Wednesday, August 9, 2017

2017 Ford Edge Sport AWD: An Athletic And Bold Five Passenger Crossover




Highlight: This is the only vehicle in the segment, offering an automatic  assist system for both parallel and perpendicular parking.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $46,980 (Base Model: $29,845)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; an electronic brake distribution system; an electronic stability control system; a rear view camera; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Base Standard Features: 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a push button ignition starter;  a cargo net; single zone a/c system; leather-wrapped gear shift knob; manually operated front bucket seats; cloth seats; steering wheel paddle shifters; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear cargo tie down nets; and Ford’s SYNC system



Sport Standard Features: 20-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; 2.7-liter engine; a sport-tuned suspension system; a hands-free, foot-activated lift
gate; dual exhaust tips; second-row easy fold down seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a dual zone automatic temperature control system; aluminum brake/gas pedal covers; leather-trimmed/suede-cloth seats; sports bucket seats; heated 10-way power seats; driver’s side memory; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an automatic dimming rear view mirror; audible reverse sensing sensors; a perimeter alarm system; a keyless key pad entry system; Ford’s SYNC 3 system; and a 12-speaker SiriusXM radio

Optional Features: a touchscreen, voice-activated navigation system; a blind spot information system; a remote engine starter system; an automatic dimming side view driving mirror; a lane keeping assist system; heated rear seats; heated/ventilated front seats; a 180-degree split view, in-vehicle camera; an enhanced activate park assist system; rain-sensing wipers; second-row outboard inflatable seat belts; a radar-activated cruise control system; and 21-inch aluminum wheels  

Standard Audio System: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Charging Port: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/245-horsepower

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/34-hwy (source: Fueleconomy.gov)

What’s New: After going through a major redesign last year, the Edge is essentially a carryover. New exterior colors and 20-inch wheels have been added to this year’s option list.



Why: Ford’s midsize five-passenger crossover is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The roomy two row crossover, which is available in a variety of trims, rides like a car. Depending upon one’s option list, the stylish Edge can be outfitted with the latest high-tech gadgets.

Ford, which struggled with its signature SYNC system, since it was launched two generations ago, has finally worked the bugs out of the system. The SYNC 3 infotainment system, which now uses a combination of touchscreen applications and traditional knobs (and switches), where appropriate, is much easier to use.

The Sport, which we reviewed, is the bolder alternative, in terms of styling, to the mommy-like crossover craze. Both dads and moms won’t feel like their mimicking their neighbors and friends, especially when outfitted with the optional 21-inch wheels, rear deck lid spoiler, the panoramic roof and the standard dual chrome tailpipes.

Added to that, Ford which has been one of the forerunners in infusing technology in their vehicles doesn’t disappoint with the Edge. Depending on one’s budget, they can load the vehicle up with such safety driving aids as lane keep assist, a radar-activated cruise control system and an automatic parallel/perpendicular parking system.

Moreover, behind the wheel, the driver will find that the power packed upgraded 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder engine packs a lot of power, pushing out a whopping 315-horsepower.

But: Pricing for the Edge Sport goes up against an entry-level Audi Q5, which plays in the premium luxury segment. So, for those buyers willing to forego such optional features as an automatic parallel/perpendicular parking system, the Audi Q5 could be an alternative. Depending on options, there is about a $3,000 spread between a well-equipped Audi Q5 and a Ford Edge Sport. This could indicate that one of the vehicles are either overpriced or underpriced.

Verdict: The Ford Edge Sport is a great alternative for buyers in a need of a roomy, sporty, stylish five passenger crossover. Its loaded with a number of high-tech features and a peppy engine! The bold looking Edge Sport is alternative to its non athletic looking competitors.


Competition: Buick Envison; Honda CRV; Hyundai Santa Fe Sport; Jeep Cherokee; Mazda CX-5; and Nissan Murano

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