2019 Ford Edge

Overview

The Edge's tidy dimensions put it in a sweet spot between the Escape and the Explorer in the Ford SUV lineup. The mid-size, two-row crossover offers a cabin that is well-appointed and spacious enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage for a road trip. From relaxed to rowdy, the Edge has a model for every driver's taste. The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine sips fuel, but it's the twin-turbo V-6 in the ST model that will get a speed demon's pulse racing. The Edge's distinctive exterior and comprehensive options list let buyers easily outfit it to meet their needs, and its towing capacity makes it ideal for weekend warriors.

What's New for 2019?

Ford has given the Edge a new look for 2019 with revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, new wheel designs, and updated front and rear lighting elements. The Sport model is dead and in its place is the new Edge ST, which comes exclusively with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. All Edge models come standard with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, which includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

As much as we love the Edge ST's fiery twin-turbo V-6, it's probably best to take a more pragmatic approach to family transport. Stepping up from the base SE to the midrange SEL adds luxuries such as dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, and an upgrade to Ford's Sync3 infotainment system. We'd also select option package 201A, which includes leather seats with heat for the driver and front-seat passenger, LED daytime running lamps, and a nine-speaker stereo.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Sporty ST model, efficient base turbocharged four-cylinder, nicely weighted steering.
Dislikes: Even in ST guise it's not as athletic as more focused rivals, base engine's acceleration is tepid.

The base turbocharged four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and, despite its casual acceleration, should provide adequate power for most customers. If you're looking for an SUV that can keep pace with a Volkswagen Golf GTI from zero to 60 mph—and quite a few other zippy cars as well—check the box for the Edge ST, which gets a 335-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive.

It's not as light on its feet as the athletic Mazda CX-9—our benchmark for crossover handling—but the Edge is reasonably enjoyable to drive and provides reassuring stability in corners; its steering is nicely weighted, if not particularly communicative, and its ride is comfortable over imperfect road surfaces.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Four-cylinder models are rated by the EPA for up to 29 mpg highway and even the sporty ST model managed to earn a 26-mpg highway rating. We haven't tested the four-cylinder with its new eight-speed automatic yet, but on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy loop the ST managed 25 mpg, just 1 mpg short of its promise.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Spacious cabin, well-appointed but understated styling, standard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Dislikes: Fit and finish could use some polish, low-tech base infotainment system.

Plenty spacious for four adults, the Edge's cabin is a comfortable place for a commute or a road trip. Materials throughout the cabin are nicely chosen, but panel fit and finish could be better; we noticed a few misaligned dashboard pieces in our test vehicle. Otherwise, the interior design is simple and understated, with plenty of room for people and cargo.

Technophiles should plan to upgrade their Edge to include the Sync 3 infotainment system, as the base system's small screen and single USB port won't satisfy. Stepping up to the SEL adds a lot more connectivity, as it includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, the Sync 3 software, and AppLink, which connects apps on your smartphone with similar apps in the Sync software to provide access to entertainment on the go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also make their way into the mix with this package and add another layer of connectivity. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard across the range—a new feature for 2019.

If putting junk in the trunk is important to you, the two-row-crossover segment is a great enabler. With the rear seats folded, the Edge accommodated 29 of our carry-on suitcases. Its competitors are all closely matched in cargo room, but the Edge's thoughtful storage cubbies and slightly roomier cabin might seal the deal.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The redesigned 2019 Edge hasn't yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so its crashworthiness is unknown for now. Driver-assistance features are now more accessible; some features—including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring—are now standard. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

There's nothing edgy about the Edge's warranty coverage—it's strictly average for the segment, with nothing to help it stand out to consumers.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance