2012 Ford Edge, 2012 Ford Explorer EcoBoost: First Drive

Both cars are on sale now. Near Ford’s Romeo, Mich. proving grounds last week, we took the people-haulers, well, people-hauling.

Both Fords all but give up their towing ability. The EcoBoost Explorer’s capability drops to 2,000 pounds, and the EcoBoost Edge drops to 1,500 pounds (both with 300 pounds aboard), versus 5,000 and 3,500 pounds, respectively, with the V-6. But if you don’t plan to hitch a trailer or go off-roading, the tiny EcoBoost has potential — especially in the Edge.