2020 Ford Edge ST
Over a year ago, Ford began to change its strategy on its Performance division vehicles in light of the elimination of several car lines. All of the sudden, your Focus ST was replaced by an SUV.
Now, Ford Performance offers two SUVs with the ST trim line – the Edge and the Explorer. Plus, the iconic F-150 Raptor pickup truck.
When we first experienced the Edge ST, we did so alongside its turbocharged four-cylinder Titanium sibling. We wanted to show you the many different personalities of the then-revised two-row mid-size Edge.
This time, we were presented with only the Edge ST. It is specified different than the one we had over a year ago. Ford insists that this is the way most customers would order one. Let’s see if it is the way you want to have your Edge ST.
The black mesh grille of the ST welcomes you to its charms. So does its 21-inch black wheels and black trim on the liftgate. These added details make the Edge stand out in a crowd. The silhouette is chunky, but useful. You will find that all four doors open wide and the liftgate has a high clearance to make loading easier. The Edge ST gives you a vibe that mixes the practicality you expect in an SUV with assertive details that beg for you to play with it.
Just like the rest of the Edge lineup, it seats five passengers comfortably inside of a large cabin. The ST’s front seats offered a mix of leather and cloth upholstery, saddled with deep bolsters in the cushions and seatbacks. The rear seat offers plenty of head and leg room, with a lower transmission tunnel for the middle passenger in the back. Cargo space is generous with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet all the way to front seats.
We have to admit having mixed feelings about the rotary knob for the automatic transmission. We appreciate what Ford is doing in creating more space on the console, but we would love an actual shifter to match the personality of this SUV. Luckily, our ST tester added paddle shifters attached to the back of the steering wheel for better shift control. However, the new shifter adds more space for a set of buttons operating the climate control and a convenient set of cupholders. Our tester came with the upgraded B&O Play audio system, which offers crisper sound overall.
Our ST tester came with the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. This engine offered up 335 horsepower with 380 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is connected to this powerful motor, sending that power to all four wheels. It is pretty quick off the line and simply holds its own on the highway. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 23.0 MPG.
The ride quality is quite good on the ST. On rougher surfaces, it does its best to absorb the road below with minimal effect into the cabin. Handling is actually quite good, as it corners well and moves around obstacles with ease and minimal roll/lean. The Edge does feel bulky for its size class, but it can show some moves when tasked to do so. The latter is true for the ST, as it can corner quite well.
The steering is fine, as it has good wheel control and turning radius. On-center feel has a bit of lightness to it, but the Lane-Keeping System and Evasive Steering Assist combine to make sure the Edge does not go off course at any cost. These two features are part of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system that provides a degree of autonomous driving technology on board. The brakes are excellent, with great pedal feel and response. The system provided quick and short stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2020 Ford Edge ST starts at $43,265. Our ST tester with the Performance Brake package was priced out at $52,935. If you’re looking for a mild mannered Ford Edge, pricing starts from $31,100.
How unique is the Ford Edge ST? If you look at performance SUVs, there are just a few models the Ford can be compared to. Those models include the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43, BMW X3 M40i, Audi SQ5, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
There is one thing you can take away from this – the Ford Edge ST is not only the most affordable performance SUV of its kind. It could provide some fun while hauling your family around – or the goods from the store.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
