Used 2015 Ford Edge

The 2015 Ford Edge marks the second generation of the Blue Oval’s midsize SUV, which arrives with a fresh design and new turbocharged engine choices. Though it has grown slightly, the new Edge remains a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV that offers plenty of room for occupants and their belongings, and Ford has resisted the temptation to shoehorn a third row in the vehicle. The Edge uses a sedan-based platform rather than a truck chassis, which enables a comfortable, car-like ride while offering the cargo capacity and utility of an SUV. To better compete with rivals like the also-revamped Nissan Murano, the Toyota Venza and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2015 Edge has been re-engineered to be more dynamic on the road yet offer a quieter, higher-grade interior.

The Ford Edge has always offered a nice balance of power, refinement and efficiency, and the latest generation ups the ante. This new generation of Ford’s midsize crossover SUV has been tuned to deliver livelier manners thanks to a new body structure and redesigned suspension, though its ride quality favors comfort over performance. The formerly optional 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine is now standard on most trims of the Edge, and it returns with more power, available all-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Though only 2.0 liters in displacement, this small engine easily powers the Edge in everyday driving. Ford’s work in sound insulation is also evident in the 2015 Edge’s quiet cabin. For drivers seeking higher performance, the Ford Edge Sport delivers with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that replaces the former 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6. With 315 horsepower, this top model has quick acceleration and a gratifying sound. Its stiffer suspension enables better performance on twisty roads, but can be stiff around town.

The 2nd-gen Edge retains a 2-row, 5-passenger layout that now offers more room for both people and cargo. The 2015 Edge’s larger exterior and newly designed seats yield 1.9 inches more legroom in front and an extra inch in back, which now equals an impressive 40.6 inches. Cargo capacity has increased seven cubic feet to 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 73.4 with them folded. The cabin as a whole has a fresh, premium design. Among the most welcome change is the move to hard buttons for audio and climate controls instead of the former Edge’s awkward touch-based system. Ford’s current Sync touch-based infotainment system and its small on-screen controls remain. We expect the revamped Sync 3 to arrive in 2016 models.

The 2015 Edge is at once familiar yet new. Its basic shape remains squat and strong, but now appears sleeker and more athletic. Up front, the new 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
Don’t let the displacement number fool you. We first experienced this little engine in the 2015 Ford F-150, and it enabled effortless propulsion to that full-size truck. As the standard powerplant in the Sport model, this version becomes the most powerful Edge to date.

LUXURY FEATURES, MAINSTREAM BADGE
The new Edge is the latest example of a mainstream vehicle that can be had with high-end amenities. Features like climate-controlled seats, front and rear cameras, a panoramic moonroof, and a power-adjustable steering column are all offered at a price far less than a comparably equipped luxury-badged vehicle.

The 2015 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, 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 push-button start, a power driver’s seat, 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. Sport models add the most powerful engine, perforated leather, and unique interior and exterior accents.

Aside from the additions had by climbing trims, there’s a long list of options for the new Edge that run 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 2015 Edge. Standard on SE, SEL and Titanium models is the revamped 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder. In addition to powering the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, the small but mighty powerplant is offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD). Optional on those three trims 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.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
245 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (FWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6
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
315 horsepower @4,750 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (FWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)