It was only like five years ago when Ford was building complete piles of poo, aesthetically. I'm still amazed how much the American car has come in such a short time. Even FCA and Chevy are now building good looking cars.

Their decision to finally build vehicles with a cohesive global design was such a long overdue and smart decision. I've had two Fords since 2013 and both were the best cars I've ever owned aside from my Audi.

 

Thank you sir. I tend to think so too.

Thank you!

Lamin-X film for the fogs. I encouraged the idea, but I think just clear with some LEDs would look better.

Amen to that. I also within the past year have test driven two Taurus SHOs, an Explorer Sport, EcoBoost Mustang, Mustang GT, and an F150 for the hell of it. I would be very happy with any of them.

A few years ago I never would've imagined myself being a Ford "enthusiast" but here I am.

I agree.

 

Someone on the Edge forums asked me to compare the Edge to the Explorer. I get seat time in the Explorer Sport with some frequency.

The Edge and Explorer Sports aren't too far apart in pricing when similarly equipped, in fact MSRP on an Edge Sport can easily exceed an Explorer Sport depending on the options. That said, what are you getting that makes it worth the price? The Edge Sport has a nicer interior, in my opinion. The seats are no comparison as the Explorer has flat seat bottoms with rougher leather (and no Miko Suede like the Edge). Explorer also doesn't have aluminum pedals (not really a big deal), and doesn't have Sync 3 like the 2016 Edge does. The Edge's touch points and door "thud" are all more premium feeling. On the other hand, the Explorer comes standard with LED headlights, can be had with rear bucket seats, and of course has a 3rd row seat. The headliner is black which I also really like, and the steering wheel is much beefier. Unlike the Edge Sport, the Explorer Sport has a hitch for towing. This could be a big deciding factor for a lot of people.

Performance wise? The Explorer sounds so GREAT. The 3.5EB honestly sounds like a V8 in this application and there is plenty of power to get up and go. But the Edge Sport is quicker. No doubt. Handling, Explorer is a little bit more wallowy than the Edge, but is impressive given its massive size.

I'd drive either. Just didn't need the size of the Explorer.

 

How did you feel about the EB mustang vs the GT? Is it worth the upgrade to the Gt?

 

It's hard because both are great in their own way. The EB Mustang will always carry the stigma of "it's fun but it's not the 5.0". If they were two different cars, it'd be easier to compare.

If I were to get one, I'd get an EcoBoost. It accelerated very strong and felt tossable. All things considered, it's as quick as a Mustang GT was less than 10 years ago. The V8 is lovely, has the power you'd expect, and the sound is addicting, but I think for best bang for your buck, a lightly optioned EB is it.

 

Nice review/comparo. The headliner/pillars is one thing I'll try to change in our Flex, would prefer black or gray instead of the mismatched tan (pillars are a different shade than the headliner).
Might have to make a CA trip to Suedeit

 

2016 Explorer is horrid.

2015 though.

I could be biased.

I'd take the Explorer over the Edge. But granted the Edge is nice..

 

^ Agreed with 2015 > 2016 for the Explorer.
Opposite for the Edge.

Flex > *

 

 

Great looking ride. The new edge is great looking. Nice color choice too. My Exp Spt is Tuxedo black. I just black chromed my sport badge and have some black ford emblems for the grille and tailgate to get rid of the blue oval ones.

 

I'd happily take an Explorer too. Just didn't need something that big, being single with 0 kids and nothing to tow or haul.

Flex is cool as hell. Such a sleeper with the 3.5 EB. Only complaints are that the seats are flat and unsupportive and the center stack has the touch sensitive buttons that I had in my Fusion and grew to despise after a while.

Very nice. I like Tuxedo Black more than the replacement, Shadow Black. Tux black is so nice looking in the sun.

 

i work at a ford dealer doing new car pdi's. i really like the new edge. i had a 2015 edge titanium as a used car and i really enjoyed riding around in it. your right about all the tech. its crazy! i definitely like the sport. the 2.7 is a great fit. when i first heard about it, i wasnt sure about it since the older sport had a 3.7 n/a and it rode good too.

 

Because I'm an idiot and like tinkering with things, I took the grocery getter to Livernois Motorsports in Dearborn, MI to have a tune (running their "93 octane aggressive" tune at the moment) installed. Good for maximum gains of 111hp and 117tq...haven't dyno'd it, but on paper, we're at about 420 hp and 460 ft lbs of torque. Other guys with just the tune have run a 13.4 1/4 mile. Not bad.

It's fun. There really aren't many words to describe it other than asinine, bonkers, uncalled for, stupid, and shit-eating-grin inducing.



Installed their +15hp license plate frame.

 

go fast goodies!!!!!!

(probably not the right thread, but hows your sister and mom? )

 

God damn, those numbers are impressive. Where does it build peak torque?

Congrats!

 

We've started thinking about upgrading to an EB Flex, the N/A is quick, can't imagine a tuned EB
If we could manage without a 3rd row, it would easily be an Edge Sport for us.

 

Holy shit!

Man I love that Edge so much. Glad you wanted to tinker with it too.

 

Damn, those are impressive numbers

 

damn

 

Must not trade wife's edge in....well, unless it needs an oil change.

Love it and damn, those numbers

 

Those are insane numbers. I would never guess you could get that in that car. Ford is doing the coolest things of any US Automaker right now.

 

Absolutely insane gains. What about drivability though? Are the turbos just spooling like mad even when you don't want them to?

 

Haha they are fantastic.

Low. Very low.

The Ecoboost Flexes are such sleepers. A tune would make it a total hoot.

I'm in love with it. Very happy with it.

Yeah I had a hard time believing those numbthem when I saw them, but it definitely feels every bit of 400 horsepower. Snaps your neck. The guys at Livernois said the 2.7 EB is one of the best responding EB engines to a tune so far. I'd like to get it on a dyno to see what it's making at the wheels, I'm sure there is a decent amount of drivetrain loss.

Not at all. Don't even notice it's tuned when you're driving normal - many have reported improved fuel economy after a tune. I've been averaging 19mpg and have driven it HARD since the tune went on. Not that I really care about fuel economy, point is, the car is still a very tame and plush experience when you're not getting on it.

Side note: the tires chirp all the way through 3rd gear when launching with traction control off. Too funny.

 

Hard part is finding one. Edge/Explorer Sports are much more common. There's a dealer here that's getting one in a few weeks & they found one they could have brought in, but it stickers for $52k
If we do upgrade, we'll likely have to take the 8 week wait & order one. It's just not possible to find an EB Flex with the tow package, 2nd row buckets & 303A without the vista roof & appearance package. Personally, I prefer the appearance package, but it's the wife's truck & she's not a fan.