WASHINGTON -- The 2007 Ford Fusion midsize sedan and the 2007 Ford Edge sport utility vehicle received top scores in front- and side-impact crash testing by the insurance industry.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Monday that the Edge, which has the same underpinnings as the Lincoln MKX, also earned its top rating for rear crash protection.

"The criteria to win Top Safety Pick are tough," said Institute President Adrian Lund. "This award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as the highest crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control as standard equipment. Recognizing the winners also helps consumers distinguish vehicles with the best overall ratings without having to sort through multiple crash test results."

The crossover vehicles received the Institute's Top Safety Pick award, which recognizes vehicles that provide the best overall crash protection. The award applies to Edge and MKX vehicles made after January 2007 because Ford upgraded head restraints to improve rear crash protection.

Ford made changes to improve the Fusion's ability to withstand front and side crashes, and new institute testing gave it top scores of "good" in both scenarios. The Fusion, which has the same underpinnings as the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, received a "marginal" rating in rear protection.

In testing last year, early versions of the 2007 Fusion and Milan with side air bags received the second-highest score of "acceptable" in front- and side-impact tests. It was an improvement over the 2006 version of the vehicle without side air bags, which received a "poor" rating in side-impact tests.

Side air bags are now standard equipment in all 2007 Fusions.

Initially only 13 cars, minivans, and SUVs qualified for 2007 awards. As automakers introduce new models or make safety changes to existing ones, the Institute adds Top Safety Pick winners throughout the year. With the addition of the Edge and MKX, consumers now may choose among nine SUVs offering superior crash protection.