2011 Ford Edge

The 2011 Ford Edge comes out highly updated – additional power, exterior design, diminished wind and road noise, better interior quality and innovative features, to name a few.

In the recent years, the Edge is a bit dry in comparison to Ford’s other vehicles in terms of updates and design. But this 2011, the Ford Edge receives some attention. With these updates, the Edge is looking good as an affordable midsize SUV.

Engine & Performance

The Ford Edge drives smoothly and accelerates well. The brakes and handling, that disappointed test drivers previously, have been improved.

The Edge’s 3.5 liter V6 engine receives an upgrade for 2011. Now it is capable of delivering 285 horsepower. Fuel economy is better. On the other hand, the Sport model has a 3.7 liter engine capable of producing 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The braking hardware is also updated.

The 3.5 liter V6 engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SEL and Limited models get a SelectShift Automatic but have a manual shifting mode. The Sport models’ 3.7 liter engine comes with the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with paddle activation.

The Edge’s handling is positively notable. However, the Sport models don’t quite go as smoothly as other models because of its sport suspension but may be preferred by those looking for a fun ride. In the past, there were complaints about the braking but that may not be the case now since Ford has upgraded the four-wheel disc brakes for 2011. Stopping distance is improved by 20 percent.

Exterior

The Ford Edge features a modern style which makes it distinctive from other box-looking crossover SUV’s. A look at the Edge’s external properties reveals a more prominent chrome grill clad by LED running lights. The Edge still looks athletic and generally pleasing to the eye.

The Sport model has more enhancements including 22-inch polished aluminum wheels which are some of the largest fitted on a crossover SUV.

Interior

On the inside, better materials and high-tech electronics interface makes the Edge look and feel very first-class. The electronics interface called Ford’s MyTouch comes in a touch-screen display with additional voice commands that compliments the existing Sync system.

The space inside of the 2011 Edge is comparatively roomy and boasts off comfortable and child-friendly rear seats. The Edge can seat five people and this is ideal for families. There is no third row seat. However, this leaves more space for the second row. It can even recline which is not a feature on some SUV’s.

Most models have cloth seats while leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the Sport and Limited models. Base models offer manually-adjustable seats while the SEL trades them for a six-way power driver’s seat. Limited and Sport models come with heated front seats as a standard. This feature is optional on the SEL.

Previously, the Edge’s interior could not be called luxurious but now it’s getting closer. The MyFord Touch system controls most of the car’s functions and has a very good interface. Less tech-savvy users will need time to learn these controls though.

The MyFord Touch is offered as a standard on the Limited and Sport models and optional on the SEL. It is not available on the base SE model.

The Edge provides a cargo space of 32.2 cubic feet behind the second row which can be expanded to 68.9 cubic feet with those seats folded down. This cargo space is not far from the 2010 model.

Safety & Reliability

When it comes to safety, the Ford Edge is excellent. In government crash tests, the 2011 Ford Edge scored an overall four stars out of five. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Edge “good” in frontal, side impact and rear crash protection tests. While the Edge received “acceptable” in roof strength tests.

Other safety features of the Ford Edge are standard dual stage front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

The 2011 Ford Edge scored eight out of ten in reliability. This is its Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. The Edge’s basic warranty is for the first three years or 36,000 miles. It also offers a power-train warranty for the first five years or 60,000 miles.

The Competition

The market offers efficient and more affordable competitors for the 2011 Ford Edge. One is the Toyota Highlander (MSRP $28,090.00; 20 city/ 25 hwy). Also, the Mazda CX-7(MSRP $21,990.00; 20 city/ 28 hwy) saves almost $6,000 in comparison to Edge’s base price.

Pros & Cons

All in all, the 2011 Ford Edge is a good SUV choice because of its handling, exterior and interior enhancements and its MyFord Touch controls. However, these options can inflate the price into high levels. The base model is a little meager and the lack of a third row seat may be unappealing.

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

By masterfully combining the best attributes of a responsive but comfortable sedan with those of a versatile and roomy SUV, the 2011 Ford Edge fulfills the promise of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) like no other example to date.KBB

The 2011 updated Edge received a new interior, upgraded V6 engines, suspension improvements, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Consumer Reports

Provided you don’t need a third-row seat, the 2011 Ford Edge is at last, at the leading edge of mid-size crossovers, with one of the best driver interfaces in the business.The Car Connection

The 2011 Ford Edge gets a major freshening, with revised styling, a new interior, and new engines. This is the smaller of Ford’s midsize SUVs. Edge seats 5 and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.Consumer Guide

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Crossover Base Price: $ 27,640.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 18 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 184.2 in. (468 cm) Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Height: 67 in. (170 cm) Weight: 4082 lbs (1852 kg)
Wheel Base: 111.2 in. (282 cm) Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm) unladen
Luggage Capacity: Max. Cargo Vol. 68.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 3.5L Twin independent Variable Cam Timing (TiVCT) V6 Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Horsepower: 285 hp Max RPM: 6500 rpm
Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-60 mph: N/A 1/4 Mile: N/A
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SEL 3.5L (TiVCT) V6 MSRP: $30,650; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:Limited 3.5L (TiVCT) V6 MSRP: $31,350; MPG: 19 city / 27 hwy
Option:Sport 3.7L (TiVCT) V6 MSRP: $36,925; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Sport 3.7L (TiVCT) V6 AWD MSRP: $38,775; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy

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