Crossover-type vehicles, which blend the ride and handling characteristics of a car with the greater versatility of an SUV, come in many sizes, shapes and styles. If you’re looking for something that assigns “midsize,” “sleek” and “bold” to those three categories, a look at the thoroughly revised 2011 Edge shows that Ford hasn’t let the vehicle’s huge success stop it from making the well-liked Edge even better.

 

You’ll quickly notice the bolder exterior design the Edge has for 2011. The front end especially conveys a sense of power, performance and sophistication. You could say the styling conveys truth in advertising: The 2011 Edge drives as sporty as it looks, and its new technology steps up connectivity. A starting MSRP of $27,640 for the 2011 Edge (available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels) reveals a solid value story, whether compared to direct competitors or even some similarly equipped luxury vehicles.

 

The standard 3.5-liter V6 in the Edge produces unsurpassed 285 hp, which edges out the Nissan Murano by a healthy 25 ponies. The Edge V6 also trumps the Nissan Murano in torque with 253 lb/ft versus 240 lb/ft. Those key performance advantages for Edge become even more impressive when you compare fuel economy between the two vehicles. The 2011 Ford Edge front-wheel drive model achieves best-in-class 27 mpg highway versus 23 mpg for the less powerful Nissan Murano. In addition, the 2011 Ford Edge received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) while the 2011 Nissan Murano did not. The 2011 Ford Edge starts at about $1,700 less than the 2011 Murano as well. For those who crave even more power, Edge Sport models feature a 3.7-liter V6 that produces a best-in-class 305 hp and 280 lb/ft of torque as well.

 

A key to the Edge performance advantage is a technology shared with the Ford Mustang, Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT), which precisely controls both intake and exhaust valve timing, along with an available SelectShift Automatic^™ six-speed transmission. Ti-VCT delivers up to a seven percent increase in peak horsepower and up to five percent better low-range torque, plus 4.5 percent better fuel economy and reduced emissions. More agile handling and a smoother, quieter ride accompany the performance boost in the 2011 Ford Edge, thanks to a retuned suspension, enhanced brake system performance and other chassis upgrades.

 

Ford also expanded dynamic handling technology in the 2011 Edge. The Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature can reduce rollback on hills, and Trailer Sway Control enhances vehicle stability while towing a trailer (when equipped to do so). The Brake Assist (BAS) feature provides greater braking force when it detects an emergency stop.

 

The 2011 Ford Edge also offers technology you generally find only on luxury-segment vehicles: Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support. This advanced system can maintain a set distance from vehicles traveling ahead, reducing vehicle speed as needed if traffic slows. When traffic clears, the system resumes your set speed. In addition, this feature can “pre-charge” the brakes to help the driver slow down or stop more quickly in a potential emergency situation.

 

The 2011 Ford Edge provides a smooth, refined driving experience with greater attention to noise reduction features than before. Even the revised styling plays a role, its aerodynamic enhancements helping to reduce wind noise. New, soft-touch interior materials heighten the sense of refinement in the 2011 Ford Edge.

 

Ford revolutionized connectivity in cars with its SYNC^® system, and the 2011 Edge goes beyond that with the available MyFord Touch^™. Users will find cell phone-like controls on either side of the steering wheel, which correspond to dual LCD screens flanking the speedometer. A larger eight-inch LCD screen sits atop the center stack for easy viewing. Steering wheel controls and voice activation make phone usage, music listening and navigation easy, and the system also responds to voice commands thanks to its advanced speech recognition capability.

 

On the music scene, the 2011 Ford Edge debuted the world’s first use of iTunes^® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD Radio^™ receiver. A simple push of a TAG button on the MyFord Touch display screen saves the song information. Dock your iPod to the SYNC system, and it transfers the tagged information to your music player. With HD Radio, FM sounds like a CD, and AM matches current FM for clarity.

 

Two more 2011 Ford Edge technologies bear mentioning. The available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with Cross-Traffic Alert not only helps detect vehicles in blind spots on the road, it also warns of vehicles approaching from either side when you’re backing out of a parking space. The MyKey^™ feature lets parents set various parameters, such as limiting the vehicle’s top speed and maximum audio system volume, before handing the keys to a teen driver.

 

If you’re in the market for a stylish, powerful, sophisticated crossover, but without a luxury-segment price, come in and see what’s made the 2011 Ford Edge so in-demand.