Ford executives are clear on one point – the 2007 Edge had to nail styling and design. In an attempt to set their crossover apart from the burgeoning field, they desired something fresh and contemporary, with distinct cues. On some points, they succeeded, and others, not so much. Take for instance the curvy body, the wide stance, the short overhangs, and the sloped rear pillar – all have been done aplenty by numerous competitors, and the result is essentially a new take on vanilla. That is, until you look at some of the details, such as the horizontal chrome grille bars with the oversized blue Ford oval, the unique headlight housings with swept-back side markers, and the clean wraparound fascias. The flanks are dressed with gentle bulges over the wheel wells, slightly indented body work on the lower doors, and mirrors sprayed in body color on SEL and SEL Plus models. A rear spoiler, also matching the body color on SEL and SEL Plus models, feeds directly off the roof line and gives the Edge a hint of sportiness. Rear end treatment is equally fluid in its design, with flush clear-lens taillights, a simple deck lid, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Every Edge gets rear privacy glass.

One design element that is worth special mention is the sloping rear pillar, which Ford designers claim is an integral element to the Edge's posture. Subsequently, the relatively steep angle of the rear glass is one reason the Edge lacks a standard or optional third row seat – apparently there would be an utter lack of headroom (though smaller SUVs with similar angles pull it off). Therefore, any SUV/SAV/CUV buyer wanting a Ford with a third row will need to check out the Freestyle, one of the brand's SUVs, or wait for the 2008 Fairlane. With the absence of that third row, the Edge offers ample cargo space behind the second row split bench. SEL Plus models feature a button just inside the deck lid that automatically drops the second row to make a flat load floor (optional on the SEL). The liftover height is average for the class (roughly three feet), but a bumper pad is absent so watch out for scratches and gouges when loading cargo.

The 2007 Edge's interior borrows influences from the current crop of Ford vehicles, marked by a vertical center stack, a tall dash, a four-spoke steering wheel with multiple controls (depending on model), and a tall shift knob located in the center console. Collectively, these elements create an inviting cabin, especially for the driver who enjoys a tilt and telescoping steering wheel (leather-wrapped on SEL and SEL Plus versions), ample visibility with large rearview mirrors, and simple gauges. Controls include the button-based climate display used in Ford vehicles for what seems like ages. Our tester was also equipped with the optional navigation system, which when ordered incorporates the radio controls. Pads on the door panels provide welcome elbow relief, while the center armrest sits atop a deep storage well.

Possibly most impressive about the Edge's interior is the rear split bench seat, which offers copious amounts of passenger room. Entering requires a slight step up, but once seated riders will appreciate the comfort, the steeply reclining seat back, and more leg room than most anyone would require. Again, Ford points to the lack of a third row as an advantage, in this case allowing for the Edge's expansive rear seat area. They've got a point – plant yourself back there, tilt the seat back, and its easy to let miles drift away, especially if your particular ride is optioned with the panoramic glass roof. Up front is a huge sliding sunroof, while a fixed glass panel resides over the rear seat – as a whole, it provides an amazing view of the sky above, without having to risk encountering a bird with irritable bowel syndrome.