2007 Ford Edge By Larry Edsall, New Car Test Drive .com

Ford is launching an all-new sport utility this fall called the Edge. The 2007 Ford Edge will seat five and will be among a wave of new crossover utility vehicles.

Crossovers, or CUVs, are growing in popularity because they offer the smoother ride and better handling of a car while offering the higher seating position and cargo capacity of an SUV. Crossovers are built on a car-like architecture and, because they are lighter, offer better fuel economy than traditional truck-based SUVs with gas-guzzling V8 engines. Sometime in calendar year 2006, sales of crossovers are expected to surpass those of SUVs.

The Edge is built on a platform much like that underneath the Ford Fusion sedan. The Edge will boast a 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 250 horsepower, but Ford says to expect the Edge to average in the mid 20-mpg range in highway driving. Ford also says this new engine meets ULEV (ultra low emissions vehicle) regulations. Power reaches the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Ford Edge features the company's new Modern Styling, also seen in the new Fusion sedan, that embraces a simpler American look best exemplified by the Mustang. This new signature look is a bold departure from the European, Audi-type style seen in the Ford Five Hundred sedan, widely criticized as being bland.

The new styling direction, seen on the Edge, includes a three-bar chrome grille, a slightly arched power dome hood, broad shoulders, and an absence of creases and trim on the sides. Four-piece quad headlights and dual exhaust pipes are designed to evoke the muscle car look of the Mustang.

Unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Edge is expected to feature a panoramic Vista Roof, which includes a sliding panel over the front seats and a fixed rear glass panel that provides a sky view from the second row. Other features include an MP3 audio jack and a storage area in the center console for a laptop computer.

The front passenger's seatback will fold flat to extend the cargo floor. An electro-mechanical remote release for folding down the rear seats called EasyFold will also be available. DVD-based navigation, DVD rear-seat entertainment and Sirius Satellite Radio are on the options list. Edge will offer 20-ounce cup holders in each front-door panel, juice box holders in the rear doors and super-sized cup holders in the center console and rear armrest.

Antilock brakes will be standard equipment and all-wheel drive versions of the Edge will feature Ford's AdvanceTrack system with Roll Stability Control technology designed to keep all four wheels on the pavement even in an accident. Edge will be available with optional side and curtain airbags.

The Edge will provide 32 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row. And while it may not tow a heavy horse trailer, Ford says the Edge will tow 3500 pounds.