Vehicle: 2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD with Cargo Pkg, Vision Pkg, Canadian Touring Pkg and Driver Entry Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$43045
Performance: During initial launch, Edge is only available with 3.5 and 3.7 liter V6 as engine choices. The 3.7 liter V6 is the highlight of the 2011 Edge as this is the new powertrain for the ever growing Edge family. With 305 ponies and 208 lb/ft of torque, its able to move the heavy 4473 lb Sport off-the-line with authority. The engine is a both a refined and smooth operator. Ford’s V6 engine’s overall refinement, smoothness and NVH are finally on par with those from Nissan and Toyota. Those are already considered as the best in the industry. The engine note is mute with a hint of sound for driver communication. When mesh the responsive throttle, Edge takes off-the-line with ease. The 6-speed manumatic has worked exceptionally well with this powertrain, as it combines decent gear ratios. The low 1st and 2nd gears are good for peppy launch, while 5th and 6th are for proper highway cruising. However, the lack of paddle shifters on manumatic have made this function redunant.
Handling: Along with the stiff and stout chassis, our Edge Sport comes with sports suspension. The extra damping and stiffness through suspension and spring have done wonders to Edge’s dynamic abilities. While standard Edge is considered as more of a cruiser than an all-out handler, Sport really have a desired effect to Edge’s overall driving experience. The sports suspension provieds firmer rebound damping, which means it put the driver at more confidence-inspiring and reassuring manners when pushed it into the limit. The steering feels sharper and more responsive to driver input. There are more on and off-center feedback to Edge’s latest revision. Then added electronic stability control and a good AWD system, its really hard to get Edge into an ugly picture. However, all have done without losing the comfortably riding “edge” that this Ford crossover is famous for. While the ride is a little bit firmer, its far from being harsh and ungainly. Sports suspension is comfortably compliant which absorbs all the roughness with ease. Both body motions and understeer are well controlled.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the Edge is able to stop commandably given its heavy curb weight. The stopping distance is short, while brake pedal feels firm and solid. Its able to haul the heavy beast to a stop with utmost confidence by any driver. Add to the ABS that doesn’t step in at the wrong time, it wraps up the well-rounded dynamic package.
Interior: The biggest highlight to Edge’s interior has to be MyFord Touch screen standard on both Limited and Sport. Its able to control everything from stereo, auto climate control to which screen driver would like to see on a road trip. Even passenger is able to choose which is the most efficient driving route to destination through the touch-screen variety. All have done with utmost initutive through both screen and multi-function steering.
When it comes to use of materials and workmanship in Ford vehicles, they have taken a huge step forward. Edge is the perfect example. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic materials on the dashboard and center console, all of them in rich and classy varieties. The tasteful use of wood and aluminum trim have added class to the rather drab black interior.
When it comes to cargo space, Edge succeed again. It all begins with a flat loading floor with box-like sills for maximum cargo area, then added the fold down rear seats and nice cubbyholes underneath the floor. If there is one drawback, its the rear glass doesn’t open independently from the tailgate. Pity.
Conclusion: Its hard to overlook the Ford Edge when you are in the market for a crossover. The addition of a more powerful 3.7 liter V6 engine have done wonders to Edge’s overall demeanor, then add the sporty flair and user-friendly MyFord Touch. All combined with Ford’s improved quality and fit-and-finish. You would be hard to yourselves without test driving the Edge Sport.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Ford Edge Sport
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Performance: 4.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5