The Ford lineup is one of the biggest in the industry and includes a wide range of vehicles in many different shapes and sizes. When it comes to Ford SUVs, in particular, there are numerous models available – so many, in fact, that it’s easy to wonder if they’re all really necessary. Someone shopping for a Ford might look at a Ford Edge for sale and wonder what it brings to the Ford lineup that the other SUVs and crossovers don’t already deliver. That’s a valid question and one worth exploring – it must have something to offer, right?
From the outside, the Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that sits toward the larger end of their SUV lineup. It’s bigger than many of their crossover models, but this is still a two-row vehicle with seating for up to five people. This is an interesting situation since the base MSRP is higher for the Edge than the Ford Explorer, which has seating for up to seven people. To fully appreciate what the Edge offers and how it finds its place – not only in Ford’s lineup but in the overall market – let’s take a look at the trim levels for the Edge and what each delivers.
The Ford Edge SE
Kicking things off, we have the Edge SE as the starting trim and an illustration of the basic features that the Edge brings to the road. It has a Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost engine that delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is perfect for this kind of vehicle, delivering a sporty and zippy sort of ride. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, one of my favorite things about the Edge, standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Most SUVs these days make AWD an available option, but by making it the default choice, the Edge delivers a great driving experience. It’s perfect for dealing with unpredictable weather or anything else that life wants to throw at us.
Inside, the SE has dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Intelligent Access, so you don’t have to use the key to enter, and push-button start. It has a manual liftgate at the rear, which I expect in a starting trim, along with a base steering wheel with controls for audio and other systems. You’ll also find a 12-inch infotainment display inside the Edge, a six-speaker sound system, and a pair of 4.2-inch configurable LCD screens in the driver cluster. It has basic cloth seating with a four-way adjustable driver’s seat and a two-way front passenger seat, which is just fine as far as standard features go.
One of the things I really like about the Edge is that it comes with an impressive array of advanced safety features, even on the starting SE trim. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology package for the SE includes a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Post-Collision Braking just in case. It also has automatic on/off headlamps, automatic high beams, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control. You’ll find more on higher trims, as we’re about to see, but this is still an excellent start.
The Ford Edge SEL
Going from the SE to the SEL trim gets you a number of upgrades and available options that you can’t get with the starting model, though overall performance is pretty much identical. For example, a wireless charging pad and remote start system are available options for the SEL. They don’t come standard on this trim, but you can’t even choose them on the SE. A power liftgate is available for the SEL, though the manual one is still standard, and this model comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SEL also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power front-passenger seat, and heated front seats.
Safety features are improved for the SEL, with a few more standard features and a few extra options you can’t get on the SE. For example, along with the BLIS and other systems, the SEL also comes with Rear Parking Sensors for added precision while in reverse. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering is available for the SEL. Navigation functionality and Evasive Steering technology aren’t offered on the starting SE trim.
The Ford Edge ST-Line
Looking at the ST-Line (not to be confused with the ST, that comes later), we find a bunch of standard features that are available as extras on the SEL. For example, the ST-Line comes with a wireless charging pad and Remote Start System, along with the power liftgate and a Universal Garage Door Opener. It has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, Door-Sill Scuff Plates with the ST-Line logo on them, and ActiveX seating material with Miko inserts and red accent stitching to go along with the wheel. Overall, the improvements here aren’t massive, but some things are worth noting.
The Ford Edge Titanium
Next up, we have the Titanium, which is the penultimate option for the Edge and the best choice for anyone interested in the standard engine and advanced interior features. The Titanium comes with ambient lighting inside for a more interesting interior, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel that’s heated and a Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. Taking comfort to the next level, this model comes with a 10-way power driver’s seat and Driver’s Seat Memory function, with ActiveX seating. The heated front seats are standard, with cooled front seats and heated rear seating also available.
This is an incredibly safe model thanks to a number of extra standard and available safety features as part of its Ford Co-Pilot360 package. The Titanium comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers, and drivers can get a front 180-degree camera with split-view functionality. Perhaps most impressive of all, there’s an available Enhanced Active Park Assist System with support for parallel parking, reverse perpendicular parking, and Park Out Assist to make getting into and out of parking spots incredibly easy.
The Ford Edge ST
Although the interior of the Ford Edge ST is quite nice, what really sets it apart from the other trims is that it features an exclusive 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine that provides 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for a fantastic driving experience. This comes paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, along with Intelligent AWD, and available ST Performance Brakes that look stunning and ensure you remain in control at all times. The ST has all the same standard and available safety features as the Titanium, though inside some things like the wireless charging pad and heated steering wheel are available options rather than standard. Still, with its incredible performance, the Edge ST certainly sets itself apart from the other models.
Sophistication and Style in a Neat Package
Ultimately, the Ford Edge brings an impressive midsize crossover SUV to the road that’s fun to drive, has tremendous available performance thanks to the ST trim, and has gorgeous features inside and out. To me, this is an SUV for people who love to drive and want a vehicle that won’t just get them from point A to point B but will ensure they have a great time on the way. The interior is packed full of solid luxury and comfort features, while things like a standard 12-inch Infotainment display and Intelligent AWD really speak to the fact that this isn’t a barebones driving experience. It’s something I feel is missing too often in the auto industry, with a lot of vehicles aimed at appealing to as many people as possible. Sure, the Ford Edge isn’t for everyone; but for drivers looking for an SUV that wants to be driven, this is the one.
