Family-oriented crossover shoppers take note: this review isn’t for you. Every time this writer drives a crossover, he has to pretend he has a wife, 2.2 kids, a 9 to 5 job and weekly duties including soccer practice, visits to Costco, trips to Home Depot and family outings to places like parks and pools.
With so many crossover models out there, that’s a lot of pretending.
I don’t have any kids. I don’t do soccer practice or go to the park. I’m self-employed-- so I try to work from 9 to 5, but often sleep in till 10 or 11. And I do shop at Costco, but only because they have good prices on meat-- which I barbeque in large amounts and often eat alone. I don’t have a wife or 2.2 kids either.
Sound bitter, don’t I? Well, there’s no shame in it: I, Justin Pritchard, am a bachelor. And I’ve had enough.
A crossover for the bachelor
As such, this review won’t focus on cargo space, juice-box holders or whether the power tailgate’s safety-reverse will engage quickly if little Johnny’s cranium finds itself in the way.
After all, not all crossovers are destined for family duty from the get-go. Some, and especially the Ford Edge, are actually ideal family haulers for a young guy who doesn’t have his own family, yet.
First off, the Edge looks sharp. It’s got some character. It’s expressive. People won’t automatically assume you’ve got a ‘starter family’ when you roll up in it. With the big chrome wheels and body accents, you could inflate the price to your buddies by a few bucks, and ladies will likely assume you’re something of a big deal, too. Or maybe not.
A clever and nicely laid out cabin lies beneath the skin. The latest Edge steps material quality and assembly precision up about 3 notches over the latter, offering soft-touch everything, minimal panel gaps and a simple, elegant and high-tech look to the whole thing.
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| The new Edge leads the crossover pack where advanced infotainment technology, styling and interior luxuries are concerned. (Photo: Ford) |
With so many crossover models out there, that’s a lot of pretending.
I don’t have any kids. I don’t do soccer practice or go to the park. I’m self-employed-- so I try to work from 9 to 5, but often sleep in till 10 or 11. And I do shop at Costco, but only because they have good prices on meat-- which I barbeque in large amounts and often eat alone. I don’t have a wife or 2.2 kids either.
Sound bitter, don’t I? Well, there’s no shame in it: I, Justin Pritchard, am a bachelor. And I’ve had enough.
A crossover for the bachelor
As such, this review won’t focus on cargo space, juice-box holders or whether the power tailgate’s safety-reverse will engage quickly if little Johnny’s cranium finds itself in the way.
After all, not all crossovers are destined for family duty from the get-go. Some, and especially the Ford Edge, are actually ideal family haulers for a young guy who doesn’t have his own family, yet.
First off, the Edge looks sharp. It’s got some character. It’s expressive. People won’t automatically assume you’ve got a ‘starter family’ when you roll up in it. With the big chrome wheels and body accents, you could inflate the price to your buddies by a few bucks, and ladies will likely assume you’re something of a big deal, too. Or maybe not.
A clever and nicely laid out cabin lies beneath the skin. The latest Edge steps material quality and assembly precision up about 3 notches over the latter, offering soft-touch everything, minimal panel gaps and a simple, elegant and high-tech look to the whole thing.
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| A clever and nicely laid out cabin lies beneath the skin. (Photo: Ford) |