The 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX mid-size crossovers have just earned Top Safety Pick Status
In this case, the accolade didn't come easy. The models had originally earned only 'acceptable' in the new IIHS roof strength test, withstanding 3.5 times their weight (at a specified area near the corner of the roof, and the driver's head). But Ford engineers made changes to the roof structure of both models, and on the retest, the roof of an Edge test vehicle was able to withstand about 4.7 times the overall vehicle weight (near the corner of the roof, and the driver's head).
Vehicles that are able to withstand four times the vehicle weight or higher have a lower chance of severe injury or death in the event of a rollover and thus earn the top 'good' rating.
In all other categories of frontal, side, and rear testing, these two models already had achieved top 'good' marks for occupant protection. That, along with standard electronic stability control, makes them a Top Safety Pick.
