AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING7/10
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Safety9/10
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PRACTICALITY8/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7/10
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FEATURES9/10
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POWER7/10
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COMFORT7/10
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DRIVING FEEL7/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8/10
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VALUE8/10
When it comes to Ford's refreshed-for-2019 Edge, it's the ST version that's getting all of the attention. But unless you're planning on turning your daily commute into a lapping day, you're probably looking at the rest of the lineup – like this Titanium trim. It's not the EdgeST (edgiest?) of the Edges, but this crossover offers up impressive room for driver and passengers along with all of the hottest driver aids. And a ride and handling balance that'll make you think it's a much smaller ride.
Styling: 7/10
The Edge got a mild facelift for 2019. It dropped the three-bar grille for an open nose that looks more in keeping with the rest of Ford's lineup. The Edge's styling comes with, well, lots of edges. And that sharply raked C-pillar at the back. It gives this crossover an aggressive look. Though the overall shape hasn't really changed since 2008, it still looks fresh. Which bodes well for how it will look a few years from now.
Safety: 9/10
The Edge comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite. That means the usual blind-spot warnings and rear camera, but Ford's system comes with some extras like auto high-beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and cross-traffic alerts. Those cross-traffic alerts are especially appreciated since the Edge's massive and angled C-pillars cut into visibility out the back. As do the massive TV-equipped headrests of my tester. Optional on SEL and Titanium is Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which adds radar cruise with stop and go and lane centering, evasive steering assists, and active parking assist can also be added. The evasive steering assist is an innovative bit of kit that can help steer around an obstacle if you're not able to stop for it.
Practicality: 8/10
The Edge offers up almost as much cargo space as a three-row, with as much elbow space as a three-row, but without all of that extra length. So that room is matched with a crossover that might not be able to dart into tiny gaps in traffic like a compact crossover but is much easier to manoeuvre when you're parking. Not sacrificing cargo space for a third row of seating means that there's plenty of room for stuff. The extra cargo compartment on top of the dash is good for holding smaller items like your phone or wallet, and there's a pass-through under the console if you have Go-Go-Gadget arms, but some more storage space up front would be appreciated.
User Friendliness: 7/10
Controls are all close at hand in the Edge. Ford makes good use of steering wheel buttons to control the customizable dash screens, and the Sync3 infotainment system is quick and responsive. Props to Ford for keeping most of the controls accessible through physical buttons too. What's missing, though, is a button for the heated wheel. If you're in CarPlay or Android Auto, it's at least four screen-presses to turn it on or off, and even most of Sync's own screens will have you tapping multiple times to turn off the warmth.
Features: 9/10
Heated wheel, ventilated seats, and self-parking. The Edge Titanium can be fitted with just about everything in the book, and you can enjoy the 12-speaker B&O Play audio system while you're playing with them. If you're looking for supple leather seats, though, the Edge's aren't that. Maybe it's more fitting in what's most likely going to spend life as a family hauler, but these seat coverings bring to mind those of a school bus.
Power: 7/10
Every Edge but the Edge ST come with a 2.0L turbo four: 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque if you use 93-octane. Which I didn't because I haven't seen a 93 pump in years. We're not sure how much it makes on regular, but it's enough. Working along with a eight-speed automatic, the Edge hustles along with a suitable, well, edge. It's enough thrust to make this a fun drive, even loaded up with passengers and cargo. The automatic is quick to swap gears, but it's not exactly subtle about it. I felt each and every up and downshift. The box downshifts automatically to maintain speed on hills and to help you slow down under braking. It's a nice gesture, but the head bob you'll do every time has nothing to do with the song you're playing.
Comfort: 7/10
For most drivers and passengers, the Edge is very comfortable. The seats, front and rear, are supportive and well padded. Drivers with splayed knees shouldn't need to worry about those knees making uncomfortable friends with the centre console or the doors. But with the optional panoramic moonroof, the high seating position means that tall or long of torso occupants will find their heads in contact with the ceiling. Which is why I appreciate that Ford will let you get the top trim with a steel roof.
Driving Feel: 7/10
For a big crossover, the Edge comes with impressively quick turn-in. Responsive, well-weighted steering make this a fun steer for a big crossover. There's enough tire sidewall on these 20-inch alloys to be comfortable, but not so much that it ruins the handling. The Edge is very well damped, staying composed on even the worst mid-corner bumps, handling dips with little drama, and, most importantly, not jarring the drinks of those in the back seat.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
The 2.0L EcoBoost four is rated for 11.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. While turbo models can fail to live up to their test figures in the real world, I averaged in the high 8's with mixed driving and not sparing the horses. Very impressive for something this size.
Value 8/10
My tester had all the options boxes ticked, including the rear-seat TVs, coming in at $53,541. Option it with all the things I'd pick, taking only the $500 pack with heated wheel and winter floor liners, plus the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and you're looking at an extremely well-equipped, roomy, and comfortable crossover for a window sticker just under $45,000. And that represents a good value in the segment.
Conclusion
The Edge is far from being edgy. But it is large, comfortable, quick, thrifty at the pumps, and a good value. It's an attractive offering, one that would be just that little bit better if they gave you a real button for the heated wheel. It offers a strong value, even if you go a little overboard on the options list.
| Engine Displacement | 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm (93 octane_ |
| Peak Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 11.4/8.3/10.0 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,111 / 2,078 L seats down |
| Model Tested | 2019 Ford Edge Titanium |
| Base Price | $43,399 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $1,790 |
| Price as Tested | $53,431 |
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Optional Equipment
$8,150 – Burgundy Velvet Metallic $450; Group 301a (Adaptive cruise, enhanced park assist, panoramic roof, cold weather pack, heated/cooled front seats heated rear seats) $5,000; Trailer Tow Package $600; Rear Seat Entertainment $2,100
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