FORD EDGE: An average two-row, mid-sized SUV that offers plenty for busy drivers to get excited about before test driving.
CONS: The interior looks and feels plasticky; several blindspots and visibility issues.
VERDICT: The Edge has many features drivers will love, but the interior styling feels outdated. It's a solid pick for a two-row, mid-sized SUV, but not a favorite.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Venza, and Honda Passport
What’s interesting about the Edge?
- Five trims are available, each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, except the ST trim comes with a twin-turbo V6.
- For 2022, all-wheel drive is now standard for all trims.
- A panoramic vista roof is one of many unique optional features available.
- All Edge trims come with Sync 4A, Ford's most innovative infotainment system.
How about the prices and trims?
Five trims are available and they begin at just over $36,000. ST (don't confuse it with ST-Line) has the highest bill at just under $45,000. While the jump between trims isn't very high, the lackluster interior doesn't justify the price when you can get more for the same cost elsewhere.
The ST and ST-Line offer an athletic drive and exterior look, though the ST comes equipped with a more robust engine. Titanium attempts to offer sophistication in the cabin, but the materials throughout make it look tacky. SEL builds on the base trim, SE, by adding some fun features.
Which one do we recommend?
Considering the costs and the standard features available, we recommend purchasing the ST-Line. Drivers will get plenty for its cost and have access to various optional features if you'd like an upgrade. If you're keen on a two-row SUV with a V6 engine, compare your options.
What about its availability?
Shoppers can find a variety of Edge trims at their local Ford dealerships. Check out their websites to find out what they have in stock.
What about its performance and handling?
- The Edge receives many points for an enjoyable driving experience with either engine.
- A four-cylinder pushes 250 horsepower, while the V6 generates 335 horsepower.
- A rotary grille shifter makes switching from park to drive effortless.
- 20-inch wheels and a seven-speed automatic transmission (instead of eight) give the ST trim a zippy feel to match the prowess under the hood.
Unlike other SUVs that may give a stiffer driving experience, the Edge is ideal for city driving. Driving up hills and speeding up on onramps can get a little taxing, but it's not different than many other four-cylinder engines. Still, the handling is responsive, the cabin remains quiet, and AWD ensures a firm grip on the road. The V6 comes with a stiffer suspension which makes the handling more responsive and dips in the road more pronounced.
As for fuel efficiency, estimates for the four-cylinder are 21/28 mpg in the city/highway, which is higher than many others in its class, especially considering it comes with AWD. ST's estimates range from 19/25 mpg in the city/highway, which keeps it in the average for its class. A hybrid engine is not available for the Edge at this time.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
You may assume that the Edge is a compact SUV because it has two rows, but it is a midsized vehicle. The cabin is spacious enough for adults to have plenty of room in the backseat, and the cargo area is average for its segment. The backseat folds down in a 60/40-split, so it's easy to load equipment. It's also a cinch to buckle in car seats since there's so much room.
Sadly, the cabin lacks inspiration, as do most Ford SUVs this year. Even if you upgrade to leather upholstery, a snazzy steering wheel, and more tech, it looks out of place compared to all the plastic everywhere. You might not mind this as much if you're all about practicality and ergonomics. However, if you're going to spend $40,000+ on a new vehicle, we think you deserve a little luxury.
Infotainment and connectivity
A 12-inch touchscreen display gets paired with Ford Sync 4A, the manufacturer's latest infotainment program. A Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come standard. We would recommend adding the optional and much-improved navigation program. We're very excited to see this in a two-row SUV, and we hope it will encourage Ford to ensure the interior matches all the tech. Plenty of outlets get included in the cabin, and an optional 110-volt outlet is also available.
LIKES: A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system comes standard on the Titanium and ST trims
DISLIKES: The navigation program is only optional, not standard.
How about the technology and features?
Fun options to consider adding include a rear-seat entertainment system, heated and cooled front seats, the 110-volt power outlet, and a hands-free foot-activated liftgate feature. If you can ignore the lackluster interior, there's a lot to enjoy about the cabin.
LIKES: Many safety programs come standard. Most of the features you need, such as controlling the cabin temperature, get controlled through the touchscreen.
DISLIKES: For the price, it seems that too many features are optional for the top-tier trims.
Quick Quirks: Very few buttons are available in the cabin, which helps clean up what could have become a cluttered center console. |
Some additional features:
- Dual-zone climate control and proximity keyless entry come standard.
- As spacious as the interior is, there aren't too many cubbies to store stuff.
- Adaptive cruise control is optional and we recommend getting it if you can.
How's the exterior?
The Edge has a confident stance thanks to its raised ground clearance, large front grille, and scalloped sides. While it's not the most athletic-looking vehicle, it inspires drivers to explore the countryside. Plenty of accessories are available to add some panache, though we're not partial to any of them.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
The Edge comes with an average list of safety features and a minimal warranty program:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates this model five out of five stars.
- All trims include programs such as lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance not included.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Edge?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some franchise dealerships may offer additional incentives, rebates and manager's specials. Get in touch with your local Ford dealer to learn more.
