2012 Ford Edge will again come standard with front

The 2011 Ford Edge EcoBoost looks just like the refreshed 2011 Ford Edge Limited we drove earlier this year. Power figures were simply stated as "230-plus horsepower" and "250-plus pound-feet of torque." The 2012 Ford Focus ST, which will utilize the same EcoBoost engine, is rated at 247 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, so we expect similar numbers for the Edge EcoBoost as well.

The 2012 Ford Edge adds Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder to its engine lineup but should otherwise be largely unchanged after a midcycle makeover for model-year 2011. Should you wait for the 2012 Ford Edge or buy a 2011 Ford Edge? Wait for the 2012 Edge if you’re turned on by the EcoBoost’s pledge of four-cylinder fuel economy with V-6 performance. Buy the 2011 Ford Edge if you fancy all-wheel drive, which will only be available with one of the V-6s. Styling: The 2012 Ford Edge won’t receive any cosmetic alterations after receiving a minor makeover for model-year 2011. The 2012 Edge will continue to be sized and priced in Ford’s lineup between the compact 2012 Ford Escape crossover and the longer seven-passenger 2012 Ford Flex. Like all these Fords, Edge is a crossover SUV. V-6 2012 Edges should continue in four model levels, each incrementally adding features. The 2012 Ford Edge should also remain unchanged inside. MyFord Touch should remain standard on the 2012 Edge Limited and Sport models and optional with the SEL. Mechanical: The "2012 Ford Edg"e will expand availability of Ford’s EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which made is crossover debut in the redesigned 2011 Explorer SUV. The 3.5-liter V-6 will again be standard in the 2012 Edge SE, SEL, and Limited models.

A six-speed automatic will be the only transmission offered in the 2012 Ford Edge. The 2012 Ford Edge will again come standard with front-wheel drive. Available on the SEL, Limited, and Sport models will be all-wheel-drive (AWD). Edge’s AWD system is very basic crossover-SUV. Ford had not specified the wheel size or suspension tuning it’ll employ with the 2012 Edge EcoBoost model.

All 2012 Edges will continue standard with four-wheel disc brakes with antilock control. Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system with Roll Stability Control will remain standard on all models to help prevent loss of control and rollovers in sudden handling maneuvers. Features: The 2012 Ford Edge should maintain its impressive list of fanciful and functional features. Final EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2012 Ford Edge weren’t available in time for this review, but they’re expected to remain equivalent with model-year 2011 figures. The 2012 Ford Edge Sport model should again be rated at 18/25 with front-wheel-drive and 17/23 with AWD.

Fuel economy ratings for the EcoBoost 2.0-liter were not available in time for this review--The 2012 Ford Edge should reach dealers’ showrooms in September 2011--We anticipate the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost will eventually become the Edge’s standard engine.

Before you visit any local Ford dealers, used car sales lots with a 2012 Ford Edge or check out any new Ford deals, make sure you read our automobile reviews and automobile ratings about the 2012 Ford Edge you are considering. It could mean the difference between purchasing a great Ford Edge or throwing your money away on a problematic Ford Edge.