Vehicle: 2010 Ford Edge Sport AWD
Price as tested: CDN$42199

Performance: There isn’t any domestic carmaker that strikes back as hard as Ford, the subject to this test drive, the new Ford Edge Sport.

The Edge Sport, just like the rest of the Edge offering, is only offered in one single engine choice. Its Ford’s proven 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 Duratec engine unit, which has proved to be both reliable and world-class in terms of execution. When it comes to reliability and dependability, Duratec has proved to be very well-made. As for overall engine refinement, smoothness, flexability and NVH; Duratec is able to match the best from Japan. As for power, it has 265 ponies and 250 lb/ft of torque which are more than capable to move Edge’s 22 inch wheels. On the other hand, its able to move Edge’s 4078 lb curb weight relatively well. All can’t be done without the proper gearbox. In the Edge, it got a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox. With the right gear ratios from the lower end to the top end of the spectum, it helps the engine to be at full boil all the time.

Handling: While Edge isn’t as driver-oriented as its chassis silibing, Mazda CX-9, its able to hold its own nicely through corners without breaking a sweat. Its very well-known that CX-9 has sharp handling given its physical dimension, as well as a 7-seater. Edge is a more conservatively handled dynamic package. The driving experience doesn’t have the “edge” as CX-9. However, steering feel and feedback are composed while providing the right set of response to driver input. Despite we think the 22″ inch wheels on our Sport tester feels a bit bouncy on rough pavement, it doesn’t seem to unsettle itself too much on washboard pavements and patholes. What we prefer is the smaller wheel dimensions as in SEL and Limited models, these two models have far superior ride quality than our Sport. They also managed to be some of the best riding quality crossovers on the market. This crossover’s suspension is comfortably compliant most of the time. As it provides decent body motion control with a slight understeer, thanks to its proactive AWD system with Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control. These combined really make it hard to get Edge rears its ugly heads.

Brakes: Edge’s 4-wheel discs with standard ABS managed a confidence-inspiring stopping distance and pedal feel. The stopping distance is commandable while pedal feels alive all-the-time. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily has given Edge extra marks in braking performance.

Interior: At the back of the Edge, its really well-layout as it got a low lift floor with squared side sills for maximum cargo loading. Along with the fold-down rear seats, basically anything can drop into the Edge without breaking a sweat. There are plenty of cubbyholes at the cargo area for miscellaneous. Then there is a rear wash/wiper for visibility. If there is one major flaw, its the rear glass doesn’t open independently. For a crossover of this caliber, it should.

The front leather seats are made of high-quality leather hides, which is both comfortable and well-foamed. Ford’s improvement in quality have been most obvious in the interior. The Edge applies the same high-quality soft-touch materials in the cabin. The VistaRoof really opens up the cabin, especially with the black on black interior on our tester. Both the automatic climate control and Ford’s Sync system have been logically placed. They are also superb when it comes to user-friendliness. If there is one problem, however, its the reflection from the front windshield is huge thanks to the large front cowl on the dashboard.

Conclusion: The Ford Edge succeed in so many areas, right from its good performance to its comfortable interior. While its exterior looks graceful enough, its AWD and stability control provide plenty of pace. Ford has certainly got another winner on its hands.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Ford Edge Sport
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5