by Chris Chase
Introduced in 2007, the Ford Edge was a late arrival in a mid-size crossover segment made popular by vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru Outback.
Since then, the Edge’s appearance hasn’t changed much despite the arrival of a second-generation model in 2015. In 2019, Ford refreshed the Edge’s styling, trimmed the powertrain lineup to a pair of turbocharged engines, and added a sporty ST model.
I reviewed the Edge ST in early 2019, but for this test drive, I spent a week with the more mainstream SEL trim level.
Performance and driving feel
In 2012, the Ford Edge was one of the first mid-size crossovers available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An updated version of that 2.0L is now standard in all Edge trims except the speedy ST. It provides adequate performance, but never feels particularly quick despite its 280 lb-ft of torque.
At its 2007 introduction, the Edge was one of the best-handling crossovers you could buy for less than $35,000. Now, if you’ll pardon the pun, Ford has lost that edge. This mid-size model is an easy daily driver, but feels heavier and duller over the road than the full-size Ford Expedition I drove the week before.
All that said, the Edge does feel substantial and has a firm-but-comfortable ride over rough pavement.
Ford Edge fuel economy
Ford’s fuel consumption estimates for the Edge with the 2.0L engine and AWD are 11.4 L/100 km (city) and 8.3 L/100 km (highway). My test vehicle averaged 9.0 L/100 km in a week of mostly highway driving.
The Edge’s SEL trim is the only one Ford offers with front-wheel drive, which promises slightly better fuel economy.
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has an optional 2.0L turbo engine that’s less powerful than the one in the Edge, but also less efficient, with ratings of 12.0/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway).
Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback is optional with a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder whose power is similar to that of the Edge’s smaller engine, but promises better efficiency at 10.1/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Interior space, comfort and design
As Ford’s oldest crossover design, the Edge misses out on high-tech features like a digital gauge cluster, which you can get in the smaller Escape and larger Explorer and Expedition. Still, the Edge’s interior has aged pretty well. The Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and clear graphics. There are a few redundant audio controls on the centre stack, and a full set of climate control buttons below that.
The Edge’s headroom would be great if not for the panoramic sunroof, whose intrusion is most obvious in the rear seat. That it is optional even in the posher Titanium and ST trims suggests Ford knows some buyers might be turned off by the space the glass roof takes up. Generally, though, four adults enjoy good space and comfortable seats.
You can expand the Edge’s useful cargo area with split-folding rear seats, which form a nearly flat extension of the cargo floor.
Ford Edge features, pricing and options
Ford Edge pricing starts at $36,299 in SE AWD trim. SEL FWD comes in at $2,000 more, and adding AWD takes it to $40,299.
Edge SEL models are standard with dual-zone air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats, Apple and Android smartphone integration, 18-inch wheels, and all-LED exterior lighting.
Safety features included for the price are blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward collision detection with automatic braking, backup sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
To my tester, Ford added a panoramic sunroof for $1,850; ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery for $1,200; a $1,000 convenience package that includes wireless smartphone charging, a hands-free tailgate, garage door remote, and a 110-volt power outlet; a towing package for $600; and the Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ package that costs $850 and brings adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, lane centering, and navigation.
All told, my test vehicle came to $45,799 before taxes and delivery charges.
At that price, moving up to the Titanium trim is a better deal. It starts at $43,699 and comes with real leather on the seats, electric steering column adjustments, ambient cabin lighting, and a 10-way front passenger seat to replace the SEL’s six-way chair. Titanium also includes the wireless smartphone charging and hands-free tailgate that were options in my SEL tester.
Conclusion
There are many arguments to be made in favour of a proven design, and in many respects, the Ford Edge has aged well. Only the way it drives gives away the fact that this is one of the oldest vehicles in its class.
But if you’re more concerned with practicality, space and good real-world fuel economy than having all the latest touches, you’ll find a lot to like here.
2020 Ford Edge
Rating: 3.5/5
Vehicle category: Mid-size crossover SUV
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder, turbocharged; 250 hp, 280 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Notable standard features (SEL AWD trim; MSRP: $40,299): Dual-zone air conditioning, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats, smartphone integration, all-LED exterior lighting, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, collision detection with automatic braking, backup sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Notable options (as tested; MSRP: $45,799): Panoramic sunroof, $1,850; ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery, $1,200; Convenience package ($1,000; wireless smartphone charging, hands-free tailgate, garage door remote, 110-volt power outlet); towing package ($600); Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ ($850; adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, lane centering, and navigation)
Fuel economy, ratings (l/100km, city/highway): 11.4/8.3
Fuel economy, observed (l/100km): 9.0