2018 Ford Edge Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

The Ford Edge receives no significant changes for 2018Part of the second Edge generation introduced for 2015

　　Finding a SUV that's great for family duty but is still easy to drive and pleasing to own can be tough, but the 2018 Ford Edge may fit the bill. Though it might not have the third row of a larger SUV, the Edge still has plenty of cargo space and passenger space. It's also still relatively easy to park and gets superior fuel economy compared to those larger models.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Edge SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$192/mo  for Edge SE

　　Edge SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,315 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $31,310 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $32,050 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $34,045 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $36,025 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $38,020 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) - $40,770 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Three engines are available: a base fuel-efficient, turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, a smooth V6 optional on the SEL and Titanium, and a muscular twin-turbo V6 found on the Edge Sport. All-wheel drive is optional on all but the Sport (where it's standard), and all trims feature the same six-speed automatic transmission.

　　Inside, the Edge can be fitted with all sorts of convenience and luxury-oriented features. The optional Sync 3 infotainment system effortlessly integrates your smartphone's mapping and communication capabilities to your car, and available driver assist functions include adaptive steering and cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and active park assist.

　　Along with vehicles such as the GMC Acadia and Kia Sorento, we think the 2018 Ford Edge is a smart pick for a midsize CUV.

　　Notably, we picked the 2018 Ford Edge as one of zzdcar' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018, Best Midsize SUVs for 2018 and Best Midsize SUVs.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

　　The 2018 Ford Edge holds its own in the competitive midsize crossover SUV segment. A roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and efficient and powerful engine options make it particularly well suited for family duty.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Edge Titanium (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current Ford Edge has received some revisions to the infotainment system. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Ford Edge, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	9.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a bit underwhelming, but it isn't what we'd call slow, and stouter V6 engines are available. Altogether a well-rounded performer for the segment.

　　

Acceleration

6.5

　　The standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine can feel overmatched and lazy compared to V6-equipped competition (zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds is below average). Recommended 93 octane was not available for this test (and it's not available in many states).

　　

Braking

8.5

　　The Edge delivers good stopping response and performance that's above average for the class with 119 feet needed to stop from 60 mph. There is some unique cabin noise under ABS activation, but that hardly warrants a demerit.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　The electric steering on the Edge is well-weighted with a natural progression of effort the more steering you dial in. There's surprisingly good response entering a turn, though road feedback from the front tires is all but nonexistent.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　The Edge is taut and secure. Advanced driving aids enable consistent lines and safe cornering, albeit with a degree of electronic micromanagement.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　Despite the subpar acceleration test results, the 2.0-liter's response is adequate and matches well with the transmission. It's a smooth drivetrain.

　　

Off-road

7.0

　　The Edge's on-demand all-wheel-drive system, like those of many vehicles in its class, is not meant for blazing new trails as much as it is for staying the course on paved roads in inclement weather. Explore at your own risk.

　　

Comfort

9.0

　　Comfort is an area the Edge excels in. We like that Ford made the effort to create a quiet cabin that includes lots of sound insulation. These are things not commonly addressed in a non-luxury vehicle segment.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　The front seats are plush and are further enhanced with optional seat coolers for exceptional long-distance comfort. The rear bench reclines and has generous space due to a near-flat floor and ample clearance under the front seats.

　　

Ride comfort

9.0

　　Significant bumps are soaked up nicely by a forgiving suspension. The ride may wallow a bit if you hit a series of road undulations, indicating it might benefit from a little more damping, but overall the body motions are well-controlled.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　There's only marginal wind and road noise in the Edge's well-insulated cabin, thanks to impressive cabin sealing and the Titanium model's acoustic side glass. The four-cylinder engine isn't overly thrashy either, even when huffing up uphill grades.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The Edge doesn't flaunt the latest interior design trends, and its tech interface is far from perfect. However, its generous cabin and cargo space, as well as excellent visibility, should count for a lot among crossover shoppers.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　Good front storage includes two covered bins and a short but deep armrest compartment. Cargo area (39.2 cubic feet with the seats up; 73.4 cubes with the seats down) is at or near class-best; it has a wide opening, and a power release button folds the rear bench nearly flat.

　　

Which Edge does zzdcar recommend?

　　For most Edge shoppers, we think the SEL is the way to go. It offers more amenities and access to options packages while keeping the price reasonable. Just make sure to get it with the Equipment Group 201A package for the desirable Sync 3 infotainment system. We also prefer the V6 over the turbocharged four-cylinder engine since the four-cylinder can seem a bit underpowered at times.

　　

2018 Ford Edge models

　　The 2018 Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that can seat five. It's offered in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport. The SE is decently equipped, but the SEL offers more amenities and access to options packages. The Titanium is all about luxury, while the Sport is the performance model.

　　For powertrains, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (245 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque) is standard on SE, SEL and Titanium models, with a 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp, 250 lb-ft) option available on SEL and Titanium trims. Both engines have a six-speed transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The top-level Sport model gets its own sporty turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (315 hp, 350 lb-ft), a six-speed transmission and AWDe.

　　Standard features of the SE model include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, remote locking and unlocking, air-conditioning, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seatbacks, a 4.2-inch central display screen, a height-adjustable driver seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, voice controls, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port.

　　The SEL adds LED headlight accents, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, an exterior keyless entry pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and satellite radio.

　　The SEL is available with Equipment Group 201A, which adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an additional USB port.

　　The Titanium gets the above equipment as standard plus 19-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, noise-reducing front windows, upgraded interior trim, ambient interior lighting, front sport seats, driver-seat memory settings, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio.

　　To the Titanium's equipment roster, the Edge Sport adds the aforementioned turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique front and rear styling, variable-ratio steering, a power-adjustable steering wheel, sport-themed interior trim and perforated leather and simulated-suede upholstery.

　　Some of the fancier standard items are available on lower trim levels as options. Depending on the trim level, other options (which may be bundled into packages) to be on the lookout for include a navigation system, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, bigger wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system and a 12-speaker sound system. The Edge can also be equipped with extra safety features that include forward collision warning, a lane departure warning and intervention system, blind-spot monitoring, automatic wipers, second-row outboard inflatable seat belts, a 180-degree front camera and an automated parking system.

　　

2018 Edge Highlights

Trim: SESELTitaniumSportSE

　　

Base MSRP	$29,315
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles