2015 Ford Edge

“Think Small” was the advertising catch phrase used to promote the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1950s. Today, “Think Small Engines” could easily be used as Ford’s slogan, especially for the 2015 Edge.

The next-generation Edge arrives in early 2015 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the base engine. That’s small, indeed, but it’s expected to generate 245 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It will be available in all-wheel-drive versions and be capable of muscling up to 3,500 pounds of trailer weight.

The little turbo engine thus becomes the cornerstone for some major revisions to a vehicle that was originally launched for the 2007 model year. The Edge received a minor face-lift for 2011 and a 2.0-liter turbo power plant became optional the following year.

Ford considers the 2015 Edge’s 2.0 “EcoBoost” to be a completely new engine since its block casting is lighter and there are new pistons and other internal components. There also a new cylinder head, intake manifold and direct fuel injection system.

Also all new is a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that’s expected to make 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The 2.7 will be standard in the appropriately named Edge Sport and optional in the premium Titanium trim level. The Sport’s previous 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 gets the boot.

Sandwiched between the two turbo engines is the returning (and now optional) 3.5-liter V6 that’s rated at 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet.

All three will are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions with paddle-shift controls. A sport setting lets the engine rev to a higher limit in each gear for more spirited driving.

Normal and sport modes are also part of the Edge’s adaptive-steering system. It makes it easier to park in a tight spot while being more responsive during high-speed turning maneuvers.

All-wheel-drive is optional with all engines and can direct up to 100 percent of the torque to either the front or rear axles, as needed.

The new engine lineup might be the Edge’s major drawing card, but there are additional changes to report, both obvious and unseen.

It displays a hexagonal-shaped grille that softens the look slightly and resembles the nose of the Taurus sedan and, oddly enough, the Hyundai Santa Fe tall wagon.

The roofline is more swept and the LED taillights are narrower and extend into the liftgate. The overall appearance is more sophisticated and less boxy than before.

The body panels are attached to an equally new platform that originated with the current Ford Fusion and is considerably more resistant to bending and twisting.

Ford claims that, along with a re-engineered front and rear suspension, the Edge delivers a quieter, vibration-reduced ride with less noise invading the passenger compartment.

That space has been designed with more supportive seats, more storage bins and cubbys and an eight-inch touch screen for the audio, infotainment, navigation and climate controls.

For an estimated $30,000, including destination fees, the most basic of the Edge’s four trim levels has plenty of comfort content.

Beyond that, the list of available safety and technology gear seems almost endless. Among the more intriguing features is a 180-degree front camera that scans for unseen cross-traffic at intersections.

Then there’s active park assist that will guide the Edge into, as well as out of, a parallel-parking spot. There’s also a passenger knee airbag that deploys from inside the glove box door.

The reduction in the Edge’s engine sizes — yet with a “boost” in output — and a significant bump in techno-content, should eventually pay dividends for the rest of Ford’s lineup. And these days that’s no small matter.

What you should know: 2015 Ford Edge

■ Type: Four-door, front- all-wheel-drive midsize wagon

■ Engines (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4, turbocharged (245); 3.5-liter DOHC V6 (285);

■ 2.7-liter DOHC V6, turbocharged (325)

■ Transmission: Six-speed automatic

■ Market position: Midsize car-based tall wagons are important revenue and profit generators for most automakers. The Edge was one of the earlier members of this class and remains at or near the top in sales.

■ Points: New look displays a more carlike silhouette; turbocharged base engine is a surprise, but a welcome one; Purchase rate for AWD should be high, especially with the turbo models; available technology and safety systems a step ahead of the competition; Ford has seen its future and it’s in small-displacement turbo power plants.

■ Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; front knee airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

■ MPG (city/hwy) 22/30 (2.0, est.); Base price (incl. destination) $30,000 (est.)

By comparison

Toyota Venza

■ Base price: $29,800

■ FWD or AWD wagon is spacious and can be had with I4 or V6 power.

Nissan Murano

■ Base price: $30,000 (est.)

■ New 2015, model keeps its V6 engine contained in a stylish body.

Chevrolet Equinox

■ Base price: $25,400

■ Well-priced, smaller-than-average model has been a big hit for Chevrolet.