What's New for 2015

Introduction

For 2015, the Ford Edge receives the first significant redesign in its short history. Designed to appeal across the globe, from Russia and Western Europe to South America and China, the new Edge incorporates many of the same design, handling and technology upgrades introduced in the current-generation Fusion sedan.

The 2015 Edge is longer and taller than its predecessor, yielding more legroom for the driver and front passenger (nearly 2 inches) and rear seat passengers alike (1 inch). Headroom also increases by an inch. Cargo capacity grows to 39.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Folding down the second row opens an impressive 73.4 cubic feet.

Enabling the Edge's growth spurt is a new architecture underneath, based on the Fusion sedan. A redesigned suspension -- particularly overhauled in the rear -- promises a cushier and quieter ride. Powering the Edge is a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that Ford says will generate about 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 is also available.

A new turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 making at least 300 hp has also been added to the options list, but only on Edge Sport model. All engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, routing power to the front wheels or through an available all-wheel-drive system.

The four-cylinder-powered Edge equipped with all-wheel drive and a tow package is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2015 Edge will be available in SE, SEL, Sport and, for the first time, Titanium trim levels. Ford's new adaptive steering system comes standard on Sport and Titanium models, and reduces low-speed steering effort in parking lots, for example, while sharpening high-speed responsiveness.

Other standard and optional features include a 180-degree front parking camera, parallel parking assist, a hands-free liftgate (which opens when you swipe a foot below a sensor in the rear bumper), a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and the latest version of Sync/MyFord Touch with an 8-inch touchscreen to control hands-free phone and entertainment functions. The Sport model even features active noise cancellation through the stereo system.

The Edge has long been a canvas for Ford's emerging safety technology, and the 2015 Edge is no different. Every new Edge will offer a rearview camera, while other standard and optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and automatic braking, inflatable rear safety belts and an innovative new front passenger knee airbag that deploys from the glovebox door.

The 2015 Ford Edge will go on sale in early 2015. Ford hasn't announced pricing, but expect the new model to start close to the current $28,995 base price. That should keep it competitive in a group that includes the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, Nissan Murano and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Check back for a full review of the new Edge, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.