2019 Ford Edge Road Test and Review

2019 Ford Edge Titanium ・ Photo by Ford

The new 2019 Ford Edge is a popular mid-size SUV whose updates make it more tech-savvy, safer, and more fun to drive with the addition of the performance-focused ST trim. The Edge ST is the first SUV from the Ford Performance team, and it’s out to prove that being a responsible adult and buying an SUV doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.

The Edge showcases new technologies and is the first Ford SUV to feature the brand's Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. It includes five driver-assist technologies as standard features on every Edge. There’s also expanded connectivity with FordPass Connect, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and available Sync3. These features add value and convenience to the Edge, which still comes in with modest pricing designed to fit a family’s budget. Let’s take a closer look at the new 2019 Ford Edge to see what sets it apart from the competition.

Pricing and Trims

There are four Edge trim levels, starting with the base SE at a price of $29,995 with standard features including the Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety suite, post-collision braking, FordPass Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque that’s standard on all but the ST model. The SEL adds power front seats, an EasyFold second row, and heated side mirrors at a price of $32,970. The Titanium starts at $38,550 and includes ambient lighting, a power tilting and telescoping steering column, B&O premium audio, and leather-trimmed seats.

New this year is the Edge ST at $42,355. Designed by the Ford Performance team, the ST has a 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque along with standard all-wheel drive. It also features bolstered front seats with embossed ST logos and unique door-sill scuff plates.

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Powertrains

Power for most trims of the Ford Edge comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with optional all-wheel drive. The ST gets standard all-wheel drive and a more powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

The base engine has ample power to move the Edge into highway traffic with ease. A light foot on the accelerator makes highway passing a stress-free affair, and it never feels or sounds strained. The Edge ST puts the spotlight on performance with powerful acceleration. Push the button for Sport mode, and it delivers aggressive throttle response and lets the engine rev higher before shifting. Additionally, four AdvanceTrac drive modes adjust traction to refine the drive to suit your individual tastes. If you’re looking for a sporty, fun SUV, then the Edge ST is the one.

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Fuel Economy

Equipped with front-wheel drive and its base engine, the 2019 Ford Edge achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Choose all-wheel drive and the numbers fall slightly to 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Edge ST, which is available only with all-wheel drive, sees a final drop in fuel efficiency to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Overall, the Edge gets good fuel economy with the expected sacrifices for all-wheel drive and again for better performance in the ST. There are, however, competitors that beat the Edge, particularly in highway driving. Consider the added fuel cost carefully if you have lots of road trips in your future.

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Handling

Given that it's an SUV, you probably don’t expect a vehicle like the Edge to be particularly sporty. It’s designed to haul people and cargo with a high ground clearance that makes it great in snowy weather and on dirt roads. That’s not ideal for handling, but the Edge doesn’t feel like a heavy SUV. Brisk acceleration combined with responsive steering make it easy to maneuver with minimal body roll, even in the corners.

Defying the norm, the Edge ST delivers a sport-tuned ride with tight, controlled steering that makes taking curves not just easy, but fun. It hugs the corners and stays firmly planted to the pavement even during more aggressive driving with sure, straight braking. The Edge ST comes from the Ford Performance team, and it feels every bit the part proving that SUVs can be practical and fun at the same time.

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Seating

The base Edge SE has a utilitarian interior with manually adjustable cloth-covered seats up front, single-zone manual climate control, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The SEL adds upgraded cloth seats along with a 10-way power driver’s seat and six-way power passenger seat with the option for heat. There’s also an EasyFold second row, which makes flipping the seats down faster.

The Titanium adds leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with optional perforated leather inserts. It also has heated front seats with options for ventilation and heated rear seats. The Edge ST takes things in a sportier direction with ST bolstered bucket seats for a snug fit. Across the Edge lineup, front seats are comfortable and supportive with good adjustability. The second-row bench seat is a bit on the stiff side, but roomy enough to accommodate three adults on all but the longest of road trips.

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Infotainment

The entry-level infotainment system in the Edge features Ford Sync with AM/FM, SiriusXM, and FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity for up to 10 devices. It’s a minimal offering, but take one step up to the SEL and Sync 3 becomes standard with improved performance, a better user interface, and a touchscreen with available voice-activated navigation. There’s also an optional nine-speaker audio system. The Titanium adds a wireless charging pad and B&O Premiums 12-speaker sound system, which is also the standard audio setup for the ST.

Rear-seat passengers aren’t forgotten with an available dual-headrest DVD entertainment system. This is optional throughout the lineup, not just on the top trims, something families on a tight budget will appreciate. Although the Sync system on the base SE is somewhat limited, the upgraded Sync 3 system is a solid offering that’s quick to learn and easy to use.

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Cargo

A good SUV needs to pull double-duty by providing a comfortable, well-equipped interior for passengers with the versatility to carry cargo at a moment’s notice. The 2019 Ford Edge is up to the task with 39.2 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear seat and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats. The second row split-folds 60/40 so you can choose to put them down in whatever partial combination works for your cargo and passenger needs.

Select trims feature EasyFold, which automatically releases the rear seats so folding them down is less of a chore. There’s a load floor low enough to make lifting heavy cargo over the edge easier, and there’s a wide tailgate opening so even larger items can find their way inside. A hands-free foot-activated tailgate is available to reduce the struggle of getting that tailgate open when your arms are full.

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Safety

The 2019 Ford Edge has not yet been crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What the Edge does have is an impressive list of standard safety features including post-collision braking and the first application of Ford Co-Pilot360 in a Ford suv. This is a suite of five driver-assist features designed to help you stay safe on the road.

It features pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking including pedestrian detection, a forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, a backup camera with a lens washer, and automatic high beams are also included in Ford Co-Pilot360. Evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering are available. The combination of standard and available safety on the Edge makes it an attractive choice for those who put a priority on safety.

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Final Thoughts

The 2019 Ford Edge adds key features and a whole new trim to attract the attention of the SUV-buying public. This is a crowded segment with competitors at every price point, and it’s easy for a vehicle to get lost in the shuffle. The Edge isn’t the most affordable choice, but it’s well-priced considering its strong suite of standard safety features.

A choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive across the lineup makes it easier to fit the Edge into any budget, while the Edge ST gives driving enthusiasts an SUV they can truly enjoy. It adds the fun of a sports car without forgetting that, at its heart, this is an SUV that needs to be comfortable for passengers and versatile for cargo. Its range of trims, pricing, and features make the 2019 Ford Edge an SUV not to be overlooked.

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