The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle paved the way to a new segment for Big Blue Oval to compete.
The big story for 2009 is the new Edge Sport model, aimed at customers who want a fresher, hipper look – a more personalized vehicle.
The Edge Sport rolls on available 22-inch polished aluminum wheels or the standard 20-inch premium painted wheels with branded hubs, both mounted on 40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires to complete the look. This marks the first time a 22-inch wheel-and-tire combination has been offered on any crossover.
The Edge Sport 22-inch wheel/tire handling package elevates the already sporty Edge to a new level of handling and control. It feels at home on a road course or twisty mountain road, but still delivers a ride agreeable for even a daily driver thanks to performance-tuned shocks, springs and steering components delivering very capable handling.
The Sport model also shows its personality with an eight-piece, factory-installed body kit that includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower finish on other Edge models. The front air dam comes with integrated fog lamps and a lower grille insert.
While available in three standard exterior colors of black, redfire and brilliant silver, Ford is also offering a limited-run sport blue. Our 2009 test model Edge Sport came dressed in the latter. Complementing the unique paint is a blue suede interior appearance package, which includes charcoal black leather-trimmed seats with Alcantara blue suede inserts and blue contrast stitching on leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Also in the 2009 Edge is the latest version of SYNC which adds 911 Assist – with no monthly fees – to the industry-first system of voice-activated control and connectivity for mobile phones and MP3 players.
There is also the next-generation navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, which gives drivers and passengers access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment including coast-to-coast coverage of real-time traffic and weather reports; fuel options from more than 120,000 stations sorted by price and distance; major league pro and college sports as well as movie listings from more than 4,500 theaters.
Other features include a new in-cabin ambient lighting package and such customer-friendly standard features as passenger grab handles and a cargo management system with four hooks, two tie-downs and a cargo net.
No performance enhancements under the hood of the new Edge Sport but none are needed. The CUV is powered by a peppy, smooth 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to six-speed automatic transmission in a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration. The powerplant produces 265hp and 250 lb. ft. of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
We’ve been impressed with the Ford Edge since its introduction to the marketplace several years ago, and thanks to fresh packaging such as this new Sport model, Ford should continue to have an “Edge” on the competition for years to come.
Pricing for the new Edge Sport in FWD gear begins at $33,755 and after a few add-ons the final tally for our tester comes to $37,910.