Take the Edge Off Buying a Used SUV

Choosing a used SUV to buy can be a daunting process with a wide selection of makes, models, and model years to weed through. Luckily, here at your Albany used vehicle dealership, we can help make this process less stressful for you by guiding you through your options with our expertise in vehicles based on your wants and needs. But if you want our opinion, the Ford Edge is the best used SUV to buy second-hand.

A Rundown on the History of the Ford Edge

The Edge has not been around as long as some of the models from Ford, but it has had plenty of time to prove itself to consumers while also continuing to show it is worthy of staying in Ford’s lineup each year. With Ford slimming down on their inventory, the fact that there will be another model year for the Ford Edge says a lot. Ford introduced the Edge to the market for the 2007 model year. It was the first midsize crossover utility vehicle from Ford in North America, sitting between the Ford Escape and the Ford Explorer. Although the Edge is coming into its fifteenth year of being available for SUV enthusiasts, it has only two generations of models.

The first-generation series of the Ford Edge in North America was for model years 2007 to 2014. It was initially only available with a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine until 2011 when the Edge received a facelift and the availability for a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine. An added 3.7-liter Duratec V6 engine was also introduced as an available option in 2011, giving the Edge three powertrain options. The second-generation series introduced in 2015 gave this Ford SUV some much-needed advancements and new looks to keep up with its competition, including an exchange from the 3.7-liter Duratec to the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine with a horsepower output of 335.

The Good, the Bad, the Truth: Which Edge Models to Purchase

With over a decade of production years, the Ford Edge has evolved into a good-quality midsize SUV. Although there were a few bumps in the road with the first-generation models, it seems like the 2015 model years to current have had fewer hiccups than the previous generation. But even with a few reports of minor issues and complaints of transmission, brake, and coil pack problems with the earlier models, the Ford Edge still manages to sell over 100,000 vehicles each year in the United States alone.

There were still a few good first-generation Edge model years, including models from 2009 and 2014, that both had minimal issues reported. The worst model overall out of all the production years, so far, is the 2013 Ford Edge which has the most complaints reported and high repair costs. The model year 2011, 2012, and the first two years of production also ranked high with complaints about the first-generation models. Although the first year of the second-generation Ford Edge seemed a little bumpy, from 2016 to the present, Edge models have received minimal complaints.

On a more pleasant note, even with a few complaints in the past, the Ford Edge still holds its share of received awards. Recognized as one of the “Best Cars for Families” by AAA and Parents Magazine in 2007, the Edge really provides something that all drivers can get behind. It even received the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) “Top Safety Pick” for models built after January 2007. So, even with the reported complaints the 2007 Ford Edge received, it still made an impression as being a good vehicle option. And just like a fine wine, the Ford Edge seems to have gotten better with time.

The Edge was also marketed in Europe for the first time with the second-generation models. European models, however, were only available with a choice of two diesel-powered engines and were all-wheel drive only. There was, however, an option for a manual transmission. But due to minimal sales in Europe from high pricing and the lack of options, the availability of the 2019 models were limited to only a few countries and were phased out by early 2021. Luckily for the United States, Ford continues to offer the Edge in its lineup, with enough choices to truly personalize your driving experience based on your lifestyle and needs.

Why Choose the Ford Edge

There may have been a few model years at the beginning where the Ford Edge was not a big crowd-pleaser due to a few problems. With its improvements from the growing pains over the years, it has become a fine choice. This midsize SUV provides all of the features that make a sport utility vehicle and a crossover appealing and versatile. With plenty of trim levels and colors to choose from for personalization, along with good fuel economy, functionality, and capacity, the Ford Edge has it all.

Alongside the choice between powertrain options, the Edge comes standard as a rear-wheel drive vehicle with an all-wheel drive option available, giving consumers the opportunity for added traction and control off the dry pavement. The choice of engine size and drivetrain, gas mileage, and overall performance varies depending on the model. Second-generation models can range anywhere between a combined 19 miles per gallon to 25 miles per gallon for fuel economy based on the model you choose. That’s pretty comparable to those in its class.

While saving money on fuel costs, you also get plenty of interior space with the Edge. The 2019 models offer around 42.6 inches of legroom for the front passengers and 40.6 inches in the back, providing enough space to keep the five possible passengers from feeling cramped. The long design of the Edge not only adds to the passenger legroom but also gives the Edge extra storage capacity. For the 2019 models, the storage space ranges from 39.2 cubic feet in the rear area to a maximum of 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The Edge also has a starting MSRP lower than others in its class, making it appealing to those looking for a budget-friendly option. When it comes to safety, the Edge also offers safety features comparable with competitors. This Ford SUV also gives you a pretty impressive towing capability ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds depending on which model year and powertrain. Although the Ford Edge may not be fully loaded technologically like some of its competitors, the average buyer will be satisfied with the Edge’s fitted features.

Guiding You Towards the Edge

If you are currently in the market for a used SUV that offers you top-of-the-line technology and a ton of power, the Ford Edge may not be the model for you. But, if you are looking for a used SUV that is reasonably priced and adaptable to your day-to-day needs, the Edge is a great option. From passenger and cargo space to towing capacity and fuel efficiency, the Edge has the versatility to make any day easier for anyone. Because of this adaptability and versatility, here at DePaula Ford, your Albany used vehicle dealership, we nominate the Ford Edge as our choice for the best used SUV to buy second-hand.