First Review of the Ford Edge ST 2019: Powerful and Convenient

the Ford Edge can now wear a ST badge, but this is not the first time we see a warmer version of the five-passenger Blue Oval SUV. Edge Sport has been with us for a number of years with a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 315 horsepower, a firmer suspension, larger wheels and other stylistic improvements that help distinguish it from lower models. The Edge Sport is on track for 2019; the new ST simply takes its place.

At first glance, the Edge ST might not seem so different from the sport. It uses the same 2.7 liter engine, has similar suspensions and receives an appropriate set of sporty modifications. But Ford says 75% of ST's parts are unique to this model. And indeed, the devil is in the details.

Become the ST

For starters, the ST receives an exclusive front fairing with a larger mesh grille that improves cooling. Larger side sills and special dual tailpipes bring a sporty touch to the sides and rear of the Edge, while the crossover rolls on standard 20-inch wheels or more. 21 inches available. Inside, the unique front seats have sturdier side padding with fabric inserts – to better wrap you around corners – although the high seating position caused by the thick bottom cushion makes driving comfort difficult.

The 2.7-liter engine's power increases from 315 horsepower to 335 and the torque increases from 30 to 380 pounds. You'll get these numbers only if you're using 93 octane fuel, though, and it's unclear exactly what penalty power will result from using 87-octane gas (Ford only publishes the most impressive numbers). The turbo engine locks on an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a Sport mode that will hold longer in the meat of the tread, with more aggressive gear changes and even a good rpm during downshifts. All in all, the all-wheel drive Edge ST is expected to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds and return an estimated EPA to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

the Edge ST One certainly feels like an interpreter willing to climb on mountain roads outside Park City, Utah, the powerful and responsive engine in its sporting environment. My only complaint is that during difficult launches, there is a noticeable turbo lag before things really move.

As for the gearbox, the downshifts of the speed car are fluid and responsive, whether the transmission is left to its own devices or controlled manually via the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Speed ​​changes, however, are not so fast when I manually select the gears, with a huge delay when responding to the palette inputs. Opting for trans to be fully automatic is ultimately the best course of action for animated driving.

Tighten

To improve handling reflexes, the ST gets new shocks, firmer springs (12% stiffer at the front, 20% stiffer at the back) and a thicker antiroll bar at the front. Braking power is also improved thanks to an improved brake master cylinder and larger rotors and calipers. There is even an optional ST Performance Brake Package that includes special front discs, better brake pads, red-painted calipers (Natch), ventilated brake shields and 21-inch wrapped wheels. 265/40-Series Pirelli P zero tires.

On winding roads, the Edge ST is composed and does not feel like it when you push it hard. The heavy steering clears the nose of the ST, the suspension giving way to a roll before digging and dancing in turns. The tight hairpins force the front tires to move forward and there is still stinging when braking when the big pliers are asked to reduce the speed at the entrance of the bend. All things considered, this Edge more sporty is fun to drive, but still a heavy crossover.

Fortunately, the Edge ST does not feel too bad at ease on a tight autocross course either. Weight transfers from one side to the other are done in a controlled manner and it is easy to withstand maximum cornering speed, as the ST communicates well with the available grip of the tires. I do not recommend launching a Edge ST for the entire next year's auto-cross season, but a unique session here or there could definitely give you a good smile.

That said, this quick performance has the disadvantage that the ride quality is tough for everyday use, although it may be better with the smaller 20-inch wheel / tire assembly. This is not really shocking, but you will definitely feel every divot and rut you will encounter.

Always an advantage

Performance kit aside, the ST is the same as any other other Edge, providing usable seating for five passengers and up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. The quality of the cabin construction is correct, with many soft touch surfaces throughout the interior, as well as gloss black and carbon fiber trim.

The technology menu is familiar with Ford's user-friendly Sync 3 system, which features infotainment functions with an 8-inch touch screen, a 12-speaker B & O audio setup, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and more. Android Auto. Navigation and Amazon Alexa The integration, which can be used to lock and unlock the Edge and to open and close garage doors via controls, is available.

From Ford Co-Pilot360 security technology The package is standard, giving all sides a frontal collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping system, automatic high beam and standard reversing camera. Unfortunately, the image quality of the backup camera is not as sharp. In order to further strengthen the Edge's safety arsenal, a Co-Pilot360 + package is proposed, which incorporates an excellent adaptive cruise control system with assistance to stop-and-go and evasive guidance.

Affordable performance crossover

If you are looking for a powerful crossover that will not attack your bank account, the Ford Edge ST 2019 is not a bad place to start – nothing like this at this price point. For this reason, Ford is trying to position this ST as a more affordable and practical option than the Audi SQ5, the Jaguar F-Pace S and the Porsche Macan S.

Of course, these three European rivals are more dynamically competent and much more sophisticated, but carry accordingly heavier starting price tags. These SUVs range from $ 55,000 to $ 62,000, while the Edge ST starts at $ 43,450, including a $ 995 destination. My tester, well opted, rises to $ 46,540.

Realistically, I do not see a lot of candidates Macan buyers are heading towards the Ford showrooms. But for those who buy the Edge ST package, more sporty, they will certainly have something that will give trouble to other compact SUVs.

Editor's note: Roadshow accepts multi-day loans from builders to provide editorial reviews. All rated vehicle evaluations are completed on our property and on our terms. However, for this feature, the manufacturer has taken care of the travel expenses. This is common in the automotive industry because it is much cheaper to send journalists to cars than to send them to reporters.

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