– Detroit, Michigan

Through eleven months of 2016, U.S. consumers have already bought more midsize crossovers and SUVs than they did in all of 2015 – more than 1.5 million of the buggers. And though that collection of high centers of gravity on the roadways makes my enthusiast blood run cold, it’s not that hard to see why. Space is abundant in vehicles the size of this Ford Edge Sport, for people and cargo. And it rides way up in the air where – for some reason – everyone feels safe.

Among the millions of utility vehicles sold this year, it’s that Sport on the end of the Edge’s name that makes this one unique. The modifier indicates the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that hums under the hood, with outputs of 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque that are pretty much unmatched in the segment. They might also be unneeded...

Pros

• It’s all about the engine. You can buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 5.7-liter V8 that has more power (and worse EPA fuel economy numbers) than the Edge Sport, but every other straight-up competitor has a weaker engine. Moreover, the 2.7T makes the Edge actually feel fast, with almost startling acceleration during mid-speed passing maneuvers, thanks to this unexpected combination of form factor and zip. It doesn’t make me think I’m driving a Jaguar by way of the exhaust note, but the experience is still pretty enjoyable.
• If you’re a fan of Ford’s “Sport” appearance in other products – Explorer, Fusion – you’ll probably enjoy the gussied up looks he...