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2012 Ford Edge Des Moines

For 2012, the Ford Edge gets a new, optional turbocharged four-cylinder "EcoBoost" engine that essentially produces the power of a V6 but returns the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. The EcoBoost Edge also comes with aerodynamic enhancements, which include shutters in the grille that automatically open and close based on speed for improved airflow. The Sync electronics interface system is also now available on the lower trims.  The Edge will reach the marketplace with the MyFordTouch option. This system is an improvement on Ford's existing Sync voice-activated communications technology. It uses twin five-way thumb switches mounted on the steering wheel spokes, two 4.5-inch LED display screens flanking the speedometer in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch LED display screen at the top center of the instrument panel with a four-zone color-coding system, and a panel of flat touch buttons below it. The thumb switches, and the screen control climate, sound system, telephone, navigation and an enormous variety of information functions including turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, fuel prices, movie listings, dining, and even horoscopes, using a new list of up to 10,000 voice commands  A 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 285 horsepower is the base Edge engine and is standard on all trim levels except the Sport. The Sport comes with a 305-hp.

Powering the '12 Ford Edge

There will be two engines for the Edge at the start of production. The base V6 a 3.5-liter double-overhead cam, 4-valve engine with variable cam timing, rated at 285 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque. The Sport version will come only with a larger and much more powerful 3.7-liter version of the same architecture with 305 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque.  The 6-speed transmission comes with a ordinary shifter on the SE model, with a SelectShift manual-control shifter on the SEL and Limited models, and with SelectShift and wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Sport version. Electronically controlled part-time all-wheel-drive, which adds torque to the rear tires as needed, is optional on all models. A trailer sway control system is tied into the traction and yaw control systems, to make towing up to 3500 pounds a lot easier because the trailer isn't constantly moving from side to side back there.

Inside the 2012 Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is a crossover utility vehicle, so the front passenger seat folds flat, and each half of the second 2012 Ford Edge Design seat folds flat independently. The rear seat also reclines for additional passenger comfort. With this scheme, the driver can haul objects up to eight feet long on the right side of the cabin.  For the SE and SEL versions, the instrument panel has a single 4.5-inch LED screen and a package of analog instruments along with a set of mechanical switches and controls in the center console and center stack. 

Standard on the Limited and Sport and optional on the SEL is a completely new instrument panel, center console, flat-panel center stack and display screen for a new system called MyFordTouch. MFT is an advance on Ford's existing Sync voice-activated communications technology that uses two five-way thumb switches mounted on the steering wheel spokes, two 4.5-inch LED display screens on either side of the big speedometer in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch LED display screen at the top center of the instrument panel with a four-zone color-coding system, and a panel of flat touch buttons below it. MFT, the thumb switches, and the screen combine to control climate, sound system, telephone, navigation and an enormous variety of information functions including turn-by-turn directions, sports scores, fuel prices, movie listings, dining, and even horoscopes.

For 2011, Edge has been given a substantial cosmetic and content makeover, a major makeover, with 60 percent of its parts and components replaced. That means a new grille, hood, fenders, lamps, bumper and air intakes up front, with new handles all around, new taillamps, liftgate, wheels, and exhaust system outlets at the rear.  The Sport model has a tuxedo black grille and lower intakes, a front spoiler, body-colored handles, rocker extensions, different exhaust tips, aluminum alloy pedal covers, 22-inch chrome wheels and big tires, MyFordTouch, and a 305-horsepower V6 engine that is exclusive to this model.

Edge Model Lineup

The 2012 Ford Edge comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport versions. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on all models: Edge SE AWD, Edge SEL AWD, Edge Limited AWD, Edge Sport AWD. Options include navigation; Panoramic Vista Roof; 20-inch chrome wheels; trailer tow package.

Conclusions

Ford has done a very good job adding the EcoBoost as an option for 2012, so that conesumers can get the highest mileage out of a gllon of gas. The 2012 Ford Edge accelerates quick, it brakes hard, and very quiet on the highway and its city driving.  Its onboard electronics and entertainment systems are clearly the best in the industry in terms of capability and ease of use. It's very cool to look at, and the Sport version is the quickest CUV for the money in the segment, with the biggest, showiest tires and wheels. The SEL, the highest volume model, is equipped and priced in a segment sweet spot. Highly recommended for your shopping list.  If you are in the market for a new car, do not forget to take a look at the 2012 Ford Edge.

Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com