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2009 Ford Edge Bottom Line

December 20, 2008

By Marty Padgett Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com consulted some of the best review resources on the Web to assemble this review on the 2009 Ford Edge. Then expert editors added their own insights and firsthand driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful to a range of shoppers.

Likes:

  • Comfy seats
  • Perky powertrain
  • Good ride quality
  • Standout features like SYNC

Dislikes:

  • No manual controls for the automatic
  • Interior styling and materials are a little plain
  • Chrome-laden appearance is too much for some

Buying Tips:


Those who want some measure of off-road ability might fare better with a truck-based vehicle like the Explorer. Ford doesn't suggest that the 2009 Ford Edge is intended for off-roading, though with the available all-wheel drive, it should be fine with snow and mud.

The 2009 Ford Edge is a tall utility vehicle that’s actually more carlike in its performance; the five-passenger Edge made its debut last year and comes standard with a 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, along with either front-wheel drive for the more economically minded or an available all-wheel-drive system for those in winter-weather locales.

From the outside, the large, bright grille in the 2009 Ford Edge is the prominent design feature. Some will love it, but for others it’s probably a little too overt...or gaudy. But the rest is undeniably positive; the smoothly arched roofline and attention to details translate to one of the most attractive profiles among crossover vehicles.

Inside, it’s somewhat more traditional and low-key, with a sporty, upright design for the instrument panel and controls. The layout is attractive and simple, though the materials and surfaces are a half step in look and feel behind the best rivals. Seating is a high point all around; front seats are ample and supportive, and in back the second row can recline to different degrees and is split 60/40 for flexible combinations of cargo and passengers. With the front passenger seat folded down, items measuring up to eight feet in length can be transported within the Edge. But the cargo area at the back is restricted a bit by the sloping rear window. Each rear seat can also be folded manually using a single-hand release—a feature quickly becoming the benchmark among utility vehicles and wagons—or automatically with an available EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area.

The suspension in the 2009 Ford Edge strikes just the right balance for most buyers, allowing a ride that’s soft enough to soak up the more jarring bumps yet has enough body control for crisp changes of direction. It's not altogether sporty, though; there's some body lean if you go into a corner too quickly, but the Edge maintains its composure. The V-6 has plenty of power to move the 2009 Ford Edge briskly with full loads or up mountain grades, but lacks the manual control over the gears that makes some types of driving more enjoyable.

Ford’s SYNC system for controlling entertainment and communication systems, a voice-activated navigation system, and a new, large, panorama-style Vista Roof are among the standout features on the 2009 Ford Edge. A power liftgate is now optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats. Sirius Travel Link, a useful feature that provides real-time traffic and weather information, as well as current gas prices at nearby gas stations, is a new option for 2009.

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags are all on the standard equipment list for the 2009 Ford Edge, which gets top scores across nearly every federal-government and insurance-industry crash test and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2009.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Ford Edge, also consider:

Reason Why:

Most of the competitors to the 2009 Ford Edge have an available third row of seating, but the Edge makes do with very roomy appointments for five and generous cargo space. In that respect, the Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza are the closest competitors, as they also offer only two rows and tend toward a flashier outward appearance. The Tribeca offers a third row, but it’s unusable for all but small children. The Edge’s interior more comfortably holds four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The Toyota Highlander, recently redesigned, is one of the segment sales leaders, but the Edge has an edge in terms of features like the SYNC interface and Vista Roof. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with a slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz's styling is less exciting and possibly less offensive. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings. Finally, premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge.

The Bottom Line:

Provided you don’t mind the lack of a third-row seat, the 2009 Ford Edge stands out in a crowded field as thoroughly competent, well rounded, and fashionable.

TheCarConnection.com consulted some of the best review resources on the Web to assemble this review on the 2009 Ford Edge. Then expert editors added their own insights and firsthand driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful to a range of shoppers. Likes:Comfy seatsPerky powertrainGood ride qualityStandout features like SYNCDislikes:No manual controls for the automaticInterior styling and materials are a little plainChrome-laden appearance is too much for someBuying Tips: Those who want some measure of off-road ability might fare better with a truck-based vehicle like the Explorer. Ford doesn't suggest that the 2009 Ford Edge is intended for off-roading, though with the available all-wheel drive, it should be fine with snow and mud. The 2009 Ford Edge is a tall utility vehicle that’s actually more carlike in its performance; the five-passenger Edge made its debut last year and comes standard with a 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, along with either front-wheel drive for the more economically minded or an available all-wheel-drive system for those in winter-weather locales. From the outside, the large, bright grille in the 2009 Ford Edge is the prominent design feature. Some will love it, but for others it’s probably a little too overt...or gaudy. But the rest is undeniably positive; the smoothly arched roofline and attention to details translate to one of the most attractive profiles among crossover vehicles. Inside, it’s somewhat more traditional and low-key, with a sporty, upright design for the instrument panel and controls. The layout is attractive and simple, though the materials and surfaces are a half step in look and feel behind the best rivals. Seating is a high point all around; front seats are ample and supportive, and in back the second row can recline to different degrees and is split 60/40 for flexible combinations of cargo and passengers. With the front passenger seat folded down, items measuring up to eight feet in length can be transported within the Edge. But the cargo area at the back is restricted a bit by the sloping rear window. Each rear seat can also be folded manually using a single-hand release—a feature quickly becoming the benchmark among utility vehicles and wagons—or automatically with an available EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area. The suspension in the 2009 Ford Edge strikes just the right balance for most buyers, allowing a ride that’s soft enough to soak up the more jarring bumps yet has enough body control for crisp changes of direction. It's not altogether sporty, though; there's some body lean if you go into a corner too quickly, but the Edge maintains its composure. The V-6 has plenty of power to move the 2009 Ford Edge briskly with full loads or up mountain grades, but lacks the manual control over the gears that makes some types of driving more enjoyable. Ford’s SYNC system for controlling entertainment and communication systems, a voice-activated navigation system, and a new, large, panorama-style Vista Roof are among the standout features on the 2009 Ford Edge. A power liftgate is now optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats. Sirius Travel Link, a useful feature that provides real-time traffic and weather information, as well as current gas prices at nearby gas stations, is a new option for 2009. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags are all on the standard equipment list for the 2009 Ford Edge, which gets top scores across nearly every federal-government and insurance-industry crash test and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2009. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Ford Edge, also consider:Hyundai VeracruzMazda CX-9Nissan MuranoToyota HighlanderToyota VenzaSubaru TribecaReason Why:Most of the competitors to the 2009 Ford Edge have an available third row of seating, but the Edge makes do with very roomy appointments for five and generous cargo space. In that respect, the Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza are the closest competitors, as they also offer only two rows and tend toward a flashier outward appearance. The Tribeca offers a third row, but it’s unusable for all but small children. The Edge’s interior more comfortably holds four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The Toyota Highlander, recently redesigned, is one of the segment sales leaders, but the Edge has an edge in terms of features like the SYNC interface and Vista Roof. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with a slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz's styling is less exciting and possibly less offensive. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings. Finally, premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge. The Bottom Line:Provided you don’t mind the lack of a third-row seat, the 2009 Ford Edge stands out in a crowded field as thoroughly competent, well rounded, and fashionable. TheCarConnection.com consulted some of the best review resources on the Web to assemble this review on the 2009 Ford Edge. Then expert editors added their own insights and firsthand driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful to a range of shoppers. Likes Comfy ...

Other Choices:

Most of the competitors to the 2009 Ford Edge have an available third row of seating, but the Edge makes do with very roomy appointments for five and generous cargo space. In that respect, the Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza are the closest competitors, as they also offer only two rows and tend toward a flashier outward appearance. The Tribeca offers a third row, but it’s unusable for all but small children. The Edge’s interior more comfortably holds four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The Toyota Highlander, recently redesigned, is one of the segment sales leaders, but the Edge has an edge in terms of features like the SYNC interface and Vista Roof. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with a slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz's styling is less exciting and possibly less offensive. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings. Finally, premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge.

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See the Ford Edge in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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