Kudos also to the electric seats in the cargo area, something rarely found in this class.
Technological Wonders
What distinguishes the Edge from the competition, before you even get into the tech specs, is the avalanche of technological doodads it was buried under. The Sony audio system is just one example, and the Edge is truly at the head of its class in this regard.
Ford’s famous Sync is on board, for instance. Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, it has been extensively upgraded and now includes a more intuitive voice command function that’s simpler than ever. Gone are the days of endless buttons to push and controls coming out of your ears. Sync now recognizes over 10,000 spoken commands and similar expressions, making it that much more user-friendly. Even better, the system apparently gets better as it gets used to the sound of your voice.
Some systems are unfortunately not available in Canada, including Turn-by-Turn navigation and some features such as the horoscope and stock prices. But several of them are being considered and could quickly appear north of the border.
And, importantly, all are compatible with your Bluetooth phone. Of course, they all dig into your air time as well, so make sure you have a good plan.
A Great Drive
The Ford Edge was already fun to drive – now it’s even more so. The basic engine, a 286-hp, 3.5-litre, V6 affair, is smooth and largely sufficient for your needs. It also gives the Egde another excellent quality: you can now tow up to 3,500 pounds while maintaining one of the best fuel consumption ratings of the class.
The major improvements are brake-side, though. Every person who tried the old generation complained about the soft brake feel. This time around, the pedal is responsive but not overly so, allowing you to brake both progressively and precisely. Same thing goes for the steering, which proves well-mannered, though it does leave an impression of ponderousness that’s hard to describe.
Technological Wonders
What distinguishes the Edge from the competition, before you even get into the tech specs, is the avalanche of technological doodads it was buried under. The Sony audio system is just one example, and the Edge is truly at the head of its class in this regard.
 |
| Sync now recognizes over 10,000 spoken commands and similar expressions, making it that much more user-friendly. (Photo: Ford) |
Ford’s famous Sync is on board, for instance. Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, it has been extensively upgraded and now includes a more intuitive voice command function that’s simpler than ever. Gone are the days of endless buttons to push and controls coming out of your ears. Sync now recognizes over 10,000 spoken commands and similar expressions, making it that much more user-friendly. Even better, the system apparently gets better as it gets used to the sound of your voice.
Some systems are unfortunately not available in Canada, including Turn-by-Turn navigation and some features such as the horoscope and stock prices. But several of them are being considered and could quickly appear north of the border.
And, importantly, all are compatible with your Bluetooth phone. Of course, they all dig into your air time as well, so make sure you have a good plan.
A Great Drive
The Ford Edge was already fun to drive – now it’s even more so. The basic engine, a 286-hp, 3.5-litre, V6 affair, is smooth and largely sufficient for your needs. It also gives the Egde another excellent quality: you can now tow up to 3,500 pounds while maintaining one of the best fuel consumption ratings of the class.
The major improvements are brake-side, though. Every person who tried the old generation complained about the soft brake feel. This time around, the pedal is responsive but not overly so, allowing you to brake both progressively and precisely. Same thing goes for the steering, which proves well-mannered, though it does leave an impression of ponderousness that’s hard to describe.
 |
| The basic engine, a 286-hp, 3.5-litre, V6 affair, is smooth and largely sufficient for your needs. (Photo: Ford) |