Used 2012 Ford Edge

The midsize CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) has comfortably stepped into its role as the new family wagon of old. Offering a high seating position, generous ground clearance and excellent use of interior space, vehicles like the 2012 Ford Edge have become indispensable to many. And, thanks to renewed emphasis on ride quality, handling, safety and overall comfort (not to mention attention to detail), large numbers of former sedan and SUV owners are also making the switch. While there are plenty of excellent CUVs on the market, including such heavyweights as the sporty 2012 Mazda CX-7, the 7-passenger 2012 Toyota Highlander, the value-packed 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, and the newly introduced 2012 Kia Sorrento, the aptly named Ford Edge has a leg up on most of the competition thanks to its advanced electronics and powertrain choices. The Edge’s smart good looks, competitive pricing and strong resale and reliability record also go a long way toward explaining the vehicle’s success. And, with even more improvements on hand, the 2012 Ford Edge appears more than ready to defend its turf.

Whether in the city or out on long stretches of open highway, the 2012 Ford Edge never failed to live up to our expectations. Power is readily available making passing, merging and even climbing steep hills a snap. There is no fuss from under the hood, no straining or lagging upshifts, just smooth linear power delivery. The Edge’s steering is bit heavily weighted, but it is precise and the vehicle displays good handling characteristics, with minimal body roll and sway and a surprisingly smooth ride, even with the larger wheel and tire package. Push the Edge hard, however, and its limitations become more obvious. This is not a vehicle that wants to tear through S-curves for any great duration. Inside, we found the 2012 Ford Edge to be extremely well insulated from the outside world. The quiet cabin, comfortable seats and excellent Sony sound system made our Edge the preferred vehicle for long-term test drives.

The 2012 Ford Edge has by far one of the nicest interiors Ford has ever placed in a non-luxury product. Color is the dominant theme, not so much in the materials, but in the cool adjustable multicolored dash and foot-well lighting. Colorful LCD touch screens for climate and audio controls take center stage, with many of their functions capable of being operated by voice command. Known as MyFord Touch, this option includes customizable displays screens on either side of the speedometer, as well as an 8-inch LCD monitor in the center stack. Through a pair of steering-wheel touch pads, the driver can control music, navigation, phone and even the climate control. The system also includes Wi-Fi, which allows it to take advantage of apps such as Pandora and OpenBeak, as well as utilize a USB modem to create a hot spot for passenger laptops. The 2012 Ford Edge offers an abundance of head and legroom, with the rear-seat occupants enjoying seats that can recline to make long trips more comfortable. Storage areas are also quite generous, from the massive center console and its laptop-size bin to the big cargo area behind the second row. Shell out the big bucks and you can have your Ford Edge with leather seating, a dual-pane Vista Roof, a fold-flat front passenger’s seat and remote release controls that allow the rear seats to be folded down while standing at the Edge’s cargo area.

The 2012 Ford Edge displays a bulldoggish stance that shuns the more traditional CUV shape so often dictated by the addition of a small and generally useless third-row seat. The taut sheet metal, high beltline and gently sloping rear give the 2012 Ford Edge a distinct appearance that is both tough and elegant. The Edge’s large wheel housings are pushed to the outer corners, which, when combined with the short front and rear overhangs, creates a vehicle that is easy to maneuver in tight spots. Wheel sizes vary by trim ranging from 17 to 22 inches, but all look modern and complement the Edge’s distinct styling. Ford’s signature t3-bar chrome grille is exaggerated on the Edge, with the Sport model receiving a blacked-out version and the EcoBoost models employing electric opening and closing grille vents. Around back, Ford employs 4-inch dual exhaust outlets for a sportier look and large jewel-lens taillights. Higher-end trims get chrome exhaust finishers, more body-colored pieces (think mirror, door handles and rear spoiler) and unique paint colors.

MyFord Touch and SYNC
While others are now getting into the in-car multimedia game, Ford’s well established suite of high-tech multimedia electronics will forever change the way we interact with our cars.

Available "Vista Roof" Glass Sunroof
Open or closed, the Edge’s massive glass sunroof really livens up the passenger cabin. There’s even a second, fixed glass panel over the second row.

In addition to the 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Ford Edge SE includes power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, single-disc CD/CD-MP3 sound system, MyFord controls, auxiliary audio input jack, reclining rear seatbacks, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. A comprehensive set of standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, plus electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. The SEL adds dual-zone automatic climate control, the reverse-sensing system and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited trim adds leather seating, 10-way power and heated front seats, and 18-inch wheels. The Sport trim includes much of the Limited’s equipment but brings a 3.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Features vary by trim level and include the two-panel Vista Roof, EasyFold trunk-mounted remote rear-seat release, hard drive-based voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, power rear liftgate, SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system with 911 Assist, MyFord Touch customizable driver information system, reverse-sensing system, Intelligent Access with push-button start, a 390-watt Sony 12-speaker audio system, leather seating, power and heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and fold-flat passenger seat. Optional on front-drive SE, SEL and Limited is the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, while all-wheel drive is available but only on Edge models equipped with V6 engines.

In addition to Ford’s 3.5- and 3.7-liter V6 engines, the 2012 Ford Edge now offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine complete with variable valve timing and direct-injection technology. The EcoBoost engine offers the fuel economy of a small four cylinder, but nearly as much power as the 3.5-liter V6. EcoBoost and SE V6 models employ a 6-speed automatic transmission, but SEL, Limited and Sport feature cutting-edge SelectShift 6-speed automatic transmission that’s the product of a joint development program between Ford and GM. The 2012 Ford Edge’s available all-wheel-drive system functions in front-wheel-drive mode until a need for additional traction is detected. In true crossover fashion, the Edge is built upon the same platform as Ford’s Fusion sedan. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

2.0-liter in-line 4, turbocharged
240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30

3.5-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
253 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (FWD), 18/25 (AWD)

3.7-liter V6 (Sport)
305 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (FWD), 17/23 (AWD)