Auto Review: Edge goes Ecoboost

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With fuel economy standards becoming more stringent and therefore requiring much greater efficiency in upcoming years (54.5 MPG overall by 2025), manufacturers are using all kinds of strategies to work towards these requirements and improve fuel economy (and because from an engineering standpoint, it just makes sense to do so). This is great news for those seeking some relief from big fuel bills, for you can get the kind of vehicle you want, yet not have to pump as much gas as previously (especially if you put a lot of miles on your vehicle).

Ford is using a variety of strategies to squeeze more miles out of a gallon of gas without compromising performance, and their new line of EcoBoost engines are designed to do this for a number of Ford and Lincoln cars and SUVs. The strategy is to take a smaller displacement engine and boost its output with Direct Injection and turbocharging, thus delivering equivalent power and improved fuel economy.

This week, we look at the Ford Edge with the EcoBoost engine on board, which is available in the front-drive versions of the stylish SUV in SE, SEL and Limited grades.

We tested the Edge SEL with the $995 EcoBoost engine option, and the front-drive powertrain comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost in the Edge is a turbocharged 2-liter Inline Four with 240 horsepower, and the turbocharging is very well-integrated so the power output is smooth and linear without any dramatic peaks or valleys. The six-speed automatic is calibrated to take maximum advantage of this power delivery, both in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. As has been a strength of the Edge since its introduction, this sporty SUV has a solid, controlled ride and crisp handling that makes it feel smaller than its size would lead you to believe in many situations. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is a standard safety feature to help keep the vehicle upright during emergency handling situations.

Inside, the Edge is modern, roomy and with the optional Equipment Group 205A comes with very abiding leather seats and ambient lighting, as well as a rear-view camera. Also included in this group is the MyFord Touch control interface, which Ford continues to tweak and improve, but until you really spend a lot of time with it, there are times it can still be vexing to deal with. Not vexing at all is the Edge’s quiet interior and impressively capacious rear seat, which, combined with the sizable rear doors, makes access very easy and the vehicle an ideal choice for long stints on the road. There’s 32.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat, and 68.9 with the rear seat folded.

All in all, the EcoBoost engine option adds additional fuel efficiency without compromising performance, and leaves all the other popular Edge qualities intact. The 2012 Ford Edge SEL FWD EcoBoost is EPA-rated 21 MPG city/30 highway and has a base price of $31,060. With options, our sticker came to $36,410. www.ford.com