It should be noted that the Edge directly shares its platform and engine with the Mazda CX-9 crossover. Ford says it purposely designed the Edge to deliver a slightly softer ride. Those who have driven both vehicles concur with this assessment.

Ford's all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine has variable valve timing and is much smoother and more refined than its previous V6s. The new engine is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission developed with General Motors. We found the engine produced a good range of power at all speeds and the transmission shifted smoothly. We would rate the performance as middle of the pack: it's neither a barnburner nor a slug.

We found the rack-and-pinion steering provided good feedback with precise control. The Edge we drove had all-wheel drive and the optional 18-inch wheels helped make the car more sure-footed. We did not get a chance to drive a base model but suspect it will still be more than acceptable despite having slightly less grip.

The all-wheel-drive system is simple, with a viscous coupling in the middle of the driveshaft that constantly alters the power to the front or rear depending on the need at any given time.

The Edge is not designed for off-road use yet it has a decent ground clearance of eight inches and Ford even specifies its approach angle (16 inches), departure angle (24.5 inches), and ramp break over angle (17 degrees), specifications usually reserved for off-road vehicles. We think it'll be fine for unpaved roads. We're guessing it'll handle better on snow and ice than a traditional SUV thanks to the independent suspension.

The four-wheel disc brakes worked well, although we did not get the chance to try them with a fully loaded vehicle. Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is standard on all models. It operates via the ABS to control wheel slippage when the driver pushes the vehicle beyond the limit in slippery conditions or in emergency avoidance situation on a dry highway.