I’ve driven every generation of the Ford Edge since it came into being more than a decade ago. Since that time Ford has carefully refined the mid-size crossover SUV and it shows in the 2017 models. While not as large on the outside as some of its competitors, the Edge has plenty of room on the inside and more than enough cargo space for a family of four or five. Priced to start at $30,231 for the base SE you can choose from three other models including the Sport, which I cruised in for a week. Loaded to the max with options the Sport $46,499 base price jumped with $9,050 in extras. Add shipping on top of that and the final tab is $57,239. Pricey? Yes, but oh what a vehicle! The Edge is just the ticket for long distance travel as Mrs. M and I discovered on a two-day road trip from home to Rocky Mountain House to the Glacier Skywalk and Jasper. The seats cool and heat your butt, never mind they’re more than comfortable for a long trip. The abundance of interior space front and back is enhanced with plenty of storage space for large and not so large items. Cargo capacity is plentiful with 1,111 litres behind the second row seat. Flip it down and you’ve now got 2,078 litres for your cargo. There is no third row seat. Nor would you want one as the Edge isn’t long enough to provide legroom for someone sitting that far back. I have no gripes with the layout of controls and switches. The nav system based on Ford’s Sync 3 works just fine, the sound system is top notch and of course you have the expected USB ports, which are also self-charging. Big windows give you the visibility you need to enjoy the sights. Large side mirrors provide an added measure of safety while on the go. On the subject of safety, in addition to the usual safety features you can get rear inflatable seat belts, lane keeping system, and adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support. I wasn’t behind the wheel for too long when it became apparent the Sport model has a ride that's a little on the stiff side for some folks. This shouldn’t be an issue on smooth pavement, but how often do we have smooth pavement in an urban area? On the highway where the asphalt is generally smooth the ride is just fine. Beefed up springs and shocks certainly help the Edge easily carve through a curve. There’s another benefit too as we found out doing a little off-road driving for picture taking. The Edge can handle most situations in the rough but of course that’s not its intended purpose. So discretion is advised when you’re out in the boonies. May I offer some more advice if the Edge might be a future purchase? Being mid-size I would not recommend going with the standard 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the SE model. Adequate around town it will not provide enough power with passengers and cargo once you’re on the open road. Pay a couple of thousand more for the SEL and the optional 3.5-litre V6 power plant. Better value for your money and more than enough power at higher speed when out on the highway. A turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 is standard in the Sport model. It’s massaged for maximum horsepower and goes like a bat out of you-know-where when you put your foot into it. However, if you’re not constantly burying the go pedal, fuel consumption is very good. With the 2.7 litre V6, the Edge in my hands achieved a best of 8.7 L/100 km on the highway even at a steady 120 kph. I am impressed. Actually any crossover the size of the Edge capable of such good fuel consumption at a high rate of speed deserves a thumb up from me. Passing vehicles is a breeze once the turbo spools up. And that only takes a moment.
