EcoBoosted: Ford Edge and Ford Explorer
Smaller engines, plenty of power and improved fuel economy.
Ford Edge now offers an optional EcoBoost engine.
The Ford Motor Company has introduced its EcoBoost technology to a pair of larger crossovers, namely the 2012 Ford Edge and 2012 Ford Explorer. What is now available underneath the hood of these respective midsize and large crossovers are four cylinder engines, hardly something you would expect to find in vehicles weighing approximately two tons, especially in the seven-passenger Explorer.
Press Rollout
Last week, as guests of Ford in Michigan, the automaker pulled in journalists from across the country to experience both vehicles first hand, taking back country and on-track drives to run these EcoBoost models through the paces. I was part of this group and learned, without fail, that the Edge and the Explorer managed just fine, delivering plenty of power and torque to move each vehicle with authority.
EcoBoost is Ford’s proprietary and trademarked technology that combines turbo power with gasoline direct injection to squeeze more power out of smaller engines. This writer has driven several EcoBoost-equipped models previously, beginning with the Ford Taurus SHO which is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Like every EcoBoost engine introduced thus far, these motors are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to help the respective models gain improved fuel efficiency.
Through the Paces
Like the SHO and other models after it, EcoBoost was sufficient for the Edge and the Explorer. From dead start to highway speed, both models moved quickly although at times a slight turbo lag kicked in. Credit this driver’s lead foot with nearly torturing each model; once I became accustomed to how each vehicle drove, the lag disappeared. In each test we were sent out with a companion driver, which enabled us to share our observations and employ “best practices” when it came to acceleration, handling and braking.
Large Explorer finds sufficient power with EcoBoost four.
Ford was careful to note that the EcoBoost is not for everyone, including with these two crossovers. Available in front-wheel-drive versions only, the maximum towing capacity for each model is 2,000 pounds. However, Ford stressed that both applications are designed for transporting people primarily, not for hauling a boat. As long as this assessment is properly passed to the dealer level, customers should understand what they’re getting.
EPA Fuel Economy
In the all-important EPA fuel economy rating, the EcoBoost-equipped Ford Edge delivers 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. The EcoBoost-equipped Ford Explorer is rated at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. In both models, EcoBoost offers 240 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, numbers which compare favorably to the output in a normally aspirated V-6 engine (the Explorer must use optional premium gas to achieve higher hp, however). Ford’s own 3.7-liter V-6 is rated at 285 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and delivers 253 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the 2012 Edge. Gas mileage is 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Will EcoBoost work for you? That depends on your needs and expectations. If you’re considering either front-wheel-drive model, do yourself a favor and compare EcoBoost with a V-6. You just may find that the smaller, lighter engine packs all of the punch you need, while delivering improved fuel efficiency, a bonus in these days of elevated gas prices.
2012 Ford Edge Specifications
| Ford | Edge |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,465 |
| Standard Engine | 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 285 @ 6,500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 253 @ 4,000 |
| Optional Engine | 2.0-liter EcoBoost Four |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 240 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 270 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,998 (EcoBoost) 4,056 (FWD); 4,234 (AWD) |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 111.2 |
| Length (inches) | 184.2 |
| Width (inches) | 76.0 |
| Height (inches) | 67.0 |
| Passenger Volume (cubic feet) | 108.4 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 32.2/68.9 |
| Payload | 909 |
| Towing (pounds) | 2,000 (EcoBoost); 3,500 (V-6) |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 18.0 (FWD); 19.0 (AWD) |
| EPA Fuel MPG | 21/30 (EcoBoost) 19/27 (V-6, FWD) 18/25 (V-6, AWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Oakville, Ontario |
2012 Ford Explorer Specifications
| Ford | Explorer |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,995 |
| Standard Engine | 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 255 @ 4,000 rpm |
| Optional Engine | 2.0-liter EcoBoost Four |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 240 @ 5,500 rpm (with premium fuel) |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 270 @ 1,750 rpm |
| Seating | 2+2+3 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,503 (EcoBoost) 4,557 (FWD); 4,731 (AWD) |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 112.6 |
| Length (inches) | 197.1 |
| Width (inches) | 90.2 (including mirrors) |
| Height (inches) | 70.4 (FWD); 71.0 (AWD) |
| Passenger Volume (cubic feet) | 151.7 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 21.0/43.8/80.7 |
| Payload | N/A |
| Towing (pounds) | Not Recommended (EcoBoost); 5,000 (V-6) |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 18.6 |
| EPA Fuel MPG | 20/28 (EcoBoost) 17/25 (V-6, FWD) 17/23 (V-6, AWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Chicago, Illinois |
See Also — 2011 Ford Explorer Specs & Overview
Photos: Ford Motor Company
I’m glad that you pointed out the towing limitations. My husband likes to pull a camper, but the Ecoboost is rated high enough to do the job. Maybe it works well as a family transporter, but barely as a light duty hauler.
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