2020 Ford Edge ST – Road Test

It hasn’t been long since we last drove a Ford Edge – just a few months, but this one is different – it’s the top range ST version. All models come with a 4-cylinder Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost Engine… except for the ST – it gets a Twin-Turbo V6 Engine, meaning more power and more grunt, and a Performance Tuned Suspension that is definitely an upgrade and one that we appreciated. So is it worth upgrading to the ST? Short answer…Yes.

What Is It?

Large-ish SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) – this one is more CUV – Crossover Utility Vehicle
This review covers the ST but there are five available models: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium and ST
7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 Engine producing 335hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque
8-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shift with Auto Start-Stop for enhanced fuel economy
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Class II Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control comes standard (Maximum Towing Capacity – 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs)

How Does It Look?

Every upgrade in the Edge lineup just makes it better looking and that’s no exception to the mid-cycle facelift on last years’ model
Visually, Ford replaced the three-bar front grille with a honeycomb-looking grille to the larger Ford Explorer
I like the update, but in reality why didn’t Ford give us an all-new Edge this year? Other than GM, tell me who drags a model on for 8+ years nowadays?
The ST is definitely the looker of the lineup – the standard 20” wheels are by far the nicest on offer, compared to the 21” optional rims (+$950)
The ST gets a distinct rear treatment of Trapezoidal Fascia along with integrated bright exhaust tips that helps it stand out
Test vehicle came in the Ford Performance Blue colour that is very eye-catching
It feels very bulky, especially because the fenders are quite pronounced from the driver’s seat, making it feel like the Edge is exceptionally wide. You would think those little fins would make it easier to judge the width, but it was quite the opposite

What’s It Like Inside?

Inside, there’s no difference between the models… other than the seats. The ST has leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats with Miko inserts, 10-way power driver and passenger seats. Noteworthy too, the ST seat is a little more restrictive or bolstered on the seat base and my wife reports this having been a concern when she was selling vehicles at Ford. The seats are quite firm, but once you find the sweet spot they extremely comfortable – even on long drives
3-Person Driver’s Seat & Mirror Memory
Although it got an update in 2019, absolutely nothing on the centre and front console or even the steering wheel was changed. It did however get a rotary dial shifter instead of a lever, which I love
The centre dash is attractive, it looks nice and tidy, but I still prefer dials over the buttons
If you don’t like the controls for the HVAC (the buttons are so small it means taking your eyes off the road for too long) there is another alternative – you can use the touch screen to control the HVAC, heated steering wheel and seats – it’s much more user-friendly – or try the voice activated commands!
The 12-speaker B&O Sound System (by Bang & Olufsen) sound is superior to many similar systems, and much better than the outgoing Sony system in previous Edges
The stereo is so nice and easy to make adjustments with its nice big volume dial front and center. The steering wheel also has adjustments that are logically laid out and easy to use – plus the Sync system is definitely the best when it comes to voice activated commands and finding your favorite tunes – even on a thumb drive with thousands of songs!
Very quiet and hushed interior
The massive Panoramic Vista Roof makes it nice and bright – I just love these glass roofs
With a virtually flat floor, there’s an abundance of legroom for rear passengers
Cargo room is plentiful and you just push a button to lower the seat backs for more cargo
Cargo space is 39.2 cu.ft. (1,111 L) or with rear seat backs folded flat it gives 73.4 cu.ft. (2,078 L) of total space, plus there’s a little more storage under the cargo floor

So How Quick Is It & How Does It Handle?

The ST adds 90 hp and 110 lb.-ft. of torque to the standard 2.0L Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine (245 hp / 275-ft. of torque) and Performance Tuned Suspension
Throttle response in the V6 is nicely balanced (the 2.0L was either on or off)
In Sport Mode the throttle is a little better and feels even more responsive
Steering input is responsive and has a perfectly weighted feel to it – switching to Sport mode didn’t appear to make any difference
Brakes are superb and easily modulated

Horsepower: 355 @ 5,550 rpm (Premium Fuel)
Torque: 380 @ 3,000 rpm (Premium Fuel)
Top Speed: 214 km/h / 133 mph
0-60 mph (sec): 5.7

What Does It Cost? For up-to-date pricing and options in your region visit: www.Ford.ca or www.Ford.com
To Buy…
The Ford Edge ST (base price): $49,399

As Tested: $56,549
401A Package – $5,800
Cargo Mat – $400

To Operate…

Rated at (L/100 km): City -12.5 / Highway – 9.2
We averaged a very impressive 8.4L/100 km during highway driving in the 110-120 km/h range
In fairly aggressive town/urban driving with heavy right feet we got an average of 11.4L/100 km
At a steady 80 kms/hour, we got 7.4 L/100 km
Auto Start-Stop is a nice bonus for city/town driving where you sit at the lights forever

Warranty:

Basic: 3 years/60,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Roadside Assistance: 5 years/100,000 km

The Competition
Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Lincoln Nautilus, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

- The Good: Good all-round SUV/CUV with plenty of room and loaded with safety features. Very comfortable and fun to drive too
- More Good: Like the 4-cylinder version, I feel the fuel economy is worth mentioning – it’s a blast to drive and with lead-footed driving we were getting around 11.4 L/100 kms in-and-around town, and 7.4-8.4 on the highway!! BETTER than we were getting in the 4-banger!
- The Bad: Can’t think of anything
- The Ugly: Can’t think of anything

What’s The Verdict?
We’ve now driven both the 4-cylinder and the V6 and to be honest we didn’t feel we lacked anything in the way of power by going with a smaller, 4-cylinder engine…however we were surprised the V6 was actually better on fuel. The suspension was the big difference – far sportier and firmer than the base one – something we prefer.

On my review of the 2019 EDGE Titanium I said “If you have or need an SUV/CUV in this size category you can’t go wrong with the Edge…it looks great and the price can’t be beat.”

Having spent time with the ST, THIS is the one you want without a doubt.