Strengths

Great seating; smooth ride; peppy performance; Innovative Sync hands-free interface

 

Changes

The Edge model line continues into 2010 with few mechanical or styling changes. An interior cargo shade is now available on all models and a wireless cell phone hook up and a rear-seat entertainment system can be had on the SEL. The Sport gets heated mirrors with memory standard, as well as the aforementioned entertainment system. Cloth seats are offered in the Limited, while trailer hitch receivers are no longer available across the line.

 

Value

The 2010 Ford Edge is a sporty, modern and passenger-oriented alternative to the truck-based Ford Explorer and goes head to head with other mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicles like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Edge stands out for its daring styling and sporty experience on the road, compared to others in its class. Interior comfort and technology features are another strong point for the Edge-especially Ford's Sync hands-free interface and Sirius's Travel Link service. The Edge features better fuel efficiency than many traditional SUVs; the front-wheel-drive version of the Edge achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 24 highway.

 

Overview

The 2010 Ford Edge is a so-called crossover sport-utility vehicle, more of a tall, passenger-focused wagon than a traditional SUV. All Edge models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 making 265 horsepower delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission; throughout the lineup there's a choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.

The Edge is offered in four different trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Sport. The SE model is only offered with front-wheel drive, but the others can be had with the option of all-wheel drive. The new Sport model lands at the top of the lineup, incorporating leather seats, Sirius Satellite Radio, reverse sensing and a 9-speaker Audiophile sound system in addition to its performance hardware. But it's the Limited that comes with the most interior comforts standard, including heated seats and dual-zone climate control.

The Edge seats five adults comfortably and features especially vast cargo space. The back seats fold forward with a single release, and if that's not enough there's an EasyFold power-folding option. An available cargo management system includes four cargo hooks, two tie-downs and a cargo net.

All Edge models include the latest family-vehicle safety features, including front-seat side airbags, side-curtain bags, anti-lock brakes and Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. The Edge also has done especially well in crash tests and was a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

A next-generation navigation system is optional on the Edge, as is Sirius Travel Link, a subscription-based service that brings live traffic and weather conditions, along with other information like gas prices. Other standout options on the Edge include a power liftgate; a panoramic-style Vista Roof and Ford's Sync system (standard on Limited and Sport), a voice-activated interface for Bluetooth hands-free calling and access to personal media players, including iPods.