New 2015 Ford Edge Crossover – Quieter, Smoother Ride, New Engines
Looking to expand its footprint in the crossover segment, Ford has unveiled a new Edge complete with a new look, standard EcoBoost engine and filled with the latest technology features. This all-new, second-generation Edge looks like a strong competitor.
As the Edge was unveiled at Ford’s Dearborn facility, it was clear to everyone the exterior was noticeably different. Gone is the rounded, unremarkable look of the first generation. This new model is much sharper in its look with new body lines creating a more dramatic look.
Design Improvements
Ford has also incorporated a new stronger-looking grille that combined with a more raked hood creates a more dominating appearance. This new model also has new recessed fog lights and a newly designed air dam.
On the rear, a taillight array spans the entire rear of the vehicle. This design ties in the new “design language” Ford has been using on vehicles like the Lincoln MKC. It creates a unique look for the brand and, on the Edge, adds a splash of style to the rear hatch.
The interior has the least amount of design changes and it will feel pretty familiar to current Edge owners. Ford says they have improved the quality of materials.
Technology, Driver-Assisted Improvements
The big change on this model is the amount of technology and driver-assisted improvements that were added. The key improvements are:
- Active Grille Shutters: Available on select models to help counter air resistance
- Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary
- Adaptive steering technology: Most advanced steering system ever from Ford makes Edge easier to maneuver and more fun to drive by optimizing steering response in all conditions
- Air curtain: Creates a curtain of air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work, improving aerodynamics at high speed
- Auto Start-Stop technology: Turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, then restarts the engine in milliseconds when the brake is released; specially tuned for Edge
- Blind Spot Information System: BLIS® uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
- Cameras: New 180-degree front camera with washer featured for first time on a Ford vehicle; standard rear camera
- Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space
- Enhanced active park assist: Builds on Ford parallel parking technology and includes a system to guide the vehicle into a perpendicular parking space. The system can also steer the vehicle into and out of a parallel parking space
- Forward and reverse sensing systems: The systems provide audible alerts designed to help drivers avoid obstacles when parking
- Hands-free liftgate: Allows customer to move leg below center of the rear bumper to unlock and raise liftgate
- Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel: Amenities make occupants more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable
- Lane-keeping system: Alerts driver to steer the vehicle back into its lane if the vehicle is allowed to drift
- Side parking sensors: uses sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or low-speed maneuvers
- SYNC® with MyFord Touch®: Becoming available for more trim levels; standard on Edge Sport and Titanium series
- Active glove box knee airbag: Advanced new design uses glove box front to cushion the knees of the front seat passenger in a crash. A pliable, injection-molded plastic bladder is sandwiched between the inner and outer glove box door panels. On impact, a small inflator fills the bladder, extending the glove box outer door panel toward the passenger’s legs
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™: Uses sensors to measure the roll rate of the vehicle and predict its roll angle. Based on this information and measurements from other vehicle dynamics sensors, the system can adjust engine torque and brake pressure at all four wheels to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle
- Curve Control: Uses the same sensors as Roll Stability Control to detect and measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle to help drivers follow their intended path by slowing the vehicle more efficiently while maneuvering a curve
- Inflatable rear safety belts: An advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies. It is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers in frontal crashes by distributing crash force energy across five times more of an occupant’s torso than a traditional safety belt. Inflatable belts are available for second-row outboard seating positions
During the unveiling, Ford provided the media the opportunity to ride in an Edge while using the enhanced active park assist. The Edge is able to not only parallel park itself, but also perpendicular park. With this feature activated, the Edge will sense an open space, measure it to ensure the vehicle will fit and then perform a three-point parking maneuver. When you are ready to leave, it will also help you pull out.
New Powertrain, Suspension
The Edge will now be offered in three different engine offerings: twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder; 2.7L EcoBoost V6; 3.5L V6. These engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Ford says the 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost are new for North America. The twin-scroll 2.0L is estimated to produce 245 HP and 270 lb.-ft. of torque making it a significant upgrade over the previous 2.0L engine. New Edge’s with the 2.0L engine can be ordered with an available all-wheel drive and a towing package capable of hauling 3,500 pounds.
The twin-scroll EcoBoost engine will also come with auto start/stop technology making it one of the most fuel efficient offerings in Ford’s lineup.
Ford plans to use the 2.7L V6 in its Sport trim level. This engine is expected to produce more than 300 horsepower, which is similar to a mid-range V8. It will also use the same compacted graphite iron for the cylinder block that the 6.7L Power Stroke utilizes. This new material is lighter and produces less noise, vibration and harshness than other motors.
An all-new suspension has been added across the Edge lineup. New Edge models will have an integral-link independent rear with coil springs and a 23-milimeter anti-roll bar. Ford says the new suspension is designed to be more dynamic and will improve the ride quality. Compared with the previous model, the new Edge will have a quieter, more substantial ride quality.
Lastly, Ford has improved the suspension in the Sport to be stiffer and 10 percent thicker coil springs. This suspension improves the road-handling while giving the driver more control, shaper steering and more feedback.
The new Edge will come in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Sport, Titanium (a first for Ford).
Pricing, availability and EPA MPG estimates have not been released.
See Ford Edge Cars for sale on eBay.
