To keep their Edge SUV nice and sharp Ford has granted it an update. You might
even say it's been refreshed in the middle of its lifecycle.
I know we've really overused our mid-cycle refresh graphic how about we
keep it low-key this time and for funsies hide it throughout the video
Where's Waldo style. With the spot the graphic game as our MacGuffin, let's
learn all about the latest Ford Edge. Quick reminder it's a midsize two-row
SUV while rugged adventurous types who want midsize SUVs will gravitate towards
the Jeep Grand Cherokee for maybe Honda Passport,
Edge buyers are treated to a more domesticated type of on-road competence.
The Edge's dynamic demeanor is quiet and comfortable with a dash of handling
flair. The steering wheel doesn't convey a lot of intel about what the front
tires are doing, but a quick ratio and comparatively agile handling keep things
interesting. Adding to that fun is the Edge ST. In
addition to sport seats, 20- or optional 21-inch wheels, a sport suspension,
sporty rear styling, and an ST specific sport driving mode, the Edge ST like our
tester here features an exclusive 2.7- liter EcoBoost V6, sending its ample
power ground word via a standard all-wheel drive system. Floored from a
stop the ST springs forth like you know how cat will sometimes suddenly run out
of a room for no particular reason? Kind of like that.
The 2.7-liter EcoBoost is clearly my preferred mill but the 2.0-liter
turbocharged 4-cylinder powering all other trims is plenty eager, and just so
we're clear here's what the basic non-ST Edge looks like. If you care about fuel
economy the 4-cylinder is the right choice.
Knocking 1mpg off of each of those numbers is a $1,995, we'll just call it world is called
$2000 all wheel drive system. Regardless of trim all Edges utilize an
adequately competent 8-speed automatic transmission, feature inoffensive
automatic engine start/stop abilities that can be deactivated, and afford a max
tow rating of 3500 pounds. For internal cargo hauling there's a generous 39.2-cubic
feet behind the rear seats supplemented by modest
underfloor storage. That's substantially more space than the Chevy Blazer or
Nissan Murano. Adding to the practicality are storage slots here and here for I
don't know flares. Dropping the 60/40 split rear
seats creates a large useful load floor. Raise those seats and there's lots of
space for adults. Assuming I qualify as an adult. Head and knee clearance are
great and there's a lot of space under the front seat to poke my toes. I also
like the fact that the seat does recline, but it does not slide like many of the
Edge's competitors. Elsewhere the Edge's cabin merges easy usability, generally
nice materials, standard rear vents and handy storage nooks throughout the cabin,
including this hidden area beneath the instrument panel and on top of the dash.
Be warned the dash cover is somehow more plastic than plastic. On the infotainment
front the base Edge SE has a sad little 4.2-inch screen, but all other trims
include an 8-inch Sync 3 unit with quick reactions and easily comprehensible
layout and standard smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay
Android Auto, giving you good reason to move at least one notch up the trim
ladder through the $3,000 pricier SEL trim. Speaking of, the cheapest SE trim
starts around $31,000 including destination charges
comes standard with manual cloth seats, keyless access with push button start,
eight airbags, and a backup camera with a washer nozzle, clearly this thing was
designed for Detroit winters. It also smartly includes the co-pilot 360 driver
assist suite as standard featuring blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and
automatic emergency braking. Fling money at your Edge and you can add adaptive
cruise control, leather heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone automatic
climate control, a foot-activated liftgate that actually works just
described,
plus front and rear parking sensors, and a forward-facing 180-degree camera that
enhances situational awareness when pulling into traffics. Traffics? How did I screw
that up? If like most people you've given up on
learning how to park, Ford's automatic parking system can help,
just push a button and then follow the instructions of your new robot overlord
space found, drive forward putting your hands up as a sign of submission, right
into the curb, robot zero, humans one. Sorry you're gonna
have to learn how to park now. Build a richly appointed Titanium trim and it's
sub $40,000 base price can inflate to more than 46 grand. Similarly
without some option box restrained the roughly $42, 000 Edge ST can
top $50,000, and again do you really want an ST without the $2,700
performance brake package featuring 21- inch wheels and summer tires? A lot to
think about. Huh. Comprising the competition are the similarly
expensive Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, the value-priced Hyundai Santa Fe
and Subaru Outback and much newer entries from Honda and Chevy. It's also
worth mentioning that the roomier 7-seat Ford Explorer is only a few thousand
dollars more than the Edge. I've said it before the Ford Edge brings tasteful
style, roomy practicality, and a premium aura to the mid-sized SUV category. With
a rich roster of competitors it's wise to investigate your alternatives.