2017 Edge SEL - beyond the test drive

I've been admiring the Edge from afar.  From this generations preview October 2014 at the Ford Regional HQ in Irvine to a first drive of an ecoboost SEL at an Ecoboost Event to a Sport last summer its always peaked my interest as a viable option over a midsize sedan.

My wife was an important decider in the Edge over our other options for a new family car.  She liked the height and view of the road as well as the ease of handling and quiet ride.  (The other two options were ruled out as they were cars and she didn't want another midsize sedan in the house so there went the Fusion Titanium and the Accord V6 Touring).

In the world of midsize cross overs there is a few nice choices.  My experience with the Toyota Highlander is that its boomy and soft on handling, The Honda Pilot is too SUV like and I really don't need a 3rd row, I'd rather have cargo space.  What sold me on the Edge is its build quality inside and out then the silence on the road and solidity of the platform. The clincher was the user friendly Sync 3 with Apple Carplay.  All things its two biggest competitors didn't quite match in my not so humble.

I settled on the SEL as it had the best combination of options and value for what I was looking for.  I opted for the 3.5l Ti-VCT V6 as I make frequent Vegas runs and felt that under full load of passengers and luggage this engine would loaf up the Baker Grade and not cause me problems.  I've got prior experience with this power train and know its pretty bullet proof and will be durable over the long haul.

I special ordered this particular model to include the 201A Equipment group, The technology package and Utility package.

The 201A Equipement group upgrades the interior of the Edge SEL significantly with these added options.

• SYNC® 3
• 8” LCD Capacitive Touchscreen
• AppLink™
• 911 Assist®
• Smart-Charging USB Ports (2)
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Premium 9-speaker Audio System

I tacked on the Technology package that added an important safety feature (blind spot monitoring) as well as Navigation. 

• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Remote Start System
• Auto-Dimming Driver's Sideview Mirror
• Power Converter 110V Outlet

The last big ticket item added was the Utility package, which again added some terrific features.  Things like Hands free liftgate opening, remote start, perimeter alarm and programmable garage link.

All told I showed restraint to get this equipped nicely without breaking the bank.  The two remaining big ticket items I skipped were the Alloy wheels and Panoramic Sunroof.  I like the standard silver frost painted wheels and as often as I'm in the desert the sunroof just doesn't make sense for me.

I've made my inaugural run up San Gabriel Canyon.  The ride was good, the handling better than expected when you got to the twisties.  Certainly not confidence inspiring like a hot hatch, just a good stable turn in and exit with no body roll drama.  Power up the hill was more than adequate.  Downhill the standard paddle shifters to control engine braking was a marvel all onto its own.  Blip up or down as needed and the tranny responded with polite crisp shifts to the desired gear.

I have to give a shout out to Jorge Sanchez at Advantage Ford in Duarte who made the whole shopping and ordering process easy and painless.  Added boner with Advantage Ford is your first service is gratis.  Nice little perk to ensure you service with them and get acquainted with their service department.

Stay tuned for the one year anniversary recap.