2009 Ford Edge Sport AWD Review: Sport - adj. a synonym of Bling
Jul 24, 2009 ;)
There was a time when putting a 'sport' badge on a vehicle meant something. Maybe a retuned suspension. Or possibly more power on tap when pushing the noisy pedal. Now that doesn't seem to be the case when putting the five letter S-word on a vehicle available for public consumption.
The etymology of the word 'sport' has taken on a completely different form in the automotive industry. Give it another few years and they will be calling compact cars 'Olympic editions' and giving minivans 'World Championship' badges. We are sliding down a slippery slope where car shoppers won't know what they are buying anymore.
All that aside, the Ford Edge Sport - while having the performance of an octogenarian in the 100m dash - is a great vehicle to look at, inside and out. Ford is delivering on their promise of a revamped product line that appeals to the consumer.
;)
In Sport trim with Sport Blue Metallic paint, the Edge turns heads quicker than an over-anxious chiropractor. Bold, chunky lines combined with more chrome than an old Thunderbird definitely command attention while cruising around downtown streets. Optional 22-inch wheels set the Edge Sport apart from other models, being the first ever crossover offered with such a large wheel and tire combo from the factory. The Sport is also gifted with an attractive body kit that suits the vehicles design. Just keep an eye out for high curbs as the ground effect pieces will take away a little bit of ride height.
The passenger cabin is quite plush. Sinking your rump into the soft seats gives you the impression that this crossover is as much about comfort as it is about style. Larger adults fit into the back seat with ease and are provided with seating that is more like a couch than the rear bench of an SUV. Just don't expect to bring your extended family and their canine friends along for the ride as the Edge's seating is limited to five occupants.
;)
Dash and door panel materials are almost spot on. Everything feels and looks like it should be more expensive than it is. Add the optional coloured accent lighting and great Sync system display and you end up with a well appointed and very attractive interior. The instrument cluster, while looking at home in the normal Edge, sticks out a bit on the Sport trimmed model as it seems a bit dated compared to everything else. Some of the controls are a bit of a reach from the driver's seat too. But, that is minor compared to all the pluses.
Speaking of Sync, so far it's been the best onboard entertainment and information system I have used in any vehicle. The interface is very attractive and easy to navigate, full of useful features, and combined with a very clear sounding set of speakers. Only the most advanced options caused confusion. Confused could be used for how you will feel when using Ford's notorious cruise control system. When on, but not pegged in the speedo, there is no visual indicator that it is active. This is true for my personal car as well - a 2007 Ford Fusion - and seems to be the case for many Ford products.
Another option fitted to our tester was the Vista Roof that allows light to come into the whole passenger cabin. Only the front glass has tilt and slide functionality while the rear is a fixed piece. Both of them have power cloth shades for protecting occupants from the sun on those high UV index days.
;)
The massive dubs matched with low profile rubber that Ford has bolted to the Edge would normally succumb to the stiffness in the tire sidewalls. Surprisingly, the ride is fairly compliant and some of my passengers voiced how smooth it felt. That said, the suspension does give a lot in corners, and the Edge feels like it lumbers around them a bit. Body roll isn't necessarily bad, but it definitely isn't good.
;)
Under the hood sits Ford's 3.5L Duratec V6 rated at 265 hp @ 6250 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm. In a normal family sedan, this would be plenty engine to get the job done. However, with the Edge weighing in at a hefty 4,288lbs, it never feels overly eager to get anywhere. Because of this you seem to be a bit more into the accelerator than you should and can't help but think you would waste less fuel with a slightly bigger engine. This is something that I have a major issue with, as the sport emblazoned vehicle should have a little more 'get up and go' compared to the standard model. There may still be some hope for the Edge later on in its lifetime as Ford introduces their new line of EcoBoost engines. However, there has been no confirmation that an EcoBoost powerplant will be put in the vehicle so far. The Duratec V6 returned 13.9L/100km in the southern Ontario mix mash of traffic infested roads and accident prone 400 series highways which is average for the class.
Ford has definitely upped their game in recent years which is now being reflected in winning back decades of market share loss. Though not perfect, the Edge easily bests its cross street domestic rivals in style, comfort, and solid build quality. If you are looking at buying a $78,000 Escalade or other urban SUV with 'style', give the Edge Sport a look. With the remaining cash perhaps you can courier the latest edition of the Webster's Dictionary to Dearborn so the folks at Ford can look up the true definition of 'sport.'
2009 Ford Edge Sport AWD
Base Price: $39,499
As Tested: $49,329
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Pros:
* Lots of style and has a customized look without being tacky
* Seats are very plush
* Sync is the best in the industry
Cons:
* Engine feels underpowered for the vehicle
* Feels like it weighs more than it does when taking turns
* Umm, where's the sport?
Overall Rating: 7/10
All images can be found in the 2009 Ford Edge Sport gallery.
Reader Comments (8)
As of July 2009 in Ontario, an Edge Sport without the giant wheels but with the fancy sunroof and Sync is $35,6xx and that includes taxes and paying in cash. That is pretty tempting but bearing in mind that this is a competitive segment, your money does get you a lot of cuv for the money.
With current discounts a Mazda CX-7 GT costs $38,7xx and that includes all the same features as the Ford excluding the sunroof and the Sync. Don't let your eyes fool you, the CX-7 uses a different platform and engine than the Edge.With only seconhand knowledge of either car however, I would pay the extra for the Mazda.
While the Mazda is a bit of a cannibal, as Mazda is partly owned by Ford, the biggest rival for the Edge Sport is the Saturn Vue Redline. For an almost equal $35,0xx you get a trucklet that was developed in Germany, unlike the SUVs of a certain Bavarian manufacturer. For even less coin you can get a well equipped Hyundai Santa Fe.
None of these cute utes have the imposing character of the Edge Sport. Especially with the optional wheels. So for a a vehicle of equally sporting nature my money would go to a new Grand Cherokee with a diesel engine. Chrysler is giving them away with base trim versions cheaper than the Edge.
My money would go to the king of the segment. It sells so well right now that in Ontario the only cash off for an outright purchase is $500. For $40, 6xx, or $5 thousand more than the Ford, I would buy a 2009 Subaru Forester XT. Both are recommended by the IIHS and both have plenty of room for your friends, family and pets. Both cute utes even have giant sunroofs. But only the Forester can be retired after a few years to motorsports duty.
However, what I would love to ride is 2009 Ford Edge.
No matter, what cons are, I love getting rounded, fashionable car, good ride quality,comfortable leg room and passenger flexibility. A performance & fashoin toghether, man! Why bother to look at anything else?
http://www.exploreauto.net/2010-ford-edge-review.html
http://www.carsfind.net
Because you will pay (including the exchange) approximately THIRTY PERCENT more in Canada, for a car built in Canada.
Don't believe me? Do the math. Ford is RIPPING OFF CANADIANS! I'd like to support North American auto manufacturers, but not when II'm being cheated. No Fords for me until they fix this inequity.