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2011 Ford Edge SE Review

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Luc Gagné
Entry-level Edge is a friendly, affordable crossover
New face
For the new model year, designers performed a significant lifting yet left the rest of the body virtually unchanged. They integrated larger chrome bars to support the Ford logo and put more emphasis on the vertically-stacked LED lights underneath.

You won't find the latter on these pictures, mind you. The company made it a special feature on all Edge models except the entry-level SE.

The headlights, hood and fenders have also been restyled in the process. In the back, new taillights add flair to the vehicle with their crystal-clear looks.

The Ford Edge SE rides on 17'' wheels, whereas other models feature 18'', 20'' and 22'' units. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)

True to its basic nature, the Ford Edge SE doesn't get all the bells and whistles that make this crossover famous. For instance, it rides on 17'' (alloy) wheels, whereas other models sport 18'', 20'' and 22'' units. If you ask me, however, that's good news for Canadian drivers since their winter tires will be cheaper to buy.

The SE doesn't feature a power tailgate, either. On the other hand, it exploits the same 3.5-litre V6 as the SEL and Limited models – now tuned to deliver 285 horsepower (+20). Torque is up only 3 lb-ft but available 500 rpm earlier.

While acceleration times for the 0-100 km/h aren't any faster (slightly under 10 seconds), Ford claims the new engine burns up to 4 percent less fuel, thanks to new twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). More specifically, my tester averaged 11 litres per 100 kilometres, which is about what you should normally expect with a crossover that weighs nearly two full tons.

Power is managed by a seamless 6-speed automatic transmission. SE models offer front-wheel drive only, while both the SEL and Limited are available with all-wheel drive. The Edge Sport comes standard in 4x4 configuration.

The new 3.5-litre V6 on SE, SEL and Limited models delivers 285 horsepower, a gain of 20 over the previous engine. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)
Luc Gagné
Luc Gagné
Automotive expert
  • More than 30 years of experience as an automotive journalist
  • Over 59 test drives in the past year
  • Attended over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists