Current-gen Edge, unveiled in 2015, gets mild makeover to extend life cycle
Life-extending tweaks The 2019 Edge is not, as automakers like to say, “all new.” Ford prefers to describe it as “newish,” meaning the current-generation Edge, which made its debut in 2015, has been given a mild makeover to extend its life cycle, while bringing it up to date with competitive mid-size crossovers. There are some exterior changes that help distinguish it from the previous model, a few tweaks inside, some mechanical upgrades, plus considerable improvements in technologies, driver-assist features and connectivity. Here are 23 interesting bits about the 2019 Ford Edge. ▲
A few subtle changes The 2019 Edge, which shares its platform with the new Lincoln Nautilus, retains much of the exterior features of its predecessor, presenting a pleasing design of the conventional 2-box utility vehicle profile. There are few subtle changes, however, including a new hood and front fascia, a new, wider grille design and new standard LED headlamps. The rear end has been updated with LED taillights as well. ▲
Sporty choice The big news for 2019 is the addition of a hot new performance model (the ST) and the addition of an ultra-premium Elite package to the Edge’s top-of-the-line Titanium trim. The new ST model is the first Ford utility vehicle to be warmed over by the Ford Performance team. Ed Krenz, chief engineer for Ford Performance, conceded there were unique challenges to make the Edge worthy of the heritage associated with the ST badge. He said the company saw an opportunity to challenge other performance-oriented mid-size crossovers, such as the Audi Q5, Porsche Macan S, Jaguar F-Pace S, Maserati Levante and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, using this Edge variant with a significant price advantage. ▲
New pieces More than 75% of the ST’s parts have been changed from the outgoing 2018 Edge Sport. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.7-litre V-6 coupled to a new 8-speed automatic. Exterior differences include an updated front fascia and wider, black mesh grille with discreet ST badge; deep side skirts, dual chromed exhaust tips and 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch rims an option. The suspension system has been specially tuned to Ford Performance specs and the electric-assisted rack-and-pinion power steering system has been upgraded as well, resulting in a more direct, linear feel. The standard intelligent all-wheel-drive system includes a water-cooled transfer unit and selectable traction control with four settings, including AdvanceTrac sport/track, that works in conjunction with the electronic stability control. ▲
Model-specific EcoBoost power Just two engines are available – a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, double-overhead-camshaft, twin-scroll EcoBoost 4-cylinder and the 2.7-litre, 24-valve, DOHC , EcoBoost V-6 exclusive to the new ST. The 4-cylinder, with an all-aluminum head and block, produces 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm – up five hp from the previous year – and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 revs. The ST’s 60-degree turbocharged V-6 kicks out 335 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 380 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 revs. Both engines are calibrated to run on regular-grade (87 octane) fuel, but Ford recommends using 91 octane or higher for peak output and efficiency. (The published horsepower and torque outputs were measured using 93-octane gasoline.) ▲
Fuel efficiency Edge models with the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder and all-wheel drive have an estimated fuel consumption rating of 11.4 L/100 km in city driving, 8.3 on the highway and 10.0 combined. During a day travelling on a variety of roads and hilly terrain, the actual fuel consumption in the Titanium Elite I was driving was 10.9 L/100 km. With front-wheel drive, the ratings are 10.9 L/100 km city, 8.0 highway and 9.6 combined. The Edge ST, with the standard 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 and all-wheel drive, is rated at 12.6 L/100 km in city driving, 9.2 on the highway and 11.0 combined. ▲
Control on the dial Output for both engines is now delivered through an 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, although the gear ratios in the ST gearbox differ from the standard setup. The transmission includes stop/start technology for improved fuel efficiency, although the driver can deactivate this feature if desired. Gear selection is now controlled by a rotary dial located on the redesigned centre console, although the ST also has shifting paddles on the steering wheel. The Sport mode button, which alters throttle response and steps up gear changes, is located in the centre of the shifter dial, making it easy to locate and activate simply by touch. ▲
Accelerate hard; brake hard; repeat The ST’s Sport mode pumps up the driving experience with more aggressive throttle response and transmission shifting patterns that hold gears in the engine’s peak performance band. The tranny also upshifts quicker to maximize acceleration and has a rev-matching feature for smooth downshifts. It’s an intelligent transmission that learns the driver’s style and adapts accordingly. Krenz told my driving partner and I before departing on our route to “accelerate hard, brake hard – and repeat. After that, the transmission will be programmed!” ▲
Dial gear selector needs attention I wasn’t a big fan of the dial system during two days driving the Edge. I found myself looking down to the knob on the console to ensure I’d dialed up the proper gear, then felt compelled to double-check the choice with the digital indicator in the instrument cluster. Ford isn’t the only automaker to opt for the dial gear-selector system – Ram, for example, uses it as well, but at least its knob is mounted on the dash so you can see it without your eyes having to stray too far from the road. ▲
Power to the ground Intelligent all-wheel drive is standard on all models, although the SEL trim does offer a front-wheel-drive configuration as well. The Edge is the first Ford product to offer all-wheel-drive disconnect as a standard feature on all AWD models. This technology monitors feedback from dozens of sensors and automatically determines within 10 milliseconds whether the front wheels are sufficient, enhancing fuel efficiency, or changing conditions dictate all four wheels should be engaged for increased traction. The switch is done seamlessly without any input from the driver. ▲
Towing capacity The Edge’s towing capacity is 1,588 kg, when equipped with the Class II towing package, which is standard on the ST model and a $600-option on SE, SEL and Titanium trims. ▲
Impressive performance stats Although we never checked the numbers ourselves, Ford Performance says the Edge ST has a top speed of 209 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in about six seconds. Impressive stats for a 2,030-kg utility vehicle. We did push the ST hard while accelerating onto an interstate highway and it responded well. It was also adept at climbing the switchback mountain roads we tackled during our drive. Power was never an issue and the transmission performed flawlessly. ▲
Tough brake The ST I drove here was fitted with a performance brake package that included upgraded ventilated disc brakes with fade-resistant pads and 21-inch black alloy rims fitted with sticky Pirelli P-Zero 265/40 ZR21 summer performance tires. The package, which is a $2,695 US upgrade, is not being offered to Canadian buyers, however. Ford Canada’s product planner, Gonzalo Contreras, says Canadians will still be able to opt for the 21-inch black rims, but the performance brake package is not available – and the larger rims will only come with 265/40R21 all-season tires. ▲
Not for Canada The ST Performance Brake Package truly enhanced the ST’s dynamic attributes – the US-spec ST’s upgraded brakes felt firm and hauled the vehicle down well from speed, while the tires provided unexpected grip when cornering, especially on the tight curves we encountered in the mountains. Contreras did say he’s working hard to convince the Canadian decision-makers at Ford to change their stance. Perhaps selling the ST in Canada with a winter tire package included would be a solution. ▲
Premium upgrade The other addition to the Edge lineup for 2019 is the Elite package that’s being offered on the premium Titanium model. The $1,500 upgrade includes 20-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels with premium dark stainless-painted pockets, body-coloured front bumper, lower front fascia and lower side cladding, all with bright chrome inserts. The rear bumper also gets the body-colour treatment. Power is provided by Ford’s Valencia, Spain-built 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder mated with an 8-speed automatic. It doesn’t have paddle shifters, but the rotary shifter knob does have a Sport mode. ▲
Nice interior appointments The ST’s cabin is nicely appointed, with quality materials and good fit and finish. The seats have been upgraded with deeper bolsters, which provide excellent comfort and support, especially when testing the limits of the vehicle. There’s contrasting silver stitching on the steering wheel cover and seats, which are also embossed on the seatback with the ST logo. ST and Ford Performance badging is also added on the door sills and floor mats ▲
Sounding off Although the Edge has been praised in the past for its quietness, the transition to a performance vehicle has altered that attribute somewhat. In fact, the ST engineers have added an active noise control system they say provides a more engaging engine note inside the cabin. Yes, there’s certainly more noise coming from the engine bay, but I’m not so sure it’s “engaging.” While the growl of a V-8 may be appreciated inside a Mustang, I didn’t find the sound of the V-6 as appealing. ▲
Smooth ride Not surprisingly, the Elite’s ride seemed a bit softer than the firm ST, but it still handled well, even on the twisty bits. The comfort level was fine, even over some rough spots – overall, an ideal vehicle for extended travel. ▲
Upscale cabin While the ST’s cabin wasn’t exactly quiet, the Titanium Elite is serene. The interior décor in our tester featured soft white leather seats, contrasting black door panels and console with white stitching, plus an accent panel on the instrument panel that looked like aluminum carbon-fibre weave – a very upscale look overall. The audio system was excellent, and the navigation system was easy to use. I appreciated the heated/cooled front seats (with three settings) and the rear seats were heated as well. ▲
New technologies All 2019 Edge models get the Ford Co-Pilot360 system as standard equipment. It’s a suite of five driver-assist technologies – pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, including pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and dynamic brake support; blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert; lane-keeping system; rear backup camera with built-in lens washer, and automatic high-beam head lamps. Also standard is FordPass Connect (formerly SYNC Connect) with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that gives internet access to up to 10 devices. Using the FordPass app, drivers can use their smartphone to start, lock, unlock and locate their Edge. ▲
Driver assists Additional driver-assist technologies include post-collision braking (standard equipment on all models) that can help reduce the impact of a potential secondary collision by automatically applying moderate brake pressure when an initial collision event is detected; evasive steering assist that helps the driver avoid a collision with a slower stopped vehicle ahead, by providing steering support when the collision cannot be avoided by braking alone; and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring, also an available feature. The lane-centring system help keep the Edge in the centre of the lane even through curves. It also detects if your hands aren’t on the steering wheel, issuing a couple of warnings to resume the position. ▲
Wide open The Edge cabin will accommodate five adults, though four will find it quite spacious and comfortable. Getting in and out of the Edge is no problem, especially for rear-seat passengers as the rear doors swing wide, close to 90 degrees. Some front-seat passengers will lament the absence of a grab bar on the A-pillar, although there are four handles mounted above the doors. ▲
Easily expanded cargo space The rear bench is split 60/40 and folds down easily for added cargo space. With the rear seatback folded, there’s 2,078 litres of space for stuff; with it upright, there’s still 1,110 litres available. ▲
Value packed The 2019 Edge starts at $35,999 for the base SE trim, including all-wheel drive. The SEL is the only trim level that’s offered with just front-wheel drive ($37,999), although an AWD version is available as well, starting at $39,999. The Titanium trim starts at $43,399, with the new Elite package boosting the price to $44,899. The new ST model starts at $49,099. Destination and delivery fees are $1,790 for all models. Production has started at Ford’s Oakville assembly plant and the 2019 Edge models are currently arriving at dealers’ showrooms. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 23 new things in the "newish" 2019 Ford Edge