2010 Ford Edge Bottom Line

By  Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

The Ford Edge manages to look a little different in a class of vehicles that tend to all blur together. Like most newer so-called crossover designs, the 2010 Ford Edge rides and drives more like a car—a tall wagon—than a sport-utility vehicle, while its overall packaging is a good substitute for those who have moved on from an Explorer or Expedition. Ford has in recent years started its cars with an "F" and its trucks with an "E," but make no mistake, the Edge is very carlike in its performance.

From either the front or the side, the Edge's blunt nose and bright, overchromed grille are the dominant design features. Otherwise, the smoothly arched roofline and tasteful, understated rear details combine for one of the more attractive crossover profiles. Inside, the 2010 Edge feels a lot more straightforward and traditional. Materials and surfaces don't quite match the best ones Ford has applied recently in other models, but the upright seating position and an instrument panel that's more like a sport sedan's than an SUV's are both positives.

A 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are offered across the 2010 Ford Edge lineup, and power is delivered by either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The combination has plenty of power to move the Edge briskly, even with a full load or on steep hills, but it still doesn't come with the manual controls that are the sign of a vehicle with sporting intentions. Nevertheless, the Edge is surprisingly entertaining to drive, with responsive handling and a suspension that's tuned just firmly enough for crisp handling without sacrificing ride quality.

The 2010 Ford Edge becomes more fuel-efficient, with fuel-economy improvements of up to 2 mpg versus last year. EPA ratings now stand at 18 mpg city, 25 highway for the front-wheel-drive version.

Keep in mind that while many other models of the Edge's general size have third-row seating, the Edge has two rows and seating for five. But all five seating positions are ample for adults. Front seats are generous and supportive, while in back the bench seat is split 60/40 to fold forward or recline slightly. When folded, the backseats provide a level load floor, and with the front passenger seat folded the Edge can accommodate items up to eight feet long. However, the sloping rear window restricts the cargo area a bit. Each rear seat can also be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically with an available EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area.

Standard safety equipment includes AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The 2010 Ford Edge gets top scores across nearly all of the federal-government and insurance-industry crash tests, and it has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Standout features available on the 2010 Ford Edge include Ford's SYNC system for controlling entertainment and communication systems, a voice-activated navigation system, and a new, large, panorama-style Vista Roof. A power liftgate is optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats. New last year was Sirius Travel Link, a useful optional feature that provides real-time traffic and weather information, as well as current gas prices at nearby gas stations.