So the Ford Edge looks great and has interior appointments that are so good that many onlookers felt it’s more representative of Japan than Detroit, but how does it perform on the road? Well, more exciting than a Highlander, less truck like than the Pilot, slower than an FX-35 and about the same as a Murano.

The numbers could describe most of the segment. A 265 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 turns all 4 wheels, ensuring that traction in our Ontario winters will be a breeze. As expected, the engine provides more than enough oomph for any situation. Ford is very proud of the new six speed transmission that’s mounted in the Edge and so they should be. On normal, light acceleration, the shifts are so smooth that they are barely perceptible. When things get sporty, the transmission shifts up and down crisply, with a feel almost like a well shifted manual. Kudos to Ford for bucking the manumatic trend that all manufacturers seem to be joining these days. A sport/cross over vehicle is not a sports car, folks let’s stop pretending. This transmission works well and doesn’t need any silly trickery. The slick shifting six speed also helps the Edge get respectable gas mileage. With mixed city and highway driving, and a healthy right foot, we managed to record a consistent 14 liters/hundred kilometers. While that’s not quite hybrid numbers, it’s decent for a vehicle of this size, with AWD and big horsepower.

The aft end of the Edge displays the optional factory installed trailer hitch and reverse warning sensors. Having a hitch from the factory is a nice touch, that adds to the Edge’s utility. When they first appeared on the market a few years ago, many thought reverse sensors were a frivolous option, but for those of us with questionable depth perception they really are indispensable.

Unlike many fog lights that are just a pretty accessory, the units fitted to the Edge are actually helpful on a dark country road.

In the stunning orange finish, the Edge looks great from every angle.

There are some pretty strong competitors in this crossover niche and the Edge fares more than well. The offerings from Honda and Toyota are a bit lacking in personality for my liking. While everyone else on the planet seems to love the styling of the Murano, it’s never been my cup of tea. The FX looks great and drives like an overgrown sports car, yet it’s complete lack of utility makes it useless for our lifestyle here in The Garage. Ford seems to have taken a piece of everyone else’s puzzle and assembled their own unique machine that may just be the best crossover in the market.