First Drive: 2015 Ford Edge

Edge of tomorrow

Phoenix, AZ – At the conclusion of the recent 2015 Ford Edge first drive event in Phoenix, I run into Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan and he asks me “what did you think, Keri?”

I tilt my head, debating how to answer. He probably wants to hear about the two all-new engines, especially the new standard 2.0 L EcoBoost that can tow 3,500 lb, and that unlike its predecessor, the 2015 Edge is available with all-wheel drive.

Maybe I should comment on the styling and interior, since every bolt in this Edge is all-new.

Instead I say “the little things, J.D. What I like best are the clever new details.”

For instance, there’s a 180-degree camera mounted on the front bumper that helps you see potential obstacles when pulling out from a blind spot.

There’s a new secret drawer to the left of the steering wheel, and this appeals to my security side. The new media bin behind the gearshift, meanwhile, is specifically designed to close even when a giant phone, such as the iPhone 6 Plus, is inside. Better still, of the two USB ports in here, one charges at double the speed of a conventional USB port.

The rear seats recline on all trims, and the new interior door handle is designed to accommodate drivers with long nails – the handles have been elongated, and the surrounding material is smoother so it no longer chips nail polish.

My favourite thing, though, is that Ford has reverted back to hard buttons on the centre console. Gone is that touch nonsense that is perplexingly in vogue, and in its place are hard buttons and dials that can be used without removing your eyes from the road, as it should be.

The interior is also more refined and upscale than the outgoing model. Interior designer Hak Soo Ha explains how the team studied aspirational vehicles like Audi during the design phase, especially because this Edge is a global vehicle and must compete with the German badges in Europe.

The materials and finishings used in this second generation model are much finer, and the plastic-y pieces have been replaced with soft-touch everything.

The high driving position provides great visibility, and the front headrests are half their former size, clearing up the rear blind spot.

Also available in the Edge is adaptive cruise control, and perpendicular park assist, the latter of which is a Ford debut.

Using ultrasonic sensors embedded around the vehicle, the Edge will turn 90 degrees and back itself into a parking spot. I test it, and the system places me flawlessly into a tight space between two large vans.

The base motor is Ford’s new 2.0 L four-cylinder EcoBoost, which outputs 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

But if you can spend the extra money for the Edge Sport’s 2.7 L V6 EcoBoost, do it. The engine produces a healthier 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the accompanying blacked-out exterior trim pieces look sharp.

Both Edge models launch up and down the desert mountains, and the six-speed automatic that comes in every Edge shifts quickly and seamlessly when I stand on the throttle. While the 2.0L does a good job passing cars uphill, the Sport leaves them behind.

Regardless of engine, the ride quality is very stable and smooth thanks to the all-new suspension and addition of high-strength steel. The Edge stays glued to the road as I toss it around curves. Gone is that lumbery steering feel, and for such a heavy vehicle, the Edge is surprisingly nimble.

It’s also quiet, almost weirdly so. At one point I look down and think “hey, this doesn’t at all sound like I’m driving at highway speeds.”

Sounds great right? Here comes the “but”: when the Edge arrives in dealerships this spring, it won’t use Ford’s upcoming SYNC 3 infotainment system. The car company recently gave SYNC a total overhaul, building the new system from scratch, using all-new hardware and software. That means it’s not backwards compatible. I tested a SYNC 3 prototype last December, and it’s so hugely improved, it’s worth waiting to buy the vehicle next fall, when it will be installed into this new Edge.

J.D. and I shake hands and part ways, and as I start to walk away I turn and yell, “Wait, one more thing! I love that the Edge is built in Canada.”

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FACT FILE
2015 Ford Edge
Trim levels: Titanium 2.0L AWD Sport 2.7L AWD
Price as tested (before taxes):
Titanium 2.0L AWD $41,999
Sport 2.7L AWD $45,199
Notable options: all-wheel drive, hands-free lift gate, leather trimmed heated and cooled 10-way power front seats, media bin, eight-inch touch screen, 19” wheels, ambient interior lighting, perpendicular park assist
Configuration: front-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission:
2.0L four-cylinder / six-speed automatic
Power/torque: 245 hp/ 275 lb-ft
2.7L V6 / six-speed automatic
Power/torque: 315 hp and 350 lb-ft
Freight: $1,690
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km):
Titanium 2.0L AWD – 11.8 city, 8.4 hwy
Sport 2.7L AWD – 13.6 city, 9.8 hwy
Competitors: Dodge Journey, Hyundai Santa Fe

Report Card (out of 10):
Equipment level: 9 – Standard features are bountiful.
Price: 7 – One of the highest in segment.
Styling: 8 – The Edge just grew up with class.
comfort (front): 8 – Seats are comfortable and supportive; centre console hard buttons are back!
Comfort (rear): 8 – Twenty percent more rear room and standard reclining seats.
Handling: 8 – No more lumber-y steering, smooth and stable ride quality.
Performance: 8 – 2.0L launches well, the 2.7L launches great, both are amazingly quiet.
Storage: 9 – Plentiful, and the hidden drawer by the steering wheel is good for security.
Overall: 8 – Expect the Edge to move up from its 3rd segment position.