2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

The nose of the Edge is significantly reworked for 2011, giving it a slatted grille that plunges downward to envelop the lower valance of the vehicle. The headlights now sleekly integrate into the upper portion of the giant grille, which is rendered in black to denote the Sport model from the other Edge variants.

The new look is certainly aggressive, imparting greater boldness to the nicely-proportioned Edge—but is it a better look than last year? I’m ambivalent. You decide. A 2011 design cue that I do prefer over last year is the smooth integration of the two stainless steel exhaust tips into the rear valance; nice job there.

Also cool for this year are the 22-inch alloy wheels that contrast black backgrounds against shiny alloy spokes. The large wheels do a magnificent job of filling the wheel arches while imparting a look of power and performance.Whether one embraces the visual alterations for 2011 like a sweaty relative or a ravishing stranger, the Edge is a visual triumph, and one of my preferred styling exercises among the congested mid-size crossover field.

My red candy metallic tester fetched numerous looks and nods from passersby—young and old. Although their admiration was directed toward the Edge’s sheetmetal, I’m certain they would’ve been equally enchanted by its restyled cabin and hi-tech instrument panel if seated inside.