Introduction

The mid-size 2021 Ford Edge has been a hit with shoppers ever since it first debuted in 2007. It's not hard to see why: two rows, good looks, and a reasonable price tag has kept this crossover on the radar for plenty of buyers seeking a healthy blend of style and practicality. 

The 2021 Edge SUVs don't look any different than prior year examples, but there is a new 12-inch touchscreen option with Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system. This system represents a major step forward from Sync 3, the software currently used in most Fords. Aside from the new interface, the Edge also benefits from new acoustic-laminated front side glass and standard rear parking sensors. Some mild feature changes among trims and packages round out the updates. 

Almost all Edge trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It gets paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four. The Edge's 0-60 mph run is about an eight-second affair. 

For anyone who craves more power, the only other option is the full-zoot ST. It alone offers more power by way of a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6. Making 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, this Edge will do 0-60 mph in under six seconds. All-wheel drive is mandatory, as is an 8-speed automatic. 

The most fuel-efficient model is the front-wheel-drive turbo-4 Edge, which returns 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined. Opting for all-wheel drive drops those figures to 21/28/23 mpg. The Edge ST is good for 19/26/21 mpg. 

The Edge comes standard with a raft of active-safety features, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control and a forward-facing camera are available on SEL and higher trims. 

The NHTSA gave the Edge a five-star overall rating. Similarly, the IIHS gave the Edge a Top Safety Pick after it aced all its crash-tests. 

Lineup

The cheapest Edge is the SE. It gets features such as cloth upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and dual-zone climate control. All-wheel drive is not available. 

The SEL adds heated and power-adjustable front seats, keyless start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights, synthetic leather upholstery, and heated exterior mirrors. All-wheel drive is optional. 

The Edge ST-Line retains the standard turbo-4 engine and gets features such as wireless smartphone charging, 20-inch wheels, remote start and a power liftgate. 

The fanciest model here is the Edge Titanium, which boasts leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen audio, 19-inch wheels, and power-adjustable pedals. 

At the top, the Edge ST has cloth buckets, all-wheel drive, turbo-6 power, and a bevy of exclusive trimmings inside and out. 

Walkaround

Ironically, the design of the Edge goes light on the sharp creases. The 2021 isn't quite as bubble-shaped as the first generation, but the roofline, hood, and front end all employ more curved rather than angled lines. 

Within the Edge family, the ST and ST-Line add some visual flair with their racier exterior accoutrements. More aggressive bumpers, black trim, and a pair of look-at-me exhaust tips bring the spice to a design that can sometimes feel a little bland. 

Interior

The Edge was beginning to feel a bit dull inside, but the new 12-inch touchscreen reinvigorates the cabin. Besides the abundance of screen it provides-which in recent years has become a major benchmark in measuring the goodness of a car's interior-the new Sync 4 infotainment system provides a major leap forward in connectivity. It offers twice the computing power of Sync 3 and utilizes machine learning in order to understand and adapt to user preferences. Its features include over-the-air updates, enhanced cloud connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

Glance away from the screen for a minute and the rest of the interior comes into focus. The hard plastics, basic design, and score of round buttons date it to the early last decade. 

The Edge's front seats could use more support in base versions, but Titanium and ST models have better bolsters and cushioning. The back seat offers 40 inches of leg room and is ample enough in this class. 

Rear cargo space measures out to 39.6 cubic feet. Drop the second row and that number increases to 73.4 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

Turbo power and sharp handling are the hallmarks of the Edge experience. All models come with some sort of turbocharged engine; in most cases, it's in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo-4. This engine pulls with earnestness, though getting to 60 mph takes about eight seconds. The numbers don't tell the whole story, however, and its pluckiness from a stop makes it feel quicker than it actually is. 

The Edge ST is another story altogether. Its turbocharged V-6 generates a strong 335 hp and an impressive 380 lb-ft of torque. That abundance of power lets 60 mph show up in about six seconds. It is fast and makes some fun noises under full throttle, yet remains dignified enough to drive daily. The powertrain is mannered and potent. 

Praiseworthy handling on the turbo-4 models separates the Edge from some of its competition. The steering feels precise and the car turns into corners with gusto. Winding roads aren't to be shied away from. All this is ratcheted up a notch in the ST. 

New acoustic glass helps quell road noise even more than before, making for a more serene experience. This couples nicely with Edge's ability to neuter unwanted jolts and vibrations from imperfect road surfaces. 

Summary

The 2021 Ford Edge is a competent crossover in a competitive segment that seems to get more popular by the day. The ST is expensive, for sure, but an SEL or ST-Line offer plenty of features and a palatable price. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.