The 2010 Ford Edge is expected to change very little from 2009. This five-door, five-passenger, medium-size crossover, with fold-flat rear seats, still offers standard front-wheel drive (FWD), 69 cubic feet of total cargo space, and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. The 2010 Edge, which shares the same chassis as the Ford Fusion, is available in four trim levels, the base SE, SEL, Limited, and the high-end Sport, which was introduced in 2009. The SEL, Limited, and Sport trims are each available with full-time, center-limited-slip-differential all-wheel drive (AWD).

Like last year’s model, a single drivetrain is offered with the 2010 Ford Edge, consisting of a 265-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 that, in combination with the new-for-’09 six-speed automatic transmission, will put out some 250 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates a tepid 17/24 mpg with the 2010 Edge FWD trims and a less-than-exciting 15/22 when equipped with AWD.

Appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 Ford Edge remain fairly impressive, with the base SE offering 17-inch painted alloy wheels, cloth bucket front seats, split-folding rear seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with MP3 capability and four speakers. The SEL trim adds 18-inch painted alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, premium cloth upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 6-CD changer, and satellite radio. The 2010 Edge Limited tacks on leather upholstery, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, multi-level heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a premium, 320-watt audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and a USB connection. The top-shelf Sport trim features 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and alcantara leather upholstery.

Options available with the 2010 Ford Edge include the popular SYNC communications/audio system, satellite radio, and keyless entry for the SE, while upgraded audio and leather as well as the double-panel, power-tilt Vista sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment, a Class II Trailer Tow Package, 22-inch alloy wheels, and a power liftgate are among the options offered with the SEL, Limited, and Sport trims.

Standard safety features on all 2010 Ford Edge trims include four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a post-collision safety system. The SEL, Limited, and Sport trims also offer rear parking sensors and front fog/driving lights.

Owners of the 2009 Ford Edge find its brakes a bit spongy and have some issues with its fuel efficiency, rear visibility, and seat comfort, but the vast majority enjoy the 2010 Edge’s spaciousness, standard features, SYNC system, quiet and pleasant ride, and appealing looks, both inside and out.