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2012 Ford Edge CT

For 2012, the Ford Edge gets a new, optional turbocharged four-cylinder "EcoBoost" engine that produces the power of a V6 but returns the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. The EcoBoost Edge also comes with aerodynamic enhancements, which include shutters in the grille that automatically open and close based on speed for improved airflow. The Sync electronics interface system is also now available on the lower trims.  The MyFordTouch options is also available.  It uses twin five-way thumb switches mounted on the steering wheel spokes, two 4.5-inch LED display screens flanking the speedometer in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch LED display screen at the top center of the instrument panel with a four-zone color-coding system, and a panel of flat touch buttons below it. The thumb switches, and the screen control climate, sound system, telephone, navigation and an enormous variety of information functions including turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, fuel prices, movie listings, dining, and even horoscopes.  The three engines that can be chosen from are the 3.5 Liter V-6 engine, the 3.7 Liter V-6 Engine and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with double overhead cams. 

Driving Impressions of the '12 Ford Edge

There will be three engines for the Edge to choose from. The base V6 a 3.5-liter double-overhead cam, 4-valve engine with variable cam timing, rated at 285 horsepower and 253foot-pounds of torque. The Sport version will come only with a larger and much more powerful 3.7-liter version of the same architecture with 305 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque. The third engine is a 2.0 turbocharged engine which produces the power of a V6 with the fuel economy of a naturally aspirated inline-4  The turbocharged I-4 produces 240 horsepower and 270 lbs. ft. of torque.  The first thing you notice is the  horsepower and torque of the 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the speedy crispness of the 6-speed automatic's shifting. The engine sounds strong in the lower gears, throaty and authoritative, and in sixth gear cruising, the cabin is very, very quiet, and speech intelligibility around the cabin is excellent.  A trailer sway control system is tied into the traction and yaw control systems, to make towing up to 3500 pounds seem easy because the trailer isn't constantly moving from side to side back there.

Interior Features of the '12 Ford Edge

The instrument panel, center stack, switches and controls have all been done for quality and appeal in the 2012 models, and there are essentially two different approaches. For the SE and SEL versions, the instrument panel has a single 4.5-inch LED screen and a package of analog instruments along with a set of mechanical switches and controls in the center console and center stack.  Standard on the Limited and Sport and optional on the SEL is a completely new instrument panel, center console, flat-panel center stack and display screen for a new system called MyFordTouch.  MFT is an advance on Ford's existing Sync voice-activated communications technology that uses two five-way thumb switches mounted on the steering wheel spokes, two 4.5-inch LED display screens on either side of the big speedometer in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch LED display screen at the top center of the instrument panel with a four-zone color-coding system, and a panel of flat touch buttons below it. MFT, the thumb switches, and the screen combine to control climate, sound system, telephone, navigation and an enormous variety of information functions including turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, fuel prices, movie listings, dining, and even horoscopes.  Antilock disc brakes, stability control (with rollover avoidance logic), front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and blind-spot mirrors are all standard.

Model Lineup

The 2011 Ford Edge comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport versions. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on all models: Edge SE AWD, Edge SEL AWD, Edge Limited AWD, Edge Sport AWD. Options include navigation; Panoramic Vista Roof; 20-inch chrome wheels; trailer tow package.  The 2012 Ford Edge, SE, Limited and Sport models include the MyFordTouch Option and on the SEl it is optional.  MyFordTouch uses twin five-way thumb switches mounted on the steering wheel spokes, two 4.5-inch LED display screens flanking the speedometer in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch LED display screen at the top center of the instrument panel with a four-zone color-coding system, and a panel of flat touch buttons below it. The thumb switches, and the screen control climate, sound system, telephone, navigation and an enormous variety of information functions including turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, fuel prices, movie listings, dining, and even horoscopes.  The limited and Sport versions both come with heated front seats which are definitely helpful on those cold days.  All but the SE can be equipped with several other options. The Vision package adds automatic wipers and a blind-spot warning system. The navigation system includes real-time traffic, weather and other information through the satellite radio feed. There is also a panoramic "Vista" sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Conclusions

Ford has done a very good job with the 2012 Ford Edge. The 2012 Ford Edge accelerates quick, it brakes hard and more progressively, it's measurably quiet on the highway than the previous version, and its onboard electronics and entertainment systems are clearly the best in the industry in terms of capability and ease of use. It's very cool to look at, and the Sport version is the quickest CUV for the money in the segment, with the biggest, showiest tires and wheels. The SEL, the highest volume model, is equipped and priced in a segment sweet spot. Highly recommended for your shopping list.  Click here for more information on the 2012 Ford Edge.