Still a solid choice among midsize crossovers, the 2020 Ford Edge delivers inviting exterior styling and a carlike ride. Ford has basically put all its eggs in the truck/SUV/CUV basket, which puts pressure on vehicles like the Edge to pull their sales weight. The Edge is capable of that.
Despite being a little dated at this point — its last major redesign was in 2015 — it soldiers on with solid engine choices, a spacious interior and a suite of safety and driver-assistance features under its Co-Pilot360 umbrella standard on all trim levels.
No, it’s not the freshest face in its segment, but it’s still a strong pick.
What’s New for 2020?
All grades get dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync 3, an 8-in touchscreen, a 10-way power drivers seat and reverse sensing as standard. Ford also updated the Titanium Elite Package. See the 2020 Ford Edge models for sale near you
What We Like
- Confident styling
- Fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Luxury ride and isolation
- Premium interior trim
- High-tech features
- ST’s strong turbo V6
What We Don’t
- No third-row seat despite substantial size
- Seat cushions not as well shaped as they could be
How Much?
$32,095-$44,360
Fuel Economy
All Edge variants come standard with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the SE, SEL and Titanium, with all-wheel drive available as an option. AWD with intelligent disconnect (which disconnects the rear wheels when not needed) is standard on the ST.
The SE, SEL and Titanium trims start with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this engine with FWD achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in combined driving. With AWD, consumption is 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined.
The ST grade has its own turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, making 335 hp and 380 lb-ft, linked to an AWD system. Fuel consumption is 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/21 mpg combined.
Standard Features & Options
The 2019 Ford Edge comes in SE, SEL, Titanium and ST trim levels. Prices include the $1,095 factory delivery charge.
The base SE ($32,095) has 18-in alloy wheels, a capless fuel filler, hill-start assist, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, four 12-volt outlets, active grille shutters, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rotary gear shifter, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, Sync 3 voice controls, Co-Pilot360, 8-in touchscreen, FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hot spot and a 6-speaker audio system with a 4.2-in display, satellite-radio capability, a USB port and an auxiliary input.
The SEL ($35,450) adds a keypad entry system, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps and turn-signal indicators, a 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, second-row easy-fold seat, two smart charging USB ports and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Titanium ($39,195) comes with 19-in wheels, upgraded LED daytime running lights, heated front seats, a hands-free powered lift gate, keyless entry and start, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system, a 10-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, driver’s seat/outboard mirrors memory settings, extra sound insulation, wireless charging and twin adaptive displays in the gauge cluster.
The optional Titanium Elite Package comes with 20-in aluminum wheels, red accent interior stitching, bright aluminum dashboard accents and other cosmetic enhancements.
The ST ($44,360) provides the exclusive turbocharged V6, 20-in wheels, unique Ford Performance appearance goodies, a sport-tuned suspension, a dark grille and rear diffuser, leather sport seats with suede inserts, an ST perforated-leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, dual-polished exhaust tips and most of the Titanium’s equipment.
Some of the standard items on the upper trims can be added to lower trims via options packages. Other extras, depending on trim, include 21-in wheels, a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, remote ignition, roof rails, a towing package and a rear entertainment system with dual screens.
Cargo space is generous, starting at 39.2 cu ft. and expanding to 73.4 cu ft. with the second row of seats folded down.
Safety
The 2020 Ford Edge comes standard with traction control (including torque vectoring for improved cornering precision), stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, automatic crash notification and eight airbags (front, front side, front knee and full-length side curtain). The Ford MyKey system is also standard, allowing owners to set electronic limits for other drivers. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver-assist technologies is standard across the board.
The Edge was awarded the full five stars overall in government crash tests, including five for front impacts and the same for side impacts. In tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Edge scored the highest rating of Good in all categories except for the small-overlap front crash test, where it took the second-best score of Acceptable.
Behind the Wheel
This is one of the nicest midsize crossover cabins for the price, with attractive surfaces and high-quality materials almost everywhere. There’s plenty of room for four adults (or five in a pinch) to enjoy the exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. For a tall, heavy vehicle, the Edge displays excellent body control, retaining its composure even through quick corners. The Sport has a firmer ride quality than the regular Edge.
The base turbo 4-cylinder is more than adequate for most situations, and its fuel economy is a big plus, but the ST’s spirited acceleration could tempt enthusiastic drivers.
Edge ST
The ST is the version to get if what you really want in your crossover is jack rabbit quickness. We drove a nicely equipped Edge ST, and the price was about $49,000. There’s nothing blatantly wrong with the Edge ST, it’s just that there are a LOT of great choices in the $50,000 range when it comes to new, used and certified pre-owned vehicles.
The 2019 version of the Ford Edge is near the end of its life cycle and will surely be updated by 2021 or so. That being said, the Sync 3 graphic look has become somewhat dated. Still, there’s a simplicity in how the whole package works — it’s versatile, very quick and really good looking.
In fact, the exterior look is really a high point with the Edge ST. The wheels, rear-end treatment and overall stance is muscular and modern. This is one of the best-looking midsize CUVs you can get. Backing up its exterior appearance is really strong acceleration both at speed and from a stop. Handling is also very good, but some passengers thought the Edge ST’s ride was a little too stiff for everyday comfort compared to the non-ST Edge.
The ST’s sport seats are supportive and comfortable and have a luxury look all at the same time. Dual USB ports along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to easily stay in touch.
The driving dynamics are really the main reason you’d want an Edge ST. Having a cool-looking CUV is also a plus. If these things are really important to you, the Edge ST will be a great fit.
Other Cars to Consider
2020 Nissan Murano — If any crossover in this segment is more stylish than the Edge, it’s the avant-garde Murano. But the Ford offers a wider choice of engines.
2020 Kia Sorento — Well-equipped, sharp-looking, keenly priced and comes with the option of third-row seating.
2020 Toyota Highlander — Seats up to eight and has a family-friendly interior. The V6 engine is the ideal choice here.
Used Lexus RX 350 — The RX follows a similar formula to the Edge. A CPO example could save a nice chunk of change. However, the Edge will look and feel more modern.
Autotrader’s Advice
The SEL version is eligible for more options than the SE, giving the buyer greater flexibility to pick and choose rather than stretching for the less affordable Titanium trim. Find a Ford Edge for sale
