If you glance too quickly at the 2020 Ford Edge, you might mistake it for an Explorer. Though Ford’s larger SUV received a refresh not too long ago, the Edge shows signs it will follow suit in the coming years. Gone are the days of the Ford minivan. Here to stay are the days of capable, comfortable, and affordable SUVs like the Ford Edge.
The current Edge boasts a new ST performance model that will have you out picking up groceries and navigating traffic with ease. Sure, you’re not driving a Shelby Mustang. But who says you can’t have your SUV and enjoy it too Let’s take a closer look at the 2020 Ford Edge before you answer that question.
Performance Specifications
Before we get to the performance ST model specs, know that Ford puts their basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine in every other variant of the SUV. With 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, it checks the box when it comes to a respectable engine. When properly equipped, the Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds. From the factory come both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants.
If you’re looking for a bit more from your family-hauler, check out the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine. Powering the “first SUV from the Ford Performance Team,” this six-cylinder engine boasts 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Pair that to an eight-speed automatic transmission that interfaces with the drive through a rotary dial, and you’ve practically got the makings of a low-end Land Rover. Okay, that might be a bit of a stretch. But who’s counting when you’re blasting through the gears in your sub-$50,000 SUV?
Available Colors
You can also choose from the following colors on the new Ford Edge.
- Agate Black
- Burgundy Velvet
- Iconic Silver
- Star White
- Rapid Red
- Dark Persian Green
- Atlas Blue
- Desert Gold
- Magnetic
Trimlines and Pricing
Ford prices the 2020 Edge at a minimum of $31,100. Smack down your cash — or in most cases, your credit — and you’ll have access to the full trim lineup: SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. Here are the highlights of each level, along with how much you’ll need to spend.
SE
Base SE models include dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch wheels, Ford Sync 3, and a rearview camera. For just over $31,000, the SE also features cloth seating, keyless entry, push button start, and LED headlights. You can add all-wheel drive and a dual-headrest DVD system for additional fees.
SEL
Choose the SEL model if you’re looking for leather and heated front seats. You’ll also enjoy the nine-speaker sound system, heated mirrors, and LED foglights. A hands-free liftgate makes bringing home groceries much easier. Full GPS navigation will get you wherever you need to go. There’s also a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. All-wheel drive, satellite radio, the DVD system, and a few extra driver assist features are available as extras. The base SEL model starts at $34,355.
Titanium
It’s only on the Titanium model that you’ll get genuine leather seating. Upgraded features also include a heated steering wheel which tilts and telescopes via a button on the side, remote start, “a household-style power outlet,” and ambient cabin lighting. Bang & Olufsen are responsible for the 12-speaker sound system and 19-inch alloy wheels handle the exterior styling. You’ll be spending at least $38,100 on this version of the Edge. And maybe a little more if you want some of the available bells and whistles, like AWD, parking assist, or a 180-degree front view camera.
ST
The Performance Blue exterior paint is only available on the ST model, which Ford claims to be the trim where “style meets thrills.” A full set of 20-inch black wheels are offset by the black leather and red accent stitching inside the car. Leather and suede soup up the interior, while all-wheel drive (and more powerful engine) allows you to go wherever you please. There are plenty of upgrades on this trim as well, depending on your desires. Unfortunately, some of the more advanced driver assist features are still not standard, despite a starting price of $43,265.
We didn’t include much information on the driver aids found on each of these trims in this section, but you can read about them below.
Safety Features
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are respected authorities on the safety ratings of brand-new and older models. The good news is that the 2020 Edge received 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. The IIHS also rated the Edge a 2020 Top Safety Pick, with a top level “Good” ratings in all categories.
Specifically, Ford equips all 2020 Edge models with Co-Pilot360. Included in this bundle of assistance features are “forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.” As required by law, the 2020 Edge comes with a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and post-collision braking as well.
You’ll have to pay a bit more if you’re looking for technology such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, the 180-degree parking system, front parking sensors, automatic parking assist, lane centering assist, and evasive steering assist.
Fuel Efficiency
For a turbocharged SUV, the 2020 Edge does fairly well when it comes to paying up at the gas pump. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder guzzles to the tune of 21 city and 29 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG), when purchase as front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models nearly match those numbers, only losing a mile on the highway.
Surprisingly, adding an extra turbo and two more cylinders doesn’t affect the fuel efficiency as much as you might think. Since the V6-powered ST only comes in all-wheel drive, you should see 19 city and 26 highway MPG.
Competitors
Competitors in the segment include models such as the GMC Acadia, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer. The 2020 Edge has average pricing for the segment and stands its ground with a hefty list of standard features. U.S. News even named it a Finalist for 2020 in their “Best 2-Row SUV for the Money” and “Best 2-Row SUV for Families” categories. That being said, there are a few hitches to this Ford’s giddy-up.
There are many aspects of the 2020 Edge to love. However, the underlying design is a bit lacking – even on the upgraded versions. For instance, Edmunds’ experts called the interior “dated and bland” and U.S. News compared it to other models in the segment, noting “several rivals, and other Ford vehicles such as the F-150 truck, have more upscale cabins.” The Edge might have “one of the roomiest interiors in its class,” but space doesn’t make up for the sometimes uncomfortable seating and hard black plastics surrounding occupants at every turn.
Let’s not ignore the positive aspects of the model, though. Kelley Blue Book experts noticed the rearview camera’s very own washer jet. And though there might not be a CD player anymore, SYNC 3 rated well with most reviewers. In fact, Edmunds’ experts agreed it was “one of the better tech interfaces on the market, especially when you take advantage of its voice controls.” There is sportiness to be found in the top-of-the-line ST version as well.
The Last Word
Whether or not you end up signing for your very own 2020 Ford Edge, it’s worth your time to take a look at what this SUV has to offer. The Edge blends the perks of a sedan with the utility and versatility of a crossover SUV. It might not be the fanciest model on the road. However, when it comes to what your family needs, the 2020 Edge packages it all into one convenient bundle. Take a test drive today and see what you think!
Source: Ford.com
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