Test drive: Ford has ‘Edge’ in safety with crossover

This week, we’re testing the all-new 2007 Edge, Ford’s first ever crossover that offers minivan, automobile and SUV attributes in a good-looking package.

Additionally, Edge is off to a good start in the security arena, too. It is the recipient of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating for mid-size SUV’s for front and side impact tests, and thanks to similar rear crash protection, won the Institute’s 2007 “Top Safety Pick” award.

Ford presents one of its best overall designs with the new Edge. It’s wider than an Explorer and looks bigger in person than we thought. A fairly long 111.2-inch wheelbase and wider tracking not only softens the ride, it gives Edge a confident feel on the highway. Although the tough-built AWD system merges well with its four-wheel fully independent suspension, Edge is indeed a luxury cruiser when asked and is based on Ford’s highly regarded Mazda6 ideology.

Outwardly, Edge’s corporate chrome grille is most prominent, merging nicely into a “greenhouse area” that features a short hood, laid back windshield and sleek, sporty side and rearward design. Out back, there is a noticeable tailgate angle that is both pleasing to the eye and mechanically easier when loading large packages into the cargo area. Up top, an optional Panoramic twin glass cover ($1,395) travels over the whole roof and provides passengers with a nice view of the sky. Prominent fender flares and large, 18-inch chrome style wheels ($395) assist Edge in making its final, and quite nice, aesthetic statement.

Our tester came in higher-cost SEL Plus dress. Right from the start, we really like Edge’s performance thanks to Ford’s new, larger, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which replaces its older 3.0 V-6. Producing 265 horsepower and 250 pound feet of torque, the engine mates well with a similarly new 6-speed automatic transmission that allows 25-highway and 18-City EPA numbers.

Our initial drive included a trip from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the mountains of Pennsylvania. Working the Baltimore Beltway was a breeze, with more than enough power for passing and merging. When we took to the mountain roads, however, we became aware that Edge is a bigger vehicle that weighs a good bit, and sportscar like handling is not present. Still, it handles curves well enough.

Some standard features include front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for the front seats and side curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seating, 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system and a personal safety system. Your Ford dealer will gladly explain all items that result in Edge’s top safety award.

Edge SEL Plus AWD starts at $30,720 and comes with all the expected features and then upgrades most materials over the entry level SE, which starts at $25,595. Other options on our model include a reverse sensing system ($245 and recommended), DVD Navigation ($2,380), Sirius Satellite Radio ($195) and a Class II Trailer Tow Package ($350).

Other important numbers include a 20-gallon fuel tank, 4,098-pound curb weight and up to 70 cubic feet of cargo space with seats down. Thanks to a 60/40 rear bench that folds flat and an optional folding front passenger seat, consumers can carry items up to 8 feet in length, like 2-by-4-by-8-foot studs, if necessary.

We like the fact that Edge is built to seat five and does not offer a cramped third row of seating. (That’s why the company offers the Explorer and Freestyle seven passenger models). We rate Edge a deserving 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, and recommend driving the new Edge if shopping in this crowded category.

Likes: Looks, versatility, new engine, roomy, driving comfort, security.

Dislikes: Back seat a little small, pricey, somewhat heavy in the turns.