2019 Ford Edge. Photo: Ford
This week my snowy driveway is brightened by a ruby red metallic Ford Edge Titanium midsize crossover utility.
What's new: The 2019 Edge now comes with Ford's 250-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and a new 8-speed transmission.
- The optional all-wheel drive system uses AI to detect various driving conditions and automatically shift between 2-wheel and all-wheel drive for improved fuel economy when extra traction is not needed.
Safety stuff: Like Honda and Toyota, Ford has decided to make advanced safety features standard on many of its models.
- The Edge is the first to get Ford's new Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features.
- That includes tech that can automatically apply the brakes if you don't respond in time and can nudge you back into your lane if you drift.
- It can also identify and steer into parallel and perpendicular parking spots.
- An optional Assist+ package adds adaptive cruise control and lane centering, which allows you to take your hands off the wheel for up to 10 seconds.
- Its new Evasive Steering Assist feature will even bolster your defensive steering maneuvers to ensure you react appropriately.
The bottom line: It's an impressive list of safety technology in a mainstream brand vehicle that costs between $31,000 and $45,000.