2021 Ford Edge Review

　　

2021 Ford Edge Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2021 Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that sits right in the middle of Ford's SUV lineup. Is the Escape too small and the three-row Explorer too big? The Edge might be right for you. For 2021, the Edge gets a larger infotainment screen with Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, the latest the automaker has to offer. That adds to the Edge's other positive attributes, such as a roomy and upscale interior and pleasing performance.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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

　　$192/mo  for Edge SE

　　Edge SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,750 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,745 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,190 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $37,185 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,940 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,935 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,940 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,935 MSRPST 4dr SUV AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $43,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　A key rival to the Edge is the Honda Passport. It's spacious and comfortable and scores high in utility thanks to a generous cargo area and plenty of clever storage up front. We also like the versatile Kia Sorento and the stylish Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Among this group, the Edge is a decent pick but has some drawbacks that keep it from truly excelling. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to learn more and get our in-depth take on the 2021 Edge.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Edge drive? 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. Consistently agreeable steering, handling and braking give the Edge good manners even if it won't quicken your pulse.

　　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. Engaging the Sport mode can help shorten the delay.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Edge? The Edge's comfortable front seats offer supportive bolsters and soft leather, but the rear seats are fairly flat and shapeless. The reclining rear seatback is a nice touch, though. The suspension and body dampen out moderate-size bumps in the road pretty well, but smaller bumps and imperfect pavement actually make the Edge feel a little bouncy.

　　We're more fond of the Edge's quiet cabin, which provides excellent isolation from wind, road and engine noise. The climate control system is capable and quiet with the exception of some odd clicks that you can hear with the radio off.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Edge has a sizable cabin that provides plenty of room for the driver and passengers. The primary controls are pretty intuitive to use, although secondary functions, such as those for the climate system, could be better.

　　The front doors open wide, making it easy to hop in and out of the front seats, but rear-seat access is a little tighter. Ample seat and steering wheel adjustments mean nearly all drivers can find a proper seating position, although forward visibility is hampered somewhat by the broad front roof pillars.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Ford Edge now includes the latest version of Ford's Sync infotainment system. That includes a tall 12-inch touchscreen display. The navigation system is one of the best you'll find in any car today, and the new screen looks crisp and is responsive to use.

　　Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. And there are two front USB ports, multiple 12-volt outlets and even an optional 110-volt household-style outlet for keeping devices topped up. Several driver aids — automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and auto high beams, among them — come standard.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Without the need to package a third row of seats, the Edge offers a cavernous cargo area. There's 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row, among the most generous in the class. You can fold the 60/40-split rear seatbacks quickly, but they don't lie down completely flat.

　　There are four reasonably accessible car seat points in the back seat that are exposed (no covers to pull back) and three obvious top tethers on the backs of the rear seats. Larger rear-facing and convertible infant seats might be a bit of a squeeze if the front occupants are of above-average height.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive Ford Edge with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). We matched the EPA's 23 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Edge a good value? Buyers perceive value in different ways, but the Edge should rank high with people who prioritize comfort, technology and active safety. The base Edge with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder stacks up well against most competitors and offers a generous set of standard features.

　　It's competitive with most midsize SUVs in warranty coverage, and it offers longer roadside assistance than some other vehicles. Perceived build quality, though, could be better. Our Titanium AWD test vehicle was priced like a luxury brand but didn't look like it inside.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　The Edge isn't the sharpest midsize SUV, but the steering is crisp. There's also a confidence in its basic driving dynamics that makes it a whisker more interesting than the average SUV. Given its size, quiet cabin, and sophisticated safety and infotainment tech, the Edge both meets and exceeds expectations for this class. Ultimately, its basic functionality will win people over.

　　

Which Edge does zzdcar recommend?

The base SE model comes fairly well equipped, but we suggest stepping up to the SEL trim. It includes more creature comforts such as power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

　　

2021 Ford Edge models

The 2021 Ford Edge is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium and the performance-focused ST. All but the ST are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 275 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Meanwhile, the Edge ST is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) paired with a new seven-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:

　　SE

　　This base Ford Edge comes reasonably well equipped with:

　　Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower) Eight-speed automatic transmission Front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is an option) 18-inch wheels LED headlights Dual-zone automatic climate control 12-inch infotainment screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Six-speaker audio system Keyless entry with push-button start Ford Co-Pilot360 Automatic high beams Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) SEL

　　The SEL trim is similar to the SE but adds:

　　Simulated leather upholstery Power-adjustable, heated front seats Ford's SecuriCode entry keypadYou can also get more options for the SEL. These include:

　　Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Navigation system Convenience package Household-style power outlet Security alarm Power liftgate Remote start Wireless charging pad ST-Line

　　The ST-Line is basically an Edge SEL with some sporty design touches plus some extra standard features, including:

　　Black exterior trim and lower front and rear fascias Body-colored bumpers and lower cladding 20-inch gloss black wheels Red accent interior stitching Standard Convenience packageTitanium

　　The Titanium trim gives the Edge a more premium feel with:

　　19-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Leather upholstery More power adjustments for the front passenger seat Rain-sensing wipers 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking) Standard Convenience packageOptions for these trims include:

　　Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Navigation system Lux package (Titanium trim) Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Front-facing camera Automatic parking system Panoramic glass roof Towing package (with Class II hitch)ST

　　The Edge ST is the sportiest model in the lineup. It builds on the SEL trim with:

　　Turbocharged V6 (335 hp) Seven-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive 20-inch black painted wheels Sport-tuned suspension Black and body-colored exterior trim that's similar to the ST-Line's Front sport seats with silver stitching Leather and suede-like upholstery 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio systemOptions include:

　　ST Performance Brake package 21-inch gloss-black wheels Larger brakes with red-painted calipers and performance pads Improved cooling Summer tires for better grip High package (similar to the Titanium's Lux package)

　　

2021 Edge Highlights

Trim: SESELTitaniumST-LineSTSE

　　

Base MSRP	$32,750
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