The Ford Edge has enough room for a third row ... but it hasn't got one. What it does have is almost as much room in its second row (40.6 inches of legroom) as it does in its first (42.6 inches).
Plus more room behind its second row — without folding the seats down.
That's two things many three-row crossovers haven't got.
What It Is
The Edge is a midsize crossover SUV with a full-size inside. It hasn't got room for seven — like its bigger brother, the full-size Ford Explorer.
But it has more room for five — plus stuff — than its same-size rivals.
It also has more power — as much as 335 horsepower, if you order the available twin-turbo V-6 engine. Which is another edge the Ford has over others in the class, several of which don't even offer a six.
Prices start at $31,100 for the base SE trim, which comes with a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive is available optionally and increases the SE's price to $33,095.
A top-of-the-line ST comes with the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, a 20-inch wheel/tire package, firmer suspension calibrations and the option to kick it up another notch with a 21-inch wheel/tire package and high-performance brakes.
It stickers for $43,265.
What's New
You can get the look of the ST — without the twin-turbocharged engine and its higher price. The ST-Line gets similarly aggressive-looking 20-inch wheels, black-finish exterior trim and suede-covered seats with contrast-color stitching.
It lists for $38,100 with front-wheel drive and $40,095 with all-wheel drive.
What's Good
There's lots of room in both rows — and behind the second (without having to fold it).
It comes standard with more power than others in the class — and offers even more.
It has uncluttered dash/controls.
What's Not So Good
The high-powered twin-turbo engine is restricted to high-dollar ST trim.
Both engines require premium unleaded gas to make their maximum advertised power.
It has a modest maximum tow rating (3,500 pounds), even with the optional twin-turbo engine.
Under the Hood
The Edge comes standard with one of the strongest engines in its class — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that makes 250 horsepower. This is more horsepower than you can get in other medium-sized crossovers like the Mazda CX-5, which comes standard with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine (not turbocharged) and offers a version of the same-sized engine with a turbo that only makes 227 horsepower.
Ford offers even more power than that, courtesy of two turbos — attached to a 2.7-liter V-6 that makes 335 horsepower and, even more impressive, 380 foot-pounds of torque. That's V-8 torque — and acceleration — without the V-8.
The ST Edge hauls — zero to 60 mph in in the mid-high five-second range — which isn't far off the bumper of a Mustang GT (with a V-8), but it doesn't pull as much as you might expect, given how strong it is.
Ford says the maximum you can hitch to this thing is 3,500 pounds (1,500 pounds with the standard four-cylinder engine), which is still more than cross-shops like the CX-5 (which maxes out at just 2,000 pounds of trailer-towing capacity with its optional engine), but it's not much of an edge versus some others.
Both engines are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, but the four can be paired with — or without — all-wheel drive in all trims.
The stronger V-6 engine is paired only with all-wheel drive — and is only available in the performance-themed ST trim.
On the Road
If you are a Batman fan, you'll like driving the Edge — or, rather, the view from the driver's seat of the Edge.
The hood spreads its wings, batlike, rising to meet the arched-up quarter panels. The windshield wipers sweep inward rather than to one side. This thing needs a mask all right — but not the kind currently in vogue.
The ST has the goods to back up the looks, too. It is quicker than V-12 supercars used to be — or close to it. But since most Batmen can't afford the ST, they'll have to make do with the four that comes in the other STs.
Which isn't a consolation prize.
Its 250 horsepower is very credible, and its 275 foot-pounds of torque is sufficient to deliver the low- and mid-range pull of a V-6, even if it can't pull as much as a V-6.
At the Curb
The Edge is 188.8 inches long, about 9 inches longer than a Mazda CX5 (179.1 inches), which is why it has more backseat legroom (40.6 inches versus 39.6 inches) and more room for cargo behind its backseats (39.2 cubic feet versus 30.9 in the CX5), as well as much more room with its backseats folded down (73.4 cubic feet versus 59.6 in the Mazda).
Ford offers push button-powered fold-down of the rear seats, too — but you have to return them to the upright position manually.
The Rest
The Edge doesn't come with a CD slot anymore. Instead, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you play your CDs without having to carry them around.
The Bottom Line
Rather than try to be all things for seven people, the Edge succeeds at being very good for five.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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