2021 Ford Edge

Ford’s SUV lineup is so expansive, there’s practically one for every buyer. At the top end sits the full-size Expedition and just below it the still-big three-row midsize Explorer. If either of those are still too cavernous the two-row Edge offers plush seating accommodations for up to five and is an ideal SUV for growing families that need a spacious, car-seat friendly vehicle without the extra bulk. At 188.8 inches long, it’s on the smallest end of the midsize SUV spectrum.

The Ford Edge debuted in 2007 and is now in its second generation. A refresh in 2019 brought sharper styling and new tech, and Ford added even newer tech for the 2021 model year, including a giant, Tesla-esque 12-inch touchscreen that runs Sync 4A infotainment. Although the Edge is six years into its lifecycle and there are so many other choices in Ford’s own portfolio, it still remains a moderately popular choice. 

The Edge competes in the overstuffed midsize SUV segment with the Honda Passport and Chevrolet Blazer. Other five seaters it might be cross shopped against include the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, which both have third row but are the length as the Edge. The price points of the Kia and Hyundai start a bit lower so buyers prioritizing value will be able to climb higher in trim levels to find a comparative model.

2021 Ford Edge Performance

Ford offers the Edge in five trims: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium and ST. All models but the ST come powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with a front- or all-wheel drivetrain. 

The Edge ST gets a turbocharged V6 engine rated at 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The larger V6 engine turns the Edge into a rocket ship, but other aspects of the pricey trim fall short. Steering is imprecise and numb. The suspension is soft, floating too much over minor undulations and crests in the road. The standard brakes feel squishy. And relatively small 20-inch tires that do nothing for grip or style.

Granted, there’s an ST option package ($2,695) that upgrades the brake rotors, pads and adds larger 21-inch summer tires, but for a vehicle with Ford Performance scrawled onto the door sill plates, those parts should be standard.

Most buyers will be happy with the four-cylinder engine. Ford never intended the Edge to be sporty—the easy ride, smooth shifting and light steering are a commuter’s best friend. Enthusiasts shopping in this segment will definitely grumble over modest steering feel, too much body roll and squishy brakes.

imprecise handling in the Edge could be a sign of its age; the Explorer and Escape compact crossover ride on more modern platforms and feature better driving dynamics and upgraded interiors. Some consider the Edge to be aging placeholder in Ford’s growing SUV lineup.

2021 Ford Edge Comfort & Convenience

The Edge got a big tech update for the 2021 model year, which brought a new 12-inch touchscreen to its dash. The giant display is oriented upright like a tablet, which allows for multi-tasking (navigation and audio can be used simultaneously). Ford’s SYNC 4A system is intuitive and colorful but a bit more complicated than previous versions. It’s still easier to use than many other systems, which helps reduce driver distraction. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard.

The Edge has 41.7 cubic feet of stowage behind the second row, which enough to fit a range of baby gear and sporting equipment. With the rear seats folded, storage expands to 74.8 cubic-feet. The Passport is the most competitive with space, offering up to 100 cubic-feet with the second row folded flat and as much as 50.5 cubic-feet behind the second row. The Blazer, Sorento and Santa Fe all fall short of the Edge in both measurements. 

Legroom for first-row passengers (42.6 inches) is near the top of the class, bested only by the Santa Fe (44.1 inches). The Sorento, Blazer and Passport all have about 41 inches of legroom for riders in the cockpit. Second row among the set is comparable; it ranges from 39.6 inches in the Blazer and Passport, 41.7 inches in Sorento and Santa Fe and 40.6 inches in the Edge.

The base Edge SE gets 18-inch wheels, active grille shutters, dual-zone climate controls, cloth upholstery and a the new 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Edge SEL adds leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power driver’s seat. Stepping up to the Edge ST-Line (a sportier appearance package) adds a power liftgate, LED signature lighting, 20-inch wheels, exclusive interior detailing, a remote start system and wireless device charging. The Edge Titanium brings 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated front-row seats and a Band & Olufsen sound system. The Edge ST gets several exclusive features that include 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery with Miko inserts, rain-sensing wipers and a Ford Performance-tuned suspension system.

2021 Ford Edge Safety Systems

The 2021 Ford Edge earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s thanks in part to the “Good” scores it earned in all crashworthiness categories but can also be attributed to the vehicle’s standard safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scored the Edge five stars overall, which includes perfect ratings in all categories except for rollover resistance, where it earned four. That’s not uncommon for SUVs, due to their higher center of gravity. 

All Edge models come with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver-assistance safety tech that includes blind spot monitoring (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, lane keeping warning, lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning as well as automatic high beams. All trims but the base SE get adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability and lane centering.