The last two nights, I have driven our 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT and our 2007 Ford Edge. I hadn't driven the Tahoe in a long time, primarily intimidated by its ridiculous size and weight. But I figured that since I'd driven the Edge, and the Silverado, and the R500, I would be better able to cope with its enormity. Nope...
But then last night I drove the Edge. I realize that the Tahoe is a full-size SUV and the Edge is a crossover so it really is an apples-to-oranges comparison. But if you consider that the Edge is a large vehicle with ample seating for five (I myself am 6'1 and a full-size SUV of a man and fit quite comfortably) then you need to factor in what people actually need. For those few who need to haul their entire 7-8-person family around all the time on mountain roads while towing a boat, you have my blessing. Just be careful.
But the Edge is more than enough for those who feel they need an SUV or SUV wannabe. Handsome? No. A sea of plastic in the interior. Yes. But decent acceleration, nice chrome touches, good sight lines, and plenty of space with fold-flat seats or decent storage space and seating for five? Absolutely. No wonder crossovers are challenging SUVs.
Senior Copy Editor Doug Lloyd @ 11,330 miles
eljefe68 says:
09:03 AM, 01/18/08
I just had an Edge SEL AWD for a week as a rental car during a visit to the Bay Area to see my family. Into the Edge went me, my wife, and my two sons with their respective car seats.
I guess I am approaching the Edge from the other side, in that both our vehicles are cars (2005 TSX, 2004 Passat). From that perspective, the Edge grew on me, too.
I found the ride to be a little on the harsh side, but I liked the thrust of the V6 and the nice handling that firm suspension produced. I drove it around the Bay and up to Tahoe for a ski day, and it was dare I say fun to drive and comfortable for all who were in it.
Inside, I have some quibbles about the single stalk and its 11 o'clock position, the steering wheel controls, and the lack of manual control for the trans. On the plus side, though, the backseat was quite roomy - my two year old wasn't able to kick the back of my seat, and grown men were happy back there during that Tahoe trip. At the helm, I was able to find a comfortable position for my 6' 185 lbs self, even while being the sole driver for that 8 hour round trip.
In all, we were pleasantly surprised by the Edge. If we were not in need of 7 seats, we would likely give it a look.