The 2014 Ford Edge is a Functional and Fuel Efficient Crossover SUV

The 2014 Ford Edge offers something much of its competition does not; a fuel efficient engine option that still carries enough power to take the vehicle where it needs to go. Although this version is aging and due for a redesign soon, the Edge still has it by offering a variety of equipment and engine choices for just about anyone to enjoy, including those considering purchasing a luxury SUV.

The updates for 2014 are very minimal offering some new color choices and upgrades to Ford’s SYNC and MyTouch systems. Most crossovers SUV’s offer only one, sometimes two engines to choose from, but the Edge has the ability to be set up with up to three different engines to offer more to a larger crowd.

Taking a drive in the Edge offers plenty of power from any of the three engines and with a highly tuned suspension the vehicle easily handles the road defects allowing for a very smooth ride. Unfortunately the steering and noise reduction technologies are not as well done as the suspension, but the steering does an adequate job once the driver is used to the slight delay in response. The cabin is a little noisy from the road noise and this technology does need an upgrade, but it’s not so awful that the occupants cannot enjoy their tunes on the audio system.

Starting the engine lineup with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine offers a bit of surprise to think a four-cylinder engine could have enough power for a decent SUV, but it certainly does offering 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the only engine than cannot be equipped with all-wheel drive, and when set up with the six-speed automatic transmission the fuel efficiency is excellent at 21 city/30 hwy mpg. One additional surprise for this power train is the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds with ease, not something seen in many four-cylinder engines at all.

Second to the plate is the 3.5-liter V6 which is the engine that is the most popular for Edge owners. Offering 285 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and is capable of offering all-wheel drive (AWD). When fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission the fuel efficiency comes in at 19 city/27 hwy mpg for front-wheel drive (FWD) and 18 city/25 hwy mpg for AWD which is really not a bad tradeoff in mpg in order add the power and control of AWD as well as an increased towing capacity.

Finally, the largest of the three engines which is available on the Sport models is the 3.7-liter V6 offering a very strong 305 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a towing capacity that adds the two smaller engines together and comes in at 3,500 pounds, enough to bring home a good sized weekend project or take the toys to the lake for the day, according to Indy Ford dealers. When the six-speed automatic transmission is added, this pairing will bring in a still respectable fuel mileage at 19 city/26 hwy mpg for the FWD and 17 city/23 hwy mpg for the AWD version.

Even though this is not considered a luxury SUV, the Edge offers much of the same style inside that would be found in the Lincoln MKX, making it a very enjoyable copycat. Offering upgraded materials throughout the cabin to include nice fabrics, metal accents, and even soft touches across the dash the feel is comfortable and stylish. Add to this the use of a great deal of great technology and the Edge forgets it’s not a luxury vehicle, and the driver will too. If there is a drawback to the cabin it’s the need to learn all the technology inside as it is fully laden, but once mastered, all controls help to make the driving experience even more enjoyable.

Because the Edge does not have a third row of seats available for it, the look is more like that of a barrel chested fighter than a sleek and slender runner. This vehicle means business and thankfully steers away from the boxy style found in many other SUVs. There is some nice interest in the lines and accents overall, giving the vehicle not only a muscular appearance, but just a touch of style as well. Allowing wheels from 17 to 22-inches in size the Edge can be set up for some rugged off roading as well as for easy driving down the road. Finishing touches to the rough and rugged look are added with the three bar grill and chrome tipped four-inch dual exhaust ports.

The base model Edge SE offers the owner remote keyless entry, an audio system that includes an auxiliary port, a reclining 60/40 split rear bench, and a capless fuel filler. The SEL model adds dual zone automatic climate control, a ten-way power driver’s seat, and 18-inch wheels. The Limited model brings in the MyFord touch telematics system, an upgraded Sony audio system and leather seats. Finally, the Sport model adds the most powerful of the engines, 22-inch wheels, and a rearview camera.

Optional features are trim based as with many vehicle and include a two-panel Vista Roof, a navigations system, adaptive cruise control, DVD rear seat entertainment, a power lift gate, heated front seats, a blind spot monitoring system, AWD, and the Class II trailer package with sway control. The four-cylinder engine is also an option for all models except the Sport for owners who want the fuel efficiency and don’t need AWD to be available.

Starting at a base price just under $30,000 the Edge comes in as very affordable for the mid-sized V6 engine. A fully loaded Edge Sport will come in well above $40,000 but offers so much more in equipment it becomes well worth the added price. Anyone looking for a great SUV with nice power and control need look no further than the Ford Edge to satisfy their desires.