More and more consumers are once again choosing SUVs for their new vehicle purchase but that doesn’t mean they want to give up the thrilling performance they had in their car. Enter the new breed of racier sport utility vehicles, like this 2019 Ford Edge ST. The go-faster ST treatment is currently available on the Fiesta and Focus but this is the first time Ford is infusing it into one of their SUVs. It features uprated handling and braking, a sport-tuned suspension, Sport Mode, a new quick-shifting 8-speed automatic, standard all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo V6. The specially tuned 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine brings some heat, making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. A performance brake package is available. While some sport modes disappoint this one seems legit bringing more aggressive throttle response and shifting patterns, sharper engine braking and a more resonant exhaust note. To hold you in while you’re whipping through the turns, unique ST seating adds additional bolstering. How does it stand apart from a garden variety Edge? The ST features new front and rear styling, a wide mesh grille, deep side skirts, dual exhaust and unique 21” wheels. But don’t worry, if the ST is a little too edgy for you, all models are refreshed for 2019 with a small power boost from the standard 2.0-liter engine and improved fuel economy. Look for it this summer.

We all know that consumers are once again choosing SUVs for their new vehicle purchase but that doesn’t mean they want to forgo the thrilling performance they had in their car. Well, enter the new breed of racier sport utility vehicles like this, the new Ford Edge ST.

Just weeks ago, I reviewed the updated 2019 Edge Titanium Elite and discovered it was still competitive in the midsize SUV segment but that father time had eroded some of its appeal. So to keep their 5-passenger sport-ute on the cutting edge, Ford Performance has tricked-out one all of their own.

Until now the go-faster ST treatment has been reserved for the Fiesta and Focus so this is the first time Ford is infusing it into one of their SUVs and it brings with it sharper handling via a sport tuned suspension, a sport mode for the new quick-shifting 8-speed replete with a more pronounced exhaust note, standard all-wheel drive and a twin turbo V6. And inside the contoured sport seats hold you firmly in place. It’s a thoughtful package that will satisfy the enthusiast driver at a reasonable price without going too far so as to water down the Edge’s family use.

This 2.7-liter engine is the real deal. Making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque it’s a huge upgrade over the standard Edge’s 2.0-liter engine and gives real credence to the ST badge. You’ll feel the steering wheel tug a little on full throttle, what’s referred to as torque steer, before the all-wheel drive system helps rein it in. When driving for the thrill of performance, it’s all about pressing the S in the center of the rotary dial. You can also put the traction and stability control system in a sport or full-off mode but there’s seemingly little difference in the handling when you do. The ST sticks pretty well no matter what. Ford’s all-wheel drive utilizes a disconnect feature to save gas, letting the front wheels do the all of work without parasitic losses until more grip is needed. You can view the torque bias right here in the gauge display. Unlike the Raptor though, another Ford Performance truck, the Edge’s sport gauges are minimal in scope, dated and small. There’s also no heads-up display which is particularly helpful in a faster drive like this. The 8-speed auto is smart in keeping the revs where you want them but the paddle shifters are hugely disappointing…way to slow to react to your input, especially upshifts. Another sign of age is the lack of drive modes – there’s only normal or sport.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t an Edge RS meaning the level of sportiness here in restrained - enjoyable but nothing crazy. I would definitely recommend the summer tires and brake package to maximize the Edge’s athleticism because these Hankooks don’t really compliment the sport suspension. It’s ride if very smooth and quiet and in sport mode the engine and exhaust get their chance to show off - the best part of the Edge ST experience. It looks great particularly in this Ruby Red but the Edge’s age is evident in here.

At $2,695 it’s pricey but if you’re really looking for true ST-level handling and braking performance this package is a must. It adds 21” wheels, max performance summer tires, and uprated brakes that I can only assume take better advantage of the ST’s tighter suspension tune. As is, the crisper steering and greater body control kind of get lost by the softer-sidewalled all-seasons.

And yes, the Edge ST has nailed the racier look. Beefed up body work riding on 20s with unique exhaust outlets in the rear, this SUV turns heads. And the special sport seats, sculpted with suede-like inserts are a perfect fit for an ST. With nearly every option, this Edge sits at $49,925. And for that, I’d like to see even more. Yes, there’s a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, also ventilated in the front, wireless device charging, all of Ford’s latest infotainment including navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start and auto everything like high beams and Adaptive Cruise Control with a stop and go feature. But no all-wheel drive lock mode, no sliding rear seats, no rear USB ports or window sunshades combined with the aforementioned omissions take the ST down a notch. And other than this splash screen there’s little in the way of ST bling. I’d like more.

When driving more leisurely, the ST plays nice with a super quiet cabin and relaxed powertrain operation. The exhaust is barely distinguishable until Sport is selected. There’s also a foot-activated liftgate, excellent cargo room, remote seat switches and some clever underfloor storage. So its family responsibilities are firmly intact, including its gas mileage which still runs on regular at 21mpg as compared with 23 in the standard Edge. However, its total driving range drops below 400 miles.

Though it doesn’t blow my mind from behind the wheel, the Edge ST indulges the SUV driver’s spicier side at a sub $50,000 price.

So you’re considering an Edge; good timing. Ford has updated their 5-passenger midsize SUV for the 2019 model year to keep it a compelling choice.
Though most Ford shoppers opt for the smaller Escape or larger Explorer, the venerable Edge is still a big volume player for the brand. It has staying power, name recognition and has long since received positive reviews from me. Built upon Ford’s CD4 platform which also underpins products such as the Fusion and Lincoln Continental, this 2nd generation Edge debuted for the 2015 model year and moves into 2019 refreshed with a new look and host of new features.
So the 3.5-liter V6 is no longer, replaced across the board, with the exception of the sporty ST, with this 2.0-liter turbo making marginally more horsepower than before and working through a new 8-speed automatic producing relatively impressive fuel economy of 23mpg on regular unleaded.
Rated at 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque on 93 octane, a little less when running on the recommended 91 and minimally acceptable 87, this twin-scroll EcoBoost engine continues to be a satisfying fit here delivering the refinement of a larger displacement motor with the advantage of besting its competitors at the gas pump; thanks largely to the 2019 model’s additional 2 gears, a new all-wheel drive disconnect feature that automatically shifts power from the front wheels to all 4 wheels in a fraction of a second as conditions necessitate and improved aerodynamics including active grille shutters that open and close as needed. However, its 426 mile driving range is down a little from last year because this Edge carries a smaller gas tank.
The Edge has distinct personality traits that make it an enviable SUV, including its soft, supportive front seats, a commanding view driving position that’s reminiscent of a minivan’s with its more upright nature and a very supple ride quality accompanied by relaxed yet precise driver controls that clearly communicate premium. The cabin is very quiet too which always helps push the luxury narrative.
This loaded Titanium trim adds in just about everything a premium SUV owner could want including a wireless charge pad, panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats and a hands-free foot activated liftgate. But when you offer a safety suite called Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist + and it doesn’t include a 360 degree camera!?
So you get a 180 degree camera but that’s it. New safety tech like Post-Collison Braking is standard and this Edge includes extra features such as Evasive Steering Assist and Lane Centering that gives the driver a little help staying on the straight and narrow when using the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. So there’s a multitude of electronic helpers here but still not as many as I’d like to see at this lofty price.
The updates have helped both the exterior appearance and to a lesser extent the cabin ambiance where this Titanium trim possesses a premium feel in terms of super comfortable seats, high quality leather and hushed quietness but it is still missing a handful of goodies that show its age - no heads up display, no drive modes, no all-wheel drive lock, no sliding rear seats, no rear USB ports or window shades. And at $48 those omissions are not acceptable just ask the Hyundai Santa Fe.

I also miss having an automatic brake hold feature for times when I’m stuck in traffic to give my right foot a rest. The new rotary gear shift is cool, the changeable ambient lighting is a conversation piece and the 12-speaker B&O Play premium audio system is a nice get. There’s also a foot-activated liftgate, excellent cargo room, remote seat switches and some underfloor storage. But even with the panoramic roof, the cabin feels a little dark and claustrophobic.

So while I appreciate the edgier styling, 20” wheels, and gorgeous Ruby Red paint and love the comfort the Edge provides along with its tuned riving acumen, fact is that the new Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate is exceedingly more modern for $8,000 less. That’s a big price difference for the nuanced advantages the Edge provides. I really do like it, but I’d like it a lot more for about $40,000. If this Titanium AWD Elite Package is too rich for your blood, the 2019 Edge starts at $31,000 with 4 trims levels available.

The Edge is Ford’s entry into the midsize SUV segment, offering 5-passenger seating and a choice of turbocharged engines. Though the headlines surrounding the refreshed 2019 Edge speak of the new ST performance model, the luxury angle is also being covered with this new Titanium Elite trim. Ford says this is the Edge for those who desire more. Appearance upgrades over the standard Titanium model include a body-color front bumper and front lower fascia, body-color side cladding, a body-color rear bumper, a more premium rear skid plate, and unique 20-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels with premium dark stainless-painted pockets. The top-end Titanium trim already accounts for a third of Edge sales so this 2019 Elite package gives the luxury customer even more to crave. All Edge models but the ST run with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine making 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. All-new driver assist technologies include standard post-collision braking and available evasive steering assist and lane centering as part of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go. The center console has also been redesigned featuring a new rotary gear shift dial. Pricing will be announced closer to its on sale date this summer.