The all-new Ford Edge is in a class by itself. The built-in Oakville, Ontario crossover gets a major overhaul for 2015. And it’s not just Canadians who will benefit from the changes. The Edge will be sold in more than 100 countries in markets in Europe, South America, and Asia.

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Edge is a bit longer (by 3.9 inches), taller (by 1.3 inches) and wider (by 25 mm) than its predecessor. And that translates into more headroom, extra legroom for second-row passengers, and additional cargo space.

Accessing the cargo area is a cinch, too, thanks to the hands-free liftgate. You don’t have to fiddle with keys to unlock the liftgate. Simply, kick under the rear bumper and it unlocks and raises the liftgate nice and high, out of head-banging range. It’s a handy feature when you’re burdened with grocery bags.

There are three engines available: a standard twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque; a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V-6 twin turbocharged engine with 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque; and a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 with 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and precise.

Behind the wheel of a Sport AWD model with the 2.7L Ecoboost engine, it’s powerful and quick off the line. On the slalom, it’s well-balanced and secure and along the twists and turns it feels solid and firmly planted on the road. A car-based design over a traditional truck-based SUV underpinning also makes it easy to drive and park – even in crowded areas.

2015 Ford Edge

For the first time, the Edge gets enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors, and a front camera with washer. After the slalom, several activities are set up to try the new available driver-assistance technologies. While parallel parking features are nothing new, the Edge takes it a step further with an innovative system that also lets you perpendicular park your car. Activate the enhanced active park assist by pushing a button on the centre console. As you drive by vehicles parked vehicles, the system will locate an available space. Once found, the system will guide you with a set of instructions. Put the car in reverse and take your hands off the wheel. The system controls the steering, while the driver controls the brake and accelerator pedals. It takes a bit of patience and time - often two or three tries to reverse into a spot – but it works like a charm. The technology is impressive. Other cool available features include adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, a blind spot information system, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and inflatable rear safety belts.

The 2015 Ford Edge comes in four trims: SE, SEL, Sport, and for the first time, Titanium. Front-wheel drive and AWD configurations are available. Prices start at $31,999 for the base SE FWD model and top out at $45,199 for the Sport AWD trim.

Petrina Gentile is an Auto Journalist.