Nope, "attacking twisties" isn't a typo. The 2011 Edge offers a sport
package that's reasonably sporty when compared to the rest of the
segment. With revised styling, forged aluminum 22-inch wheels, tuned
suspension, paddle shift controls for the transmission, and
305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, the Edge Sport is a midsize crossover
that's poised for spirited driving. Though it's no Mustang, I found
quite a bit of body roll in turns and the 3.7-liter V6 was adequately
peppy from a stop and perfectly adept at passing and merging on the
highway. Equally impressive is its 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway EPA
rating. At the end of the day, you buy the Sport for its
aggressive styling, twenty-twos, and standard MyFord touch with Sony
sound system.
Sampling a mid-grade SEL model, the base 3.5-liter V6 with 285
horsepower wasn't much of a step-down from the Sport's 3.7-liter, as I
once again found ample acceleration for passing and merging. Fuel
economy is also slightly improved to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Cruising on the highway is a joy with not only ample cruising power,
but also revised noise isolation improvements that make the Edge one of
the quietest in the segment. The 18" wheels on the SEL look sharp, and
contribute little-to-no road noise; however the 22" wheels on the Sport
were a little more eager to speak their mind on the road. It's by no
means annoying, but certainly noticeable.
The ride in the SEL was athletic, but nowhere near rough. Bumps were
absorbed with a solid gratifying thud, but you barely feel anything
inside the cabin. Even the sport-tuned Sport model was perfectly
comfortable over rough pavement and on the highway, only just a tad
more stiff. Steering was fine in both, though feedback was minimal; it
was precise and made navigating a simple task.
In all, the 2011 Edge addresses the minor issues with the previous
vehicle, while introducing bleeding-edge (no pun intended) technology,
and unmatched comfort and refinement. The midsize crossover segment
continues to grow, and with vehicles like the new Edge, the bar
continues to be set higher and higher. Considering it's $27,220
starting price and the features that come with it, the 2011 Ford Edge
is truly at the leading edge of technology, comfort and value.
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The ride in the SEL was athletic, but nowhere near rough. Bumps were
absorbed with a solid gratifying thud, but you barely feel anything
inside the cabin. Even the sport-tuned Sport model was perfectly
comfortable over rough pavement and on the highway, only just a tad
more stiff. Steering was fine in both, though feedback was minimal; it
was precise and made navigating a simple task. 
