First Drive: 2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost [Review]

That everyone seems to be stretching a dollar these days is not lost in the executive suite at the Glass House in Dearborn, Michigan. Or maybe it's that they want to be in compliance with the upcoming changes in CAFE standards before they actually take place.

Regardless, Ford has actually put together a rather inspired package in its 2012 Ford Edge and Explorer with the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

That's not to say that they aren't dabbling with other technologies. At a recent new product preview held at Ford's Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan, the company let it be known that five electrified vehicles are coming. And don't forget the record setting numbers coming from the sale of the iconic F-150 now with the same 22-mpg V6 twin turbo engine as found in the Taurus SHO.

Ford Executive Director of Engineering, North America, Frank Davis, said the company will be involved in all the various types of motive power that appeal to all types of buyers. He said that the 180,000 EcoBoost engines that will have been produced by the end of 2011 was evidence of this strong demand. We can't argue.

The same, or more?
We've seen both the Ford Edge and Explorer before. In fact, with the Edge, 500,000 owners have seen them as well since 2006. Receiving a facelift in 2010, it has managed to keep pace in the area of design and technology. But is it sufficiently viable in today's marketplace? Read on.

A five-passenger crossover, the Edge is sized in the general vicinity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Traverse. Now available with three engine choices, including the base 285 pony 3.5-liter V6, and a sport-tuned 305 horsepower 3.7 V6 in addition to the new EcoBoost four-cylinder, you might consider it the Baskin-Robbins of crossovers: Something for everyone.

Able to hold three full-size adults across the fold-forward second row bench seat, the Edge supplies an abundance of legroom and decent cargo space in the way-back. A pair of buckets seats in the front offer heating and comfort for cross-country excursions as well as daily operations which include soccer-momming and visitation drop-offs at the local McDonald's.

The controversial MyFordTouch system is along for this ride, as it seems to be in every new product from Dearborn. The most effective thing it does is to clean up all the excess buttons and controls from previous dash layouts, although that's not necessarily something you'll consider to be a pro when you use it for the first (or hundredth) time.

Four is the new six
Ford is expanding the reach of its EcoBoost line by introducing the new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder unit to both the Edge and its big brother, the seven-passenger Explorer. Using the latest technologies in gas direct-injection, along with low-inertia turbochargers and the trick use of a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, this new (for the U.S.) four-banger is quite lean and mean. With the power of a V6 engine with the fuel efficiency of a four, the Spanish-built mill manages, according to Ford, to achieve 30 mpg highway in the Edge (and 28 mpg in the Explorer).

That puts Edge in elite company among midsize crossovers; it trails the 32 mpg Equinox, but it offers way more grunt.

This 2.0-liter four-cylinder has met with great success in Europe and will offer 240-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque once it crosses the pond. But don't look for an all-wheel-drive turbo model just yet. For now, Ford will only send boost to the front wheels on its Edge.

All sorts of tricks and techniques are at play in the Edge including the use of aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT in Ford-speak) and carefully spaced gearing of the 6F35 automatic transmission. We were disappointed to see that this particular gearbox offered only drive and low settings from the shift lever. Those seeking row-it-yourself capabilities will have to order a V6.

Aerodynamicists have been busy within the Blue Oval's wind tunnels looking for every possible way to cheat the wind and enhance the mileage bottom line. Findings have included the use of active grill shutters that help to optimize the Edge's aerodynamics with vents that control airflow through the grille for cooling. If the engine room needs a blast of cool air the vents are opened. If not, they remain closed to cut aero-drag.

Drivetime
We were pleasantly surprised to experience improved drive dynamics found in the new Edge, especially after a less-than-promising early evaluation last fall.

Road and wind noises were the targets of NVH engineers who managed to further improve interior noise suppression through the use of foam baffling in the fenders and D-pillars, as well as thicker acoustic lamination on the new windshield. A country road, and the extensive use of Michigan DOT patching of same, has nothing on this new Ford Edge.

We came to the conclusion that the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is well suited to the 3,998 lbs. Edge. Though not as overly stout on the horsepower side, it more than makes up for it with its 270 lb-ft of torque.

If properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 lbs., which is well within the range of most jet skis or motorcycles on trailers, not to mention most light duty utility trailers.

The turbo revolution is here - and this Edge EcoBoost definitely makes sense.

Leftlane's bottom line
Ford continues to knock at technology's door in an effort to find new and more efficient means of moving people and their stuff.

Lke the products that used to come out of Motown Studios, "Hitsville USA," we think Ford has a surprising hit on its hands with its boosted Edge.

2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost base price, $29,460.

Words and photos by Mark Elias.