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2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD Review

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Rob Rothwell
More power and technology for 2011
The Edge is Ford’s mid-size crossover SUV that receives V6 power, which can be leveraged with the traction of all-wheel-drive. The vehicle seats five and is available in several trim levels, topped by the Sport configuration of this week’s tester.

New styling is bolder, but is it better?
The nose of the Edge is significantly reworked for 2011, giving it a slatted grille that plunges downward to envelop the lower valance of the vehicle. The headlights now sleekly integrate into the upper portion of the giant grille, which is rendered in black to denote the Sport model from the other Edge variants.

The nose of the Edge is significantly reworked for 2011, giving it a slatted grille that plunges downward to envelop the lower valance of the vehicle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

The new look is certainly aggressive, imparting greater boldness to the nicely-proportioned Edge—but is it a better look than last year? I’m ambivalent. You decide. A 2011 design cue that I do prefer over last year is the smooth integration of the two stainless steel exhaust tips into the rear valance; nice job there.

Also cool for this year are the 22-inch alloy wheels that contrast black backgrounds against shiny alloy spokes. The large wheels do a magnificent job of filling the wheel arches while imparting a look of power and performance.

Whether one embraces the visual alterations for 2011 like a sweaty relative or a ravishing stranger, the Edge is a visual triumph, and one of my preferred styling exercises among the congested mid-size crossover field.

My red candy metallic tester fetched numerous looks and nods from passersby—young and old. Although their admiration was directed toward the Edge’s sheetmetal, I’m certain they would’ve been equally enchanted by its restyled cabin and hi-tech instrument panel if seated inside.

MyFord Touch new this year
Ford refers to their driver-connect interface as “MyFord Touch,” and claim that it’s a, “smarter, simpler and safer way to interact with your vehicle.” Whether it truly is smarter, safer and simpler is debatable, especially in the early stages of acclimating to the cutting-edge technology.

Ford refers to their driver-connect interface as “MyFord Touch,” and claim that it’s a, “smarter, simpler and safer way to interact with your vehicle.” (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)
Rob Rothwell
Rob Rothwell
Automotive expert
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