Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Ford Edge->ke409 became an important player for Ford->ke31 in the midsize crossover SUV->ke145 category. Based on the CD3 platform shared with a number of other Blue Oval products, the Edge became a good seller, rolling over 130,000 units off dealer lots its first year alone. A refresh came for the Edge in 2011 with a reworked exterior that kept up with Ford’s then-current design language, as well as a refreshed interior. The basic bones of the CUV hadn’t really changed since 2007, but all that changes for 2015.

Meet the all-new 2015 Ford Edge. Ford says the new crossover->ke288 is an evolution of the Edge design idea with the new model pushing the envelope in packaging with more equipment and features that customers are looking for these days. A slew of new techno-features like a standard EcoBoost engine, an available 2.7-liter, V-6 EcoBoost engine, an adaptive steering system, active grille shutters for increased aero efficiency, and a laundry list of innovative safety equipment help push the 2015 Edge ahead of its current competition. It seems Ford’s not-so-little crossover is well positioned for the last half of the decade.

Updated 02/06/2015: Ford officially confirmed performance figures for the new 2015 Edge Sport and announced the model will be put on sale later this spring. Prices will range from $28,100 for the base version and $38,100 for the Edge Sport version. Click past the jump for the new details.

There’s a ton more information below the jump, so head on down for our full rundown of Ford’s newest vehicle.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Ford Edge.

2015 Ford Edge

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Ford Edge
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 245 @ 5500
  • Torque: 275 @ 3000
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Edgy is definitely a reasonable term to use when describing the new Ford Edge, despite the terrible cliché. Angles and crisp lines dominate the exterior. Strong accent features and character lines help make the bodywork interesting and futuristic, while not being overstated. The look seems to work well. The new six-sided grille looks good (though it’s slightly reminiscent of the new Hyundai look) with its two main bars bisecting it.

The large air opening down low combined with the fake vents just forward of the tires work well together in keeping the new Ford face looking fresh and youthful. Around to the side, two strong accent lines help give shape to the tall CUV, while a large rocker panel visually lowers the center of gravity. A tall greenhouse and large wheels round out the look for a great overall presence. The story continues out back.

Looking similar to the current Ford Fusion, the rear taillight assembly looks incredibly well-placed on the Edge. The steeply-racked rear glass and lower rear diffuser help liven up the look. The rear does seems to have some proverbial ‘junk in the trunk’ appearance that’s mostly due to the large bulbous area between the license plate and rear bumper.

2015 Ford Edge - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

112.2

Length

188.1

Width (excluding mirrors)

75.9

Width (including mirrors)

85.8

Width (mirrors folded)

78.4

Height

68.6

Track, front/rear

64.8/64.7


Interior

Things look rather familiar once behind the driver’s seat. The look screams FORD and isn’t much different from the current setup. Sure, it’s different when compared side by side, but to the casual observer not immersed in the Edge culture, the look is nearly identical. Perhaps it’s the commonalities its shares with the Escape that throws off the ‘totally revised’ notion out of whack.

Notice them or not, the changes are present. Namely, the changes are within the center console and upper dashboard. The middle two air vents are now vertical and the center button array is different. The familiar dual TFT gauge cluster returns still looking modern and high-tech.

Passengers will enjoy a quieter cabin, thanks to new body structure comprised of high-strength steels and loads of sound deadening materials behind every panel. An acoustic windshield comes standard on every model and the upper two trim levels get acoustic side glass, too. That should also help passengers enjoy the sound system, which is controlled by the available eight-inch touch screen display with the latest version of SYNC and MyFord Touch.

Interior space is also larger thanks in part to thinner seats. Legroom in the first row grows by 1.9 inches while the second row gets an extra inch. Headroom has also grown by an inch. Cargo capacity is larger as well, gaining an extra seven cubic feet to total 39.2. This extra space only adds an extra inch of length to the Edge’s wheelbase, bringing it to 112.2 inches.

2015 Ford Edge - Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity

Five

Front headroom

40.2

Front legroom

42.6

Front shoulder room

60.3

Front hip room

55.9

Rear headroom

40.3

Rear legroom

40.6

Rear shoulder room

60.5

Rear hip room

57.5


Drivetrain

Much of the 2015 Edge’s story lies under its hood with three available engines, two of which are new. An all-new version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder will be the Edge’s standard equipment. The sportier Sport will come with the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 — the same EcoBoost that’s found in the all-new 2015 F-150. The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 will also be offered.

Starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the turbocharged engine makes 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque that is sent to either the front wheels or all four, thanks to an available all-wheel-drive system. Though it displaces the same two liters, only the bore-center spacing and displacement numbers carry over from the outgoing engine. The new engine is even capable of pulling a 3,500-pound trailer when equipped with the tow package.

For those looking for a peppier ride, the Edge Sport comes powered by the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6. Like the massive 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel found in the Super Duty lineup, the 2.7-liter’s block is made from compacted graphite iron, a lightweight yet very strong material that helps extend the engine’s life expectancy and helps keep NVH levels to a minimum. The V-6 puts out a respectable 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, though that is detuned from the F-150 325 horse, 375 pound-feet output. Of course, front- and all-wheel drive are both available.

Not only does the Sport have a powerful engine, its suspension is ready for the twisty stuff. Thicker anti-roll bars, 10-percent stiffer springs, and 20-inch wheels with sport rubber are standard equipment. (21-inch wheels are available)

The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 returns mostly unchanged, though Ford did decrease its output numbers by five horsepower and three pound-feet of torque. The totals for 2015 are now 280 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.

Both the 2.7-liter and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines enjoy the benefits of twin-scroll turbochargers and direct fuel injection. All three engines will come with a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift paddle shifting.

2015 Ford Edge - Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

3.5 liter 24 valve Ti-VCT

V6 2.7-liter EcoBoost 24-valve V6 Twin-scroll

2.0-liter EcoBoost 16-valve DOHC I-4

Exhaust manifold

Cast iron

Cast in head aluminum integrated exhaust manifold

Cast in head aluminum integrated exhaust manifold

Layout

FWD/AWD

FWD/AWD

FWD/AWD

Transmission

Six- speed SelectShift automatic

Six-speed SelectShift automatic

Six-speed SelectShift automatic

Output

280 HP @ 6,500 RPM

315 HP

245 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

250 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM

350 LB-FT @ 2,750 RPM

275 LB-FT @ 3,000 RPM

EPA-estimated ratings

18 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined

18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined

20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined


Prices

The 2015 Edge is price comparatively to other crossovers in the market. Starting at $28,100, the SE trim level provides 18-inch aluminum wheels, Microsoft Sync, and sport cloth seats. Jumping to the SEL trim level nets the dual-zone automatic HVAC system and upgraded cloth seats. The Titanium trim package adds even more, including MyFord Touch, the hands-free power liftage, and an upgraded Sony sound system. Lastly, the Sport brings the 20-inch wheels, heated front seats, and the unique piano black grille up front and integrated exhaust tips out back.

All trim levels expect the Sport come standard with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and offer the option of upgraded to the 3.5-liter V-6. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 is the only engine option for the Sport.

Model

Price

2015 Ford Edge SE

$28,100

2015 Ford Edge SLE

$31,500

2015 Ford Edge Titanium

$35,600

2015 Ford Edge Sport

$38,100


Competition

2015 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is also new for 2015 and it brings a bucketful of swoops, curves, and angles to the crossover battleground. The look is part of Nissan’s new design language and heavy stylization. Underneath that swoopy skin is a rather nice looking interior with new shapes and high quality materials throughout.

Under the sculpted hood lies the familiar 3.5-liter V-6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque sent through Nissan’s Xtronic transmission. A 20-percent increase in fuel economy is expected, as the Murano has lost some 130 pounds of dead weight.

Pricing for the new Murano hasn’t been announced yet, but we can expect prices to start around the $30,000 mark.

2015 Toyota Highlander

The Highland is just one year past its major redesign in 2014. That extensive reworking has produced a solid two- and three-row crossover that has been a pretty solid hit in its first year of sales. Very base Highlanders come with a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder, but most volume trim levels and upper trim levels come with the 3.5-liter V-6 mill. A hybrid version of the 3.5-liter is also available. All-wheel-drive is also an option.

When we drive the Highlander, we came way impressed with its internal packaging and interior space. The first and second rows offer plenty of leg and foot room while a large greenhouse offers loads of headroom. An available panoramic sunroof offers an open feel throughout the cabin.

Pricing for the Highlander starts at $29,215 and rises up to $49,790 for the top trim of the Hybrid model. Though it’s pricey, the bang-for-the-buck rating is pretty high for the Highlander.

Conclusion

All told, the new 2015 Ford Escape is a good evolutionary change on a solid design that’s sold rather well. The new looks on the exterior, the refresh done within the cabin, then new high-strength steel body structure, and the two new engines should help push the Edge to new heights. Ford already has big plans for the Edge in foreign markets including Europe, China, and nearly 100 other markets across the globe.

The 2015 Ford Edge arrives at dealerships this spring.