What is it?
Ford’s range-topping Edge SUV brought all-American looks to UK shores back in 2016, and its uptake was reasonably strong. To continue its popularity, Ford has refreshed it for 2018, adding an updated design as well as a new engine and gearbox too.
Though SUVs are ten-a-penny these days, Ford hopes that the Edge’s aggressive looks, strong equipment levels and roomy interior will ensure it stands out from the crowd. However, is it able to? We’re in Sweden to find out.
What’s new about the Ford Edge?
This is no ground-up remodeling. Very much the facelift, the new Edge isn’t groundbreakingly different to the car it replaces, but this doesn’t mean that Ford has just fitted a new grille to the old Edge and left it at that. Yes, the looks have been refreshed, but there are also a new diesel engine and gearbox too.
To keep things current, Ford has also graced the Edge with a range of cutting-edge assistance systems, along with its latest in-car technology. Improved refinement has been put high up the list of priorities too, which is why there’s a variety of features now included in the Edge to help keep things as quiet and as comfortable as possible.
How does it look?
Though the Edge is a relatively new addition to the UK’s roads, it’s been on sale in America for some time now and this certainly shows when it comes to the car’s styling. It’s big, brash and square – but it does look good in the metal. Certainly, the new grille and revised rear lights give it even more presence than it had before and the 20-inch polished alloy wheels fitted to our test car only added to this.
How does it stack up against rivals in terms of looks? Pretty well, actually. Whereas many other manufacturers are leaning towards rounded, smooth designs the Edge’s blocky appearance does give it a certain amount of appeal. It’s likely to divide opinion, but that’s not such a bad thing in the SUV segment.
What’s the spec like?
Base Titanium specification Edge models are fitted with a strong amount of standard kit, with features such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and heated front seats all included as part of the car’s £36,995 price tag. At this price, the Edge makes a fair bit of sense – though it does come with the less powerful diesel engine driving just the front wheels alone.
Rocking in at £46,995, the Vignale does get all manner of extras over the base model. A leather-trimmed steering wheel, chrome roof rails and Matrix Adaptive LED headlights do make it stand out from the rest of the range, but these aren’t features which drastically alter the package.
Continued on next page: Interior, drive and our verdict