Won't be much of a contribution, but... my older sis owns the Mazda CX-7 - Fast little SUV... I like how it drives, but dont' care for the interior. The Equinox is nice too - Both vehicles drive and handle like cars which I don't care for, but they are very quiet, and comfortable. More importantly, both vehicles come with optional AWD, make sure she gets it. Safer for her and the kids, and ends up being cheaper to insure. But both vehicles are acceptable to me, I just can't own anything other than a Jeep... Or Porsche. I don't know much about the ford edge.

Has she considered a Jeep KK?