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For many families, crossover utility vehicles such as the Ford Edge have replaced minivans as the vehicle of choice.

Crossovers are basically tall-roofed station wagons that are built on passenger-car platforms. They’re more efficient and maneuverable than big SUVs. The Ford Edge, Mazda CX-9 and Lincoln MKX, which share many components, are not much smaller than minivans, but their aggressive styling gives them a distinctly sporty appearance that disguises their size.

The Edge, which is built in Canada, has a high driving position that offers a commanding view of the road, and fold-down seats mean you can carry a load from the lumberyard or bags of the kids’ soccer gear. It is available in four trim levels, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Base prices range from $26,635 to $36,605.

I drove an Edge Sport, the newest model. Priced at $35,915, the Sport has 22-inch chrome wheels with low-profile tires and an eight-piece body kit that includes a new front air dam with fog lamps and a lower grille, side skirts, lower door caps and a new rear fascia. The Sport is available in black, red, silver and blue.

The 22-inch wheels had a bit too much bling for my taste. Even though the suspension has been retuned for the larger wheels, the ride was not as smooth as the last Edge I drove with smaller wheels. The Sport body additions look good.

New items for 2009 include small convex mirrors in the corner of each outside mirror. These little mirrors give a view of the vehicle’s blind spot, and that’s helpful because of the vanlike profile.

The latest version of Sync, Ford’s voice-activated in-car communication and entertainment system, now has 911 Assist that helps the driver connect with emergency assistance in case of an airbag deployment. Sync integrates mobile phones and media players with Bluetooth technology and a USB connection.

The Edge also offers a voice-activated navigation system and Sirius satellite radio with Travel Link. Travel Link gives information about traffic, weather, fuel stations, movie listings and sports.

The optional navigation system is also voice-activated, and it can read street names and deliver directions in English, Spanish and French.

The Edge is tight, solid and quiet. The 3.5-liter V-6 is rated at 265 horsepower. That’s not a lot of horsepower for a 4,288-pound vehicle, but performance is more than adequate.

The Edge feels large inside. The cabin is wide, the steeply raked windshield is large and the dash is deep. The back seat can easily hold three people. There is no third seat, but there is plenty of luggage space.

The instrument panel flows smoothly into the door panels and has a low-gloss texture.

A large center console can be configured numerous ways. It has a power outlet and a jack for an iPod or other MP3 player. The console is large enough for a laptop, and it has a removable internal tray, a power outlet and a lid that can hold pens and a tissue pack.

The Edge also is big on details. A 20-ounce-cup holder is included in each front-door map pocket, along with juice box holders in the rear door pockets, two super-size-cup holders in the center console and two in the rear armrest.

The rear cargo area is substantial with the rear seat folded down. The optional folding front seat creates a space big enough for 8-foot-long items.

Price

The base price of the test vehicle was $33,755. Options included the Sport package, 22-inch wheels and upgraded audio system. The sticker price was $35,915.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Ford Edge Sport

Engine: 3.5-liter, 265-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 111.2 inches

Curb weight: 4,078 lbs.

Base price: $33,755

As driven: $35,915

MPG rating: 17 city, 24 hwy.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.