2019 Ford Edge Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

Refreshed front and rear stylingEight-speed automatic with rotary shifterMore standard features, including safety and driver assist functionsEdge ST replaces Edge SportPart of the second Edge generation introduced for 2015

　　The 2019 Ford Edge could be a great choice if you're looking for a crossover SUV that's a little nicer than the norm but won't bust your budget. You'd definitely like the way the Edge drives. It's tight and controlled, much like a sedan. Then there's its interior space. While the Edge doesn't have a third row, it does have a larger cargo area and a roomier second row when compared with other crossovers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ford Edge SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 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

　　$188/mo  for Edge SE

　　Edge SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $29,995 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,990 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,300 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $35,295 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,760 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,755 MSRPST 4dr SUV AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,355 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Edge can be equipped at near-luxury levels. But even in base form, it offers many advanced driver safety features as standard this year, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Ford has also updated the Edge's powertrain. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine now makes 250 horsepower and comes with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. We previously thought the Edge was a little slow, but we expect this year's model to be a little more spritely.

　　There's also a new Edge ST for 2019. Replacing last year's Edge Sport, the ST should satisfy the performance-minded. It comes with a turbocharged V6 engine that produces a strong 335 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST comes standard with all-wheel drive and a sportier suspension.

　　There are few other desirable vehicles that offer an upscale approach to the crossover SUV formula. If you want a third row, the GMC Acadia or Kia Sorento might work out better. You might also like the fully redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall, though, we think the 2019 Edge's roomy interior, respectable fuel economy and enjoyable driving characteristics make it a worthwhile addition to the test-drive list.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　

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 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　There's good thrust around town, where the new eight-speed transmission offers better gear selection than the outgoing six-speed. Its responses could be sharper, however. Consistently agreeable steering, handling and braking help give the Edge good manners even if it's not necessarily going to quicken your pulse.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　Overall, the turbo four-cylinder engine is up to the task of moving the Edge. At freeway speeds, the acceleration could be better. Its responses are heavily damped, but the thrust it ultimately delivers is generally satisfactory. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Initial action when you first apply pressure to the pedal is rather soft, but the braking force is easy to modulate. Unlike other vehicles with a similar type of pedal characteristic, the Edge manages to avoid vagueness in routine braking. We recorded an emergency-stopping 60-0 mph distance of 119 feet, which is an acceptable result for a midsize SUV.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　The steering is well-weighted and provides a reliable sense of the on-center zone. The quick ratio is well-matched to the handling. But the steering is mostly mute when it comes to transmitting the state of the front tires' grip to the driver.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　The Edge handles respectably well for a vehicle of this type. It responds crisply when bent into a corner and doesn't get unduly upset by midcorner bumps. Not the most enthusiastic crossover, but it doesn't really put a wheel wrong either.

　　

Drivability

6.5

　　The transmission shifts smoothly, though somewhat excessively at times. This tendency, coupled with a slow-to-respond gas pedal, means the Edge can occasionally take a beat to sort itself out. Sport mode helps shorten the delay by holding revs. Manual mode is not very effectual — it's slow to respond, and there is precious little engine braking.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The Edge is an extremely quiet vehicle with solid seat comfort up front, although the back seat is rather flat. The ride comfort deals with many moderate bumps very well. Smaller road seams and textures tend to make their way to the cabin in the form of a subtly busy ride. But some people might not notice.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The seats are cozy thanks to comfortable seat cushioning and soft leather. But the modest bolsters are up to the task of the car's handling. The flat, unsupportive rear seat is clearly optimized for folding, not ultimate comfort. A reclining rear seatback is a nice touch, though.

　　

Ride comfort

6.5

　　The Edge is better at absorbing moderate-size bumps than smaller ones, which results in the ride being busier than expected. It's not offensive, but this type of texture is common to many road surfaces. The Edge exhibits somewhat exaggerated vertical motion response to moderate dips and bumps, too.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　The Edge is a very quiet vehicle with excellent wind noise isolation. The dominant noise is tire patter and thump, and even that is not obtrusive. The engine is smooth, too, though the soft mounts that make this possible don't help the drivability.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The climate control system is capable and quiet with the exception of some odd, muted sighs and clicks audible with the radio off. Redundant climate controls include hard keys and functions in the touchscreen, but mode is accessible only through the latter.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　The Edge's interior offers sound functionality thanks to a sizable cabin, easy entry to the front seats, and ability to accommodate drivers of various sizes. But some of the secondary buttons aren't as intuitive to use as they could be.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The primary controls are clearly and logically laid out, but certain secondary controls could be better. The climate control buttons' grouping and layout leave room for improvement. And tactility is lacking in the steering wheel buttons — it's easy to push the wrong button unintentionally.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　Up front, the Edge is easy to get into and out of thanks to the large front door opening — the steep rake of the windshield doesn't get in the way. The front doors open quite wide too. But the rear doors opening is on the narrow side near the bottom edge, which could pose additional trickiness in crowded parking stalls.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　There's plenty of seat adjustments and steering wheel reach to suit a variety of driver proportions. The ideally sized and shaped steering wheel is a nice touch.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　The front seating area has no shortage of room, with a wide footbox and plenty of headroom. The deep dashboard and wide door panels erode the perception of space, but the reality is that it's spacious. The back seat has decent headroom and is quite wide.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　The view forward is somewhat blocked by the broad windshield pillars, side mirrors and prominent corners of the hood. Otherwise, the view out doesn't unduly suffer, with a reasonably tall glass area and a vast rear window.

　　

Quality

7.0

　　Design can affect the perception of quality, and while its construction may prove robust, the Edge Titanium's interior looks cheaper than it should. Perhaps lower trim levels at a lower price point would make a better impression.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　Without the need to package a third row of seats, the Edge packs a cavernous cargo area. Its seats fold quickly, too, although they don't fold completely flat. Its redesigned console for 2019 has additional storage options, though you'll mostly use the front console bin and armrest bin.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　The Edge offers a sound assortment of storage options. The console bin has two tiers but is fairly narrow. The nook at the base of the console below the climate controls is rather deep and has a rubberized bottom. There are two cupholders and slots for keycards on the console.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　It has a roomy, deep and wide cargo hold that's near the front of the class in size (39.2 cubic feet behind the second row). The 60/40-split folding back seat folds extremely quickly and easily but does not fold flat. The power tailgate also has that handy hands-free foot-swing actuation.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　There are four reasonably accessible LATCH points in the back seat that are exposed (no covers to pull back) and three obvious top tethers on the back of the rear seats. Bigger rear-facing and convertible infant seats might be a bit of a squeeze if the front occupants are above-average height. Multiple seats in the back shouldn't be a problem.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　Most of the tech features in the optional Sync 3 infotainment system work well. The Edge has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a host of driver assistance and convenience aids. The voice controls are better than many, but the touchscreen could stand a few shortcut buttons.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The Sync 3 system relies on an 8-inch touchscreen with few hard key shortcuts that would make it easier to carry out basic tasks. Fortunately, the graphics are crisp and the pinch-zoom functionality works well. Integrated navigation is optional.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.5

　　Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easy to use and connect your devices to. Stay charged up with two USB ports up front and multiple 12-volt charging spots, including a household-style 110-volt plug in the back.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　The Edge has plenty of standard features — automatic emergency braking, auto high-beam control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional adaptive cruise control system has average reflexes overall.

　　

Voice control

8.5

　　The Sync 3 voice commands work reliably, and they respond to many natural language commands to access music, radio stations and certain navigation functions. iPhone users have the additional option to hold the button down longer to access Siri on their plugged-in smartphone.

　　

Which Edge does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Edge SEL has a lot of equipment for the money. It comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, Ford's Sync 3 system that provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a large 8-inch infotainment screen, 10-way power driver's seat and six-way power passenger seat. Drivers living in areas that frequently have inclement weather can also equip their SEL with all-wheel drive.

　　

2019 Ford Edge models

　　The 2019 Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that can seat five. It's offered in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium and ST. The SE is decently equipped, but the SEL offers more amenities and access to options packages. The Titanium is all about luxury, while the ST is the performance model.

　　For powertrains, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque) is standard on SE, SEL and Titanium models and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The ST model gets its own sporty twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft), an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.

　　Standard features of the SE model include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seatbacks, a 4.2-inch central display screen, automatic wipers, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, voice controls, a 4G data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port. This year, the SE also comes with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking as standard.

　　The SEL adds rear parking sensors, an exterior keyless entry pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is also standard. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and dual USB ports.

　　The SEL is available with Equipment Group 201A, which adds simulated leather upholstery (ActiveX), heated front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch driver-customizable display in the instrument cluster, and LED daytime running lights.

　　The Titanium gets the above equipment as standard plus 19-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, noise-reducing front windows, leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, ambient interior lighting, front sport seats, driver-seat memory settings, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, a wireless charging pad, remote engine start, and a 12-speaker B&O audio system with HD radio.

　　To the Titanium's equipment roster, the Edge ST 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 adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, adaptive LED headlights, an automated parking system, evasive steering assist, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, ventilated front seats, bigger wheels and a rear seat entertainment system.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 Edge articles

　　

2019 Edge Highlights

Trim: SESELTitaniumSTSE

　　

Base MSRP	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles