UPDATE: You can now read our first review of the 2019 Ford Edge ST
Ordinarily the revisions to the Ford Edge for the 2019 model year would be characterized as an extensive freshening—updates to the exterior, interior, and electronics, but no changes to the basic sedan-derived architecture: chassis dimensions and structure carry over. But that doesn’t take into account the new Edge ST.
ST is the model designation Ford reserves for performance versions of various passenger cars, e.g. Fiesta and Focus. The suffix has never been applied to a Ford sport-utility vehicle. Until now. The ST adds almost 100 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque with Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft), which the company characterizes as the most potent in this class.
The other Edge engine choices continue to be a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder (245 hp, 275 lb-ft, up 5 hp and 5 lb-ft from 2017) and naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp, 250 lb-ft).
All three engines are paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 6-speed, and the ST is equipped with paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is optional with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and V6 engines, standard with the ST, and all include stop-start technology.
The ST package goes beyond a big increase in power by adding bigger brakes, sport suspension tuning, sharpened steering, driver-adjustable traction control, and bigger footprints via all-season tires on 20-inch wheels. Engaging the system’s sport mode enhances throttle response and raises the transmission shift points
Buyers can give the ST’s handling an even more decisive edge by opting for the more aggressive Performance Brake package, and Pirelli P-Zero summer tires on 21-inch wheels. The ST is further distinguished from the rest of the Edge family by various black exterior trim elements, including deeper rocker panels, the black mesh grille, the black-painted 21-inch wheels, and sporty bucket seats with deeper torso and thigh bolsters.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
More driver assists
Updates to the rest of the Edge lineup include restyled front and rear fascias, interior trim details, additions to driver assist features, and extensive upgrades to the vehicle’s telematics and infotainment.
Significant under the infotainment-connectivity heading is FordPass Connect. Standard on all Edge models, the feature includes a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of supporting as many as 10 devices, and enables Edge owners to locate, unlock, and remotely start their vehicles. Ford’s Sync with AppLink infotainment and communications feature is also standard, and goes beyond vehicle systems, allowing owners to remotely manage personal matters such as daily appointments and home electronics via the Ford+Alexa app. The upgraded Sync 3 system expands on the range of possibilities, and includes an 8.0-inch touch screen and a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium audio.
New driver-assist features include post-collision braking, to reduce the possibility of additional damage following an accident; an available adaptive cruise control system that functions down to a full stop and resumption of speed; and Evasive Steering Assist. Using radar and camera information, the steering feature reads driver response to slower or stopped vehicles ahead. If the system’s digital brain decides the response is inadequate it can apply additional steering input.
The 2019 Ford Edge goes on sale this summer.
