2023 Ford Edge
Overview
The 2023 Ford Edge is one of many choices available to shoppers searching for a two-row mid-size crossover that offers desirable features in a presentable package at a fair price. Its ride is comfortable and compliant and the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate performance, though it doesn’t deliver the expected fuel economy on the highway. A twin-turbo V6 powers the range-topping, performance-oriented ST trim level, but its price tag isn’t too far off its luxurious corporate cousin, the Lincoln Aviator. Pricing revisions for the 2023 model year leave the base SE as the only Edge trim with a starting MSRP below the $40,000 mark. The Edge’s own brand-mate, the wildly popular Bronco off-roader, offers two trim levels in the mid-to-upper $30,000 range. That does nothing to help the Edge’s selling proposition; after all, this is a segment that contains the 10Best-winning Kia Telluride, the near-identical Hyundai Palisade, and a host of other strong players like the Mazda CX-9 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Adequate the Edge may be, but in this class adequate isn’t enough.
What’s New for 2023?
Aside from the price hike, the Edge also gets a few trim-specific changes. For starters, ST models get an available interior appearance package and the perimeter alarm option becomes standard. Other newly standard content includes an Iconic Silver honeycomb grille with chrome surround on SE and SEL models as well as Iconic Silver fog lamp bezels for SEL models equipped with the convenience package.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While the ST model’s boosted V-6 power sounds enticing, its price is anything but. We’d compromise by going with the mid-range SEL model with the turbocharged four-cylinder. Moving up from the SE to the SEL adds plenty of features to warrant the increase in price, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a partially digital gauge display, a nine-speaker stereo system, heated front seats, a six-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, LED fog lamps, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base turbocharged four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and, despite its casual acceleration, should provide adequate power for most customers. If you’re looking for an SUV that can keep pace with a Volkswagen Golf GTI from zero to 60 mph—and quite a few other zippy cars as well—check the box for the Edge ST, which gets a 335-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 and 21-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires. It’s not as light on its feet as the athletic Mazda CX-9—our benchmark for crossover handling—but the Edge ST is reasonably enjoyable to drive and provides reassuring stability in corners, unlike the non-ST models. Its steering is nicely weighted, if not particularly communicative, and its ride is comfortable over imperfect road surfaces.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has not yet released Edge fuel economy ratings for the 2023 model year, though we expect them to remain the same as 2022 since no mechanical changes have been made. For reference, four-cylinder models got EPA ratings of up to 29 mpg highway, and even the sporty ST model managed to earn a 25-mpg highway rating. We haven’t tested the four-cylinder with its new eight-speed automatic yet, but on our 75-mph fuel-economy loop the ST managed 25 mpg, matching its estimate. For more information about the Edge’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Plenty spacious for four adults, the Edge’s two-row cabin is a comfortable place for a commute or a road trip. Materials throughout the cabin are nicely chosen, but panel fit-and-finish could be better; we noticed a few misaligned dashboard pieces in our test vehicle. Otherwise, the interior design is simple and understated, with plenty of room for people and cargo. If putting junk in the trunk is important to you, the two-row-crossover segment is a great enabler. With the rear seats folded, the Edge accommodated 29 of our carry-on suitcases. Its competitors are all closely matched in cargo room, but the Edge’s thoughtful storage cubbies and slightly roomier cabin might seal the deal.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Edge models come with Ford’s latest Sync 4A software interface with a large 12.0-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and can work through a wireless connection. Ford also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot on all Edge models, but in-dash navigation remains an optional feature.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Several desirable driver-assistance technologies are standard—including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring—with more advanced features offered as options. For more information about the Edge’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
There’s nothing edgy about the Edge’s warranty coverage—it’s strictly average for the segment, with nothing to help it stand out to consumers.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Ford Edge Titanium AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$48,085 (base price: $41,850)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1999 cc
Power
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.4-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season, 245/50R-20 102V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.8 in
Width: 75.9 in
Height: 68.3 in
Passenger volume: 110 cu ft
Cargo volume: 39 cu ft
Curb weight: 4357 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 20.0 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 33.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.3 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (governor limited, C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 23/21/28 mpg
More Features and Specs
