Vehicle Type: Mid-size crossover SUV

History/Description: Following its launch for model-year 2007, the Ford Edge quickly became one of the most prominent crossovers in an ever-expanding marketplace. Built on the Ford CD3 platform and offering front or all-wheel drive, this stylish and flexible five-passenger model hit the mark for ride quality, feature content, flexibility and all-surface capability.  Connected features abound, with Bluetooth, the latest version of Ford Sync, and more, all on offer.

Edge’s cabin was a stand-out in the segment, featuring numerous touchpad interfaces, a large central colour touchscreen and two smaller screens in the instrument cluster, and an overall simple and clean look elsewhere. High-tech, luxurious and tidy all at once, Edge’s cabin was one of its most loved attributes.

Look for premium Sony audio, a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, a back-up camera, automatic lights and climate control, LED ambient colour-selectable mood-lighting and plenty more.

An important note: the 2011 to 2014 Ford Edge is technically a heavy makeover of the original machine, not a full new-model generation. Thing is, extensive revisions in feature content, infotainment systems, powertrain offerings and equipment warrant a full review. Further, most points below can be applied to the post-facelift Lincoln MKX, which shared much of the same content and systems as the Edge, and was available from 2011 to 2015.

Engines / Trim: Edge was offered in numerous grade levels to match it to a wide range of shopper needs and budgets. Look for SE, SEL, SPORT and LIMITED grades, ascending the model range nomenclature. Three new engines were available namely a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder with turbocharger, a new 3.5L V6 engine tuned for more power and better mileage, and a high-performing 3.7L V6, pushing output even further, in the Sport model. All units got an automatic transmission, and AWD was available, and should prove common in the used marketplace. If you’re shopping for a Lincoln MKX from this generation, note that the sole engine offering was the top-line 3.7L V6 from the Edge.

What Owners Like: Owners give top marks for the styling, inside and out, flexible cargo space, high-tech feature content, the up-level sound system, and the confidence imparted by the fast-acting AWD system in inclement weather. Good brake pedal feel and plenty of power from the V6 engine line is also noted. Sufficient room for four adults to travel in comfort is also noted. In the MKX, owners add a lavish cabin, premium materials and a potent up-level THX stereo system to their list of ‘likes’.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include a fussy-to-learn Ford Sync system which seems to offer an inconsistent-at-best user experience, a ride that’s more comfortable and soft than agile and responsive, and heavy fuel consumption from the V6 engine.

Here’s a look some owner reviews of the Ford Edge and some additional reviews of the Lincoln MKX.

The Test Drive: Start with the gadgets! Zone in on the Ford Sync system, and the MyFord Touch system, and give both a workout. Pair your phone, make and receive a call, confirm all touchscreen touch points work as expected, and give the steering-wheel mounted controls a workout, too. The Edge and MKX have numerous steering-wheel mounted buttons that are used to control numerous functions, so ensure they all respond as expected. If they don’t a bad clock-spring (a round electrical connector in the steering wheel) may be to blame, and will need to be replaced.

Note that for maximum functionality and minimal likelihood of getting Russian-level angry at a non-functioning Sync system, you’ll want to ensure all software updates, available from your local Ford dealer, have been installed to the system. A clumsy navigation system, or a laggy media interface, may also be remedied by software updates.

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