2019 Ford Edge ST Review: Not Your Mom’s Crossover
Erica Mueller
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What do you get when you spend $52k on a Ford Edge ST? A lot more woooohoooooo!!!!
This has been the most asked question of the week when people ask about the car and hear the price tag. Wait, isn’t a Ford Edge a mid-size SUV with a liftgate? Haven’t we heard of it as an economically friendly choice for families? Yes, and yes. But, the Ford Performance team saw the opportunity to take a car you’d never dream of driving on a track and give it a makeover. Meet the 2019 Ford Edge ST… not your mom’s crossover.
The Ford Performance Family Now Includes the Ford Edge
There’s a Mustang GT in the Ford Performance lineup. There’s a Ford Raptor in the F-150 family. There are ST –for Sport/Technology– versions of the Focus and Fiesta. These vehicles are built on the same platforms as their cousins, but they’ve been given beefed-up suspensions, bigger and better wheels, more torque and horsepower thanks to stronger engines, and a whole slew of appearance extras so they look the part, such as aluminum brake and accelerator pedals, red accents, black grilles, red brake calipers and unique body colors. Often these performance vehicles are inspired by actual vehicles Ford has made for specific purposes… the Ford Raptor was built for the Baja Races; the Focus ST was built in response to buyers who were modifying their Focus base models for performance driving.
So why would you want a Ford Performance Edge ST?
Who this Car is For
- People who really like to drive, not just get from point A to point B.
- Families who need passenger and cargo space, but want something fun and cool.
- Musicians… this car has a fantastic sound system and room for all of your gear!
Plenty of drink holders, charging ports, and even wireless charging. And that “S” in the center of the rotary gear selector? That puts the car in sport mode! Photo by Erica Mueller
What This Car Costs
- The Edge SE base model starts at $29,995 and is budget friendly, safe, and perfect for young drivers and small families like and has a standard twin-scroll 2.0L EcoBoost engine;
- Upgrade to the SEL ($33,3000) for a few more options, like hands-free lift on the rear gate, remote start, a wireless charging pad for your devices, power seats for the driver and passenger, a roof rack, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen and voice-activated infotainment and navigation system;
- The Titanium model ($38,760) adds a premium sound system, front camera, LED headlamps, ambient lighting, power/tilt/memory steering wheel, 110V/150W AC Power Outlet, and 19″ wheels;
- The ST Model, $42,355, has a 2.7L V6 Turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, intelligent AWD disconnect is standard (it’s an available add-on for the other models), 20″ wheels standard (21″ available), the ST logo badge and design features including aluminum brake and gas pedal covers. This trim level also comes with 6 unique color choices only available for the Ford Performance family of vehicles.
- Add an optional panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, a performance brake package, 21″ wheels, front and rear seat floor liners and vented disc breaks bringing the total MSRP to $52,125
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Look at those 21″ wheels with their glossy black paint. SHARP! Photo by Erica Mueller
A Sporty Exterior that Turns Heads
The model we drove was Ford Performance Blue Metallic, a bright and ultra shiny hue. The color-matched side mirrors and fenders, the shiny black grill and the red ST badge really make this car stand out. And those glossy black 21″ wheels with their red brake pads? Definitely not your standard people mover. This car looks fast.
Let’s Talk about the Ford Edge ST’s Interior
Space. Space. And more space. From the massive cargo area in the back to the plentiful legroom in the second row, it’s easy to see why someone would choose a Ford Edge ST over a sedan. If you hit Costco on a regular basis like I do, or have kids in sports, or a dog who goes everywhere with you, the Edge has room for that.
Ford really did a good job of designing the seats in this car to hug you just right, but not make you feel crowded. And the back seats are comfortable too, which is very important for a family car. The mix of suede and leather in the ST’s interior is a really nice touch that is both sporty and luxurious. The rear seats have a 60/40 split so you can configure your seating and cargo space if you need to haul something large, but still have a passenger (or two) in the back seat.
The car we drove sported an optional panoramic moon roof that let in lots of natural light to perk up a gloomy spring day.
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Neat and tidy, everything you need is easy to find. Photo by Erica Mueller
Elegant and Not Overwhelming Technology
On the dash, steering wheel, and console everything is very clean, simple, and pleasing to the eye… not cluttered and overdone. Perfect for keeping your eyes on the road and really enjoying the drive.
- You get voice-activated navigation and infotainment for safe hands-free management of everything from phone calls to finding your destination on a map.
- And of course, there’s Bluetooth connectivity and Apple Car Play or Android Auto if you want to connect your own apps and music to the car.
- The all-around view cameras make parking a breeze. You can also use them to check your surroundings before you back out of your driveway. (For me, this means looking for chickens who like to play in the gravel.)
- And finally, the gear shift dial. Usually, when I see this in a car, I growl to myself. But, I found the dial on the 2019 Ford Edge ST to be both space saving and nice to use. It didn’t feel loose and cheap like so many I’ve experienced. And the “S” in the center of the dial? Press it to put the car in sport mode! And BOOM your drive is supercharged.
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What We Like About the 2019 Ford Edge ST
Personally, I was very skeptical about this car. The Edge has never stood out to me as particularly cool, and while I had a chance to ride around town in the Edge ST when it first came out, I didn’t get to drive it or spend much time in it until this week. So I had to set aside my preconceived notion of this being a “mom car” and see where it would take me.
As it turns out, the 2019 Edge ST is a blast to drive! It takes off quickly, doesn’t whine, and feels like it just really wants to go. Like a dog who is eager to play, there is no hesitation anywhere. And on the long winding rural roads, the car really shines, taking every corner with agility and just the right amount of stiffness to make you feel safe. I think this car just makes you feel young again, and ready to take on the world. And that feeling is worth a whole lot.
What You Need to Know
- Paddle shifters and sport mode put the ST in your drive;
- 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, vs. 250 HP and 280lb-ft of torque in the 4 cylinder turbo model
- Fuel economy estimated to be 19 city/26 highway, compared to 22 city/29 highway in the 4 cylinder model;
- All wheel drive is standard
- Regular gas can be used though Ford recommends premium to get the full potential of the Edge ST’s performance engine
Disclosure: Ford provided me with this 2019 Ford Edge ST to drive for a week. All opinions are my own.
2019 Ford Edge ST Monroney
