Edge gains 3.9 inches in length and 1.3 inches in height. That gives additional headroom for all passengers, and an inch of increased legroom for the second row.
Cargo capacity has increased to 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats – that’s 7.0 cubic feet more than the previous model! With the second row folded, Edge now boasts 73.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Additional storage includes a covered media bin on top of the center stack, large pockets on each door, and an open pass-through beneath the climate controls.
The 2015 Edge also offers up a gigantic Vista Roof that measures 47.7 inches (the size of a large desk) from the front to the rear. “We had to go into every detail – notice how the inside of door curves inwards instead of being flat,” Edge Design Manager, Hak Soo Ha, explains. New details include adding more stitching in the seats, removing the rubber molding around the windows, and eliminating the smaller side windows to create a cleaner, more upscale impression.
The quiet factor: In wind tunnel tests, Edge proves to be more than 1 sone (sound perception measurement) quieter than its forerunner. The improved quietness is due to better sealing of the body, improvements in insulation, and powertrains that are less noisy.
Outside: Yes, you will still know that this is the Edge, but the 2015 model has some curves. Kevin George, Exterior Design Manager for Ford Edge, notes, “It was a daunting task. Edge was working well but we had to make it new. We didn’t need to reinvent the proportions, we just had to change it up. Edge was monolithic and modern and we wanted to make it light, more nimble, and sportive.”
Locomotion: The 2015 Edge features three engine options with AWD or FWD. I have to say that I prefer EcoBoost in any form and I was quite smitten with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 Sport, which boasts 315 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque can be ordered with a towing package capable of hauling a 3,500-pound trailer.
The Final Word
“Edge is like the supermodel who has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry,” notes William Mattiace, Ford Utility Vehicle Communications Coordinator, “It’s a technology showcase. This is the first vehicle with perpendicular park assist and park out.”
And one more thing: The iPhone was released in 2007 around the time that the Edge was becoming a known entity. Take a look back and come forward to 2015. It’s really awesome to see how they both have evolved.
Categorized:Car Reviews SUVs
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