Used 2016 Ford Edge

Ford’s 2016 Edge midsize- crossover SUV challenges the best domestic and import rivals by offering a wide variety of trims, engines and options. The Edge’s styling is aggressive without going overboard, making it a nice fit between the wildly styled Nissan Murano and the more sedate VW Touareg. The Edge offers plenty of room front and rear, as well as a generous cargo bay. Because Ford chose a car-based chassis, the Edge delivers exceptional ride and handling abilities, yet when equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), can still venture into light off-road situations. The Edge has been engineered to be an exceptionally quiet vehicle, helping it compete with higher priced SUVs such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

We’re impressed with the 2016 Ford Edge’s ability to balance power, efficiency and refinement in a package that is both agile and comfortable. Last year’s overhaul brought vast improvements to structural rigidity and suspension components, making the Edge feel livelier than the Toyota Highlander or Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder may be small, but it pumps out a respectable 245 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It can also be had with either front- or all-wheel-drive layouts. Fuel economy is also quite good with this engine, making us wonder why anyone would opt for the more fuel-thirsty V6. Inside, the 2016 Ford Edge SUV impresses with its quiet cabin, comfortable seats and attractively designed layout. Those looking for a more performance-oriented ride will appreciate the Sport trim’s 315-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, variable-ratio power steering, sport-tuned suspension and standard AWD.

The 2016 Ford Edge retains a 2-row, 5-passenger layout offering more room for both people and cargo. The Edge’s large exterior and form-fitting seats yield generous legroom for both front and rear passengers, with the rear seats offering an impressive 40.6 inches. Cargo capacity is 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 73.4 with them folded. The cabin has a fresh, premium design. Ford has moved away from the idea of adaptive-touch controls, equipping the Edge with hard buttons for audio and climate controls. Ford’s revamped Sync 3 is a vast improvement over the MyFord Touch system it replaces.

For 2016, the Edge appears familiar yet new. Its basic shape remains squat and strong, but its appearance overall seems sleeker and more athletic. Up front, the 2016 Edge features Ford’s big, trapezoidal grille that also makes the Fusion sedan a standout. On turbocharged models, that same grille can be had with active shutters, which automatically open and close to optimize aerodynamics and, thus, overall efficiency. At the rear, the Edge features a nicely-sloped taper, and all models boast dual exhaust outlets. Newly available is Ford’s hands-free liftgate system, which automatically opens the rear liftgate with a swing of your foot.

2.7-LITER ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
Who says bigger is better? Ford’s 2016 Edge SUV offers a modest 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the same unit used to move the full-size F-150 pickup. Standard in the Sport trim, this engine makes the Edge one of the most powerful midsize SUVs in the segment.

LUXURY FEATURES, MAINSTREAM BADGE
Ford’s interiors of late have really been impressive, and the 2016 Edge crossover SUV is no exception. Offering such high-end amenities as climate-controlled seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a panoramic moonroof and front and rear cameras, the Edge can compete with luxury models costing thousands more.

The 2016 Ford Edge comes in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport. Spend the least on a base SE and you’ll still get a high-tech turbocharged engine, keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, cloth seats with 6-way-manual driver’s adjustment, and 18-inch wheels. Infotainment is brought to you by a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with USB input and Bluetooth connectivity. SEL models add power driver and passenger seats, dual-zone climate control and satellite radio. Titanium models ladle on Sony premium audio, the hands-free liftgate, leather, heated front seats, and Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment.

There’s a long list of options for Ford’s 2016 Edge SUV, running the gamut from pragmatic to purely entertaining. Of the former, all-wheel drive can be had for better traction. Other notable features include a forward-facing camera to aid in parking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision and lane-keeping warning systems, and inflatable rear safety belts. A parking-assist system is also available that aids in parallel and perpendicular parking. Titanium and Sport models offer Ford’s first use of adaptive steering, which varies response based on speed. Other amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Three engines are available in the 2016 Ford Edge. Standard on SE, SEL and Titanium models is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder. In addition to powering the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, the small but mighty powerplant is also offered with all-wheel drive (AWD). Optional on the SEL and Titanium is a carryover 3.5-liter V6. Top-line Sport models come with the most potent offering, the new, 315-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 and AWD. All models continue to use Ford’s well-integrated 6-speed automatic transmission. All also have a Sport mode for quicker acceleration, and paddle shifters replace the awkward manual-shift buttons formerly on the side of the gear selector.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (SE, SEL, Titanium)
245 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (FWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 (SEL, Titanium)
280 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
250 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (FWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)

2.7-liter turbocharged V6 (Sport)
315 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (AWD)