Preparing for our daughter’s birth, I remember picking out a stroller.  The overwhelming feeling when presented with the rainbow of designs and options – made me realize more than ever how the world has exploded into a dizzying array of choices. Who would have ever thought buying a simple baby item would require research, talking to people and learning ‘stroller lingo’?  Multiply this by a thousand when it’s time to buy a car.  Driving the Ford Edge this week, it occurred to me, with the growing number of crossover sport utility vehicles on the market, what about it would make me choose this one?

Well, to start, it’s big.  Inside and out.  At first the exterior design made me step back, as when confronted with a bull dog showing a toothy grin.  But opening the driver door instantly calmed any worries to discover that this dog is fully domesticated.  Nice digs inside.  Comfortable leather seats.  And one of the best interior features is space.  Cargo area is 32.2 cu. ft. with seats up, 68.9 cu. ft. with seats folded down.  The debated my touch SYNC system which encompasses everything, climate, radio, nav, and phone, here too looked intimidating at first, but was surprisingly easy to use.  And fun.  My only glitch was that the buttons are so sensitive, I inadvertently kept turning the hazards on while changing the radio station.  Just my hand gliding over the red triangle set them on.

Driving the Edge is enjoyable. Best suited for backroads cruising, it taking turns smoothly and is powerful enough to feel some play.   For a 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder engine, it puts out an impressive 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, and is mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission with front wheel drive, using regular gas.  It’s only when putting my foot on the pedal to accelerate, that the weighty 4,000 lbs. kept the Ecoboost from delivering a real boost.  The Ecoboost engine also found in the Explorer, is Ford’s excellent answer to the big-car gas guzzler problem.  But while much improved, it still has a way to go.  And for $995 extra, it only saves two to three miles per gallon.

Overall, for a Mom who likes the big car feeling with priorities of safety, comfort and cargo space, the Edge is a stand-out choice over the rest.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $27,770 – $38,960
engine: 2.0L I-4 Ecoboost
hp/torque: 240 hp/270 ft-lb
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  21 city/30 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
big, roomy, comfortable

What’s the best thing about it?
quality, spacioius interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
acceleration is sluggish

Mom-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Just need to drop a few pounds”