2016 Edge Rental Review

[kyle]

Landed at Tampa and selected a new silver Edge since it had Sync 3 installed in it. First impressions are very favorable since besides a Grand Cherokee this is my favorite mid size SUV.

 

I've rented a 2016 about 8 months ago and liked the updates they have done to the vehicle and I have to say the new Sync in my opinion catches up to the UConnect in my Jeep in many ways, passes them in others and still falls a little short.

 

The icons are nice and pairing a phone is super super easy. For once I was not having to google how to pair a friggin phone or use a command. It is fast and does not lag at all. Graphics are super easy on the eyes. Playing music was just as easy with me able to quickly navigate between Spotify and the other inputs.

 

I was in a Titanium model so it came with a nicely leather trimmed interior and love the fact that it was tan and tan headliner. Have hated how dark some of my choices for interior are so this is very well appointed.

It has plenty of power and a few times I needed some extra kick in the ass and this had it in spades. This is also tighter than the Grand Cherokee which feels a little more softly sprung in my opinion.

 

Personally this is Ford's best looking vehicle-think it is progressive enough and reminds me of a Lexus SUV in many ways.

 

Small things that I still think need attention:

 

I don't like the center cluster and pods to the left and right of the steering wheel. The one to the right is almost useless but I may grow to like having phone info right in front of me. After having a digital speedometer I wish that was their focal point in the center. Know it is an option on left stack but it just looks like an afterthought. I would never think that was a big deal but it is for me.

Also wished the center armrest trays were laid out better. They feel cheap and the small tray looks like an afterthought.

 

Not sure why I can't get text messages on Sync 3 either. My Jeep's push that info up on the main center stack and I feel it is very useful. Maybe that is on another trim package but this is a Titanium-though it lacks navigation.

 

I also would like the steering wheel a little beefier-but this is a small detail and maybe catering to the other half of buyers-females:)

 

Back cargo area on left side feels cheap and unfinished

 

And I have attached 2 photos of major trim alignment issues. Both sides of vehicle (heh at least they are consistent!) of back door and rear frame chrome are off significantly.

 

Will update my fuel mileage later-so far averaging 15 MPG but this is just running around town.

 

Kyle

[akirby]

After pairing your phone you have to choose the sync Bluetooth connection on the phone and enable notifications to get text messages.

[kyle]

I will try that tomorrow. Was never asked for a prompt.

Thanks

[jasonj80]

Also it is a 2016 Edge - the 2017 don't even start production until the end of October.

[akirby]

I will try that tomorrow. Was never asked for a prompt.

Thanks

 

For some reason it never asks you - just defaults to off. But that's a phone thing, not a sync thing.

[akirby]

Also it is a 2016 Edge - the 2017 don't even start production until the end of October.

 

Fixed. The early 2016s had MFT - the later ones have sync 3 (since December I think).

[BORG]

Regarding the fit & finish issues, I notice this as well but I'm pretty sure it's just design and engineering compromises rather than haphazard assembly. My Dad has a 2015 Edge and there are some noticeable finish issues, such as a warped roof panel at the rear on the left side, obvious paint blemishes as if somebody came back and resprayed spots, and a driver door that doesn't fit flush at the hinge side. My 2016 MKX has a few as well, headlamp that doesn't fit flush against the fender and a loose A-Pillar liner that won't push back into place. I've never owned a perfectly assembled car, not sure if this is unique to Lincoln and Ford but I'm assuming not. Lincoln certainly needs to improve their game however.

[fuzzymoomoo]

Regarding the fit & finish issues, I notice this as well but I'm pretty sure it's just design and engineering compromises rather than haphazard assembly. My Dad has a 2015 Edge and there are some noticeable finish issues, such as a warped roof panel at the rear on the left side, obvious paint blemishes as if somebody came back and resprayed spots, and a driver door that doesn't fit flush at the hinge side. My 2016 MKX has a few as well, headlamp that doesn't fit flush against the fender and a loose A-Pillar liner that won't push back into place. I've never owned a perfectly assembled car, not sure if this is unique to Lincoln and Ford but I'm assuming not. Lincoln certainly needs to improve their game however.

It's certainly not unique to the Edge or MKX. When I was at FRAP installing upper weather strips on the Mustang or scuff plates on the base of the door frame, some would fit better than others. The job I'm on at MAP is no different with the right front window switch bezel. Some just fit better than others, and some take a little love tap with a mallet to get them to seat properly. It's just one of the evils of large scale mass production, and why there is a minimum/maximum tolerance standard that every manufacturer uses to their own needs.

[akirby]

Fit and finish seemed to take a dive when they switched to C and CD Euro based platforms. CD3 Fusion and Edge (and Focus and Escape) were pretty bulletproof from what I remember.

[BORG]

The CD3 cars were something of a quality anomaly for Ford, they were extra disciplined during that crisis period when they were trying to stabilize their business. They weren't afraid to withhold shipments for weeks to iron out production issues. That contrasts sharply with the newest Edge which was rushed out of the door with no delay and that lead to one pretty significant buyback campaign because of water leakage in early builds. Besides that however, Edge has had very little in the way of notable issues or recalls like Escape and Focus did a few years ago. They are getting better but I think Ford runs a little on the tight side in terms of personnel and spending so they make calculated risks on quality measures to keep their business running. The biggest issue for Ford remains globalization and they've had a very difficult time sorting out quality for products made in multiple factories around the world, especially low cost products. I do think Ford is going to start regionalizing more of it's products which is actually the norm in the industry and becoming essential in markets like China anyway. This should allow Ford to better deliver on costumer expectations in the US which is more quality focused.

Edited June 28, 2016 by BORG

[fuzzymoomoo]

I know about the Escape recalls since there's been about 900 of them, but what were the Focus recalls? I know about the seat weld issue from 13-14 which was a supplier issue and not a Ford issue, there was the rear door latch from 13-14, and a seatbelt or restraint control module one (can't remember which one it was), but other than that I don't recall (heh) any other large scale ones. Then of course there's the myriad of transmission issues that there's been various service bulletins put out for but have there been recalls? I honestly don't remember.

[kyle]

My final gas mileage per the read out was 20mpg. Didn't have time to verify it but if that's the case it's pretty strong.

 

I love how fast the Phone syncs up with the system when I get in the vehicle. Super fast and no lagging.

Back up camera and the range view that is provided was excellent. Wish it had the full 360 camera system but I'm sure it's available in a safety package. For the record I did not have any safety systems on the vehicle and I've grown used to the lane departure in my Jeep and have to remind myself I disks t have that.

 

Wish for a few more open storage spots in center console instead of just the deep open door in front of shifter.