New 2012 Ford Edge

The Ford Edge got a massive restyling last year, and you won’t find any major changes in the design of new 2012 Edge. This mid-size crossover competes with other crossover SUVs such as the Dodge Journey, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. A newly available four-cylinder engine with EcoBoost™ has caused the most buzz amongst consumers and critics alike.

The 2012 Ford offers three different engine options: a standard 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with 253 pounds-feet of torque, a beefier 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 280 pounds-feet of torque, and an efficient 240-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 pounds-feet of torque. All three of these engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, but a Sport trim of the Edge comes with SelectShift™ paddle activation. All-wheel drive is available for both of the V-6 engines, but not the four-cylinder.

The four-cylinder engine pays the most dividends when it comes to fuel economy, coming in at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This outpaces the standard engine (18-19 mpg/city and 25-27 mpg/highway) as well as the larger V-6 found in Sport trims (17-19 mpg/city and 23-26 mpg/highway).

When it comes to exterior styling, the first thing you’ll notice is a monstrous chrome grill connecting two sculpted projector beam headlights. Upgrading to the Sport trim will get you a tuxedo black grill and a “True Dual” chrome-tipped exhaust system. The Ford Edge comes standard with 17-inch wheels, but climbing the trim ladder will get you either 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels or 22-inch polished aluminum wheels. All trims of the Edge have a body-color rear spoiler.

On the inside, Ford’s optional touch-button system can replace traditional plastic buttons with simple icons integrated into the console. Standard interior features include air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering column, and front bucket seats. Higher trims of the Edge can be equipped with intelligent access and push-button start. Other optional features include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and leather seats. Back for 2012 after its introduction last year is MyFord Touch, which combines with Ford’s SYNC system (both are options) to give you total control over you Edge using voice commands, a touch screen in the dash, or controls on the steering wheel.

The 2012 Ford Edge comes standard with child safety locks, LATCH for drivers with children, a post-crash alert system, and six standard airbags. You’ll also find a SecuriLock® anti-theft system in all trims. On top of all of this, Ford’s MyKey™ system lets you set a maximum speed and audio volume for novice drivers.

At the end of the day, the 2012 Ford Edge is a solid crossover with impressive performance, a modern interior design, and tons of safety features. And with the new twin-turbo four-cylinder it gets an added dose of efficiency that might make you think twice before you chose any other SUV.