2007 Ford Edge First Drive

Upon its initial launch, the five-passenger 2007 Ford Edge, which rides on a tweaked Fusion sedan platform, will be offered with one powertrain, including a 3.5-liter V6 joined to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 24-valve aluminum engine boasts 265 horsepower at 6,250 rpm backed up by 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and is estimated to achieve fuel economy in the mid 20s on the highway while running on regular-grade gas and achieving ULEV II emissions status in California. Our brief drive along twisty back roads and hilly highways returned only 13.8 mpg. Interestingly, the new transmission, while offering six speeds, lacks a sport mode or manu-matic function as do many competitors. Ford engineers suggested that they had to choose between one and the other – making a regular six-speed or a five-speed with the sporty functions – and their research indicated y'all (meaning crossover buyers) are more interested in additional gears.

That transmission delivers power to the front wheels, or for an additional $1,650, all four alloys through an all-wheel-drive system which can deliver up to 100 percent of the engine's torque to the front or rear axle. Ford's AdvanceTrac traction and stability control technology further aids in the grip effort by cutting power and applying brake pressure as necessary, while four-wheel antilock disc brakes are tasked with stopping the 4,073-lb. Edge. All-wheel-drive versions tack on an extra 200 pounds, and thus benefit from slightly larger front rotors. Each Edge, regardless of trim level or drivetrain, tows up to 3,500 pounds.

The whole package is suspended up front by MacPherson struts, a multi-link setup on the rear, and stabilizer bars on both ends. Steering is addressed by a trusty rack-and-pinion unit.