2013
Ford
Edge Review
(3 Stars)
Reviewed by Automotive on
For many, the Ford Edge is the perfect answer to the crossover question. Smaller crossovers have better fuel economy and are easier to handle in urban environments, while larger crossovers that are closer to full-size SUVs take care of all your space needs, but aren’t quite as drivable. The five-passenger 2013 Ford Edge offers that happy medium, a midsize crossover that provides a pleasant driving experience with all the room you need for passengers and cargo.
You’ll find decent power and performance in the Ford Edge, especially if you go opt for Sport Trim with its fine-tuned suspension and powerful 3.7-liter engine. There are also some fun and useful features on the 2013 Ford Edge, everything from a blind spot warning system to dual rear entertainment screens.
There are four trim levels on the 2013 Ford Edge: the standard SE, the SEL, the Limited, and the Sport. The Sync control system is available on all models. The accompanying MyFord Touch interface is a matter of some controversy. It provides a touch-screen color display with convenient access to a variety of functions, but many drivers complain that it is not intuitive and takes too long to get a handle on how to use it, especially while driving.
New For 2013
You won’t find too many changes to the Ford Edge for 2013, as it recently underwent a bit of a makeover. That being said, you will notice that all-wheel drive is now available in all models, and you can get the six-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode. There are a few new cosmetic options for the SEL and some new exterior color options.
Exterior
There’s nothing visually stunning about the exterior of the 2013 Ford Edge, but there’s nothing really to complain about, either. The base SE comes with 17-inch painted alloy wheels with all-season tires, privacy glass, a fixed lift gate window and a rear lift gate door. Black roof rack side rails are optional. The SEL bumps you up to 18-inch wheels, with options for 20-inch wheels, chrome on the wheels, a power lift gate, and a Panoramic Vista roof. The Sport trim features 22-inch polished alloy wheels. Exterior color options for the 2013 Ford Edge include Mineral Grey Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic, and Deep Impact Blue Metallic.
Interior & Cargo
The 2013 Ford Edge has a quiet, comfortable cabin and a lot of fun features. The available Sync voice command interface, which includes Bluetooth and iPod or USB connectivity, is a highlight. On the SE, you’ll find a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, and a six speaker AM/FM stereo with a CD-player. The SEL features a leather steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The Edge seats five, with a cargo capacity of 32.2 cubic feet under normal conditions, and 68.9 cubic feet with the split-folding rear seatback folded down.
Safety
The safety rating is a big plus for the 2013 Ford Edge. The Ford Edge scored a top rating of ""Good"" on all four Insurance Institute Highway Safety crash tests: Frontal offset, side-impact, roof strength, and rear crash protection/head restraint. For drivers concerned about safety, or those who worry about rollover sometimes associated with SUVs, this will be welcome news. Along with excellent crash safety ratings, the 2013 Ford Edge has plenty other safety features to protect you, from brake features like a four-wheel anti-lock braking system, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, emergency braking assist, and electronic brake force distribution, to front and rear head airbags and dual front-mounted side airbags. You’ll also find features like stability and traction control, child safety locks and seat anchors, and an engine immobilizer for theft protection. Additional safety features like a blind spot warning system and post-crash alert system are also available.
Driving Experience
You should get just about everything you want out of driving the 2013 Ford Edge. It’s a quiet, comfortable ride with good handling and good power, especially in the Sport Trim with its sport-tuned suspension, although it may not be quite as responsive as some other SUVs. The Ford Edge comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and your choice of engines include a 3.5-liter, V-6 linked to a six-speed, shiftable automatic transmission and a 3.7-liter V-6 designed especially for the Sport Trim. If its fuel economy you’re after, you can also go with the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, EcoBoost engine, which gives you only 240 horsepower (hp) but delivers 30 mpg on the highway. The fuel economy offered by the V-6 isn’t bad, with 19/27 mpg city/ highway for the 3.5-liter, and 18/25 mpg city/highway for the all-wheel-drive model with this engine, Fuel economy is 18/26 mpg city/highway with the 3.7-liter, and 17/23 mpg city/highway for all-wheel-drive models fitted with this engine. With this in mind, you may want to ask yourself if the EcoBoost option is really worth giving up all that power.
To be specific, that power comes out to 285 hp and 253 lb-ft. of torque on the 3.5-liter V-6, and 305 hp and 280 lb-ft on the 3.7-liter V-6 on the Sport model.
In sum, driving the Ford Edge is probably never going to give you anything to complain about. However, if you want serious driving excitement, you may want to go for something smaller. Similarly, if you have massive passenger-hauling duties, you might consider a larger SUV or a minivan. However, for those drivers in between, who want a practical crossover with the SUV qualities you’re looking for in a nice ride, the Ford Edge may be just right.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Ford Edge
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota Venza
- Kia Sorento
Expand full summary
2013 Edge SEL Sport Utility Vehicle Overview
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