2020 Ford Edge Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
What's New
- There are six new colors: Atlas Blue, Dark Persian Green, Desert Gold, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat.
- Titanium and ST models no longer have a CD player.
- Class II Trailer Tow package now requires all-wheel drive.
Overview
The Ford Edge is a midsize, two-row SUV slotting between the compact Escape and the three-row Explorer. It was one of the original tweener midsize SUVs that offered seating for five and added cargo space. After its 2019 model year refresh, the Edge was also the first Ford SUV to gain a performance-oriented ST variant.
What We Think
Although it has a peppy engine, the Ford Edge in its standard guise isn't very polished. During <em>MotorTrend's </em>2019 SUV of the Year evaluations, we noted that our Titanium tester's suspension yielded a busy ride and poor damping. Ford's Sync 3 is now one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems and the addition of the rotary shifter frees up more small storage spaces for mobile devices. Unfortunately, even the high-end Titanium model has lots of hard black plastic.
The 335-hp Ford Edge ST provides strong acceleration but its eight-speed automatic can sometimes delivers clunky shift, as we noted in a 2019 First Test. When using the paddle shifters, it responds slowly. The SUV's shock absorbers are also overly stiff, causing plenty of vertical motions on bad pavement, sometimes to the point that the vehicle is pogoing on the road.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The base 2020 Ford Edge comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the Edge ST gets you a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2.0-liter turbo-four-equipped 2020 Ford Edge is 21/29 mpg city/highway in front-drive guise or 21/28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Edge ST, which comes standard with all-wheel drive is rated at 19/26 mpg.
Safety
The 2020 Ford Edge received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars).
In IIHS testing, the 2020 Edge received the 2019 Top Safety Pick award thanks to a Good score across all crashworthiness tests and an Acceptable headlight rating with the adaptive system and Poor with the standard ones (Good is the highest score). In the IIHS' front crash prevention test, the 2020 Edge received a Superior rating for avoiding a 12- and 25-mph collision (Superior is the highest rating).
All 2020 Edge models come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance suite, which bundles together automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Ford Co-Pilot 360+, which is optional on the SEL and higher grades, adds evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Utility (Cargo Space and Interior Room)
With all seats up, the 2020 Ford Edge has 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the split-folding rear increases total capacity to 73.4 cubic feet.
There's generous legroom in the 2020 Ford Edge with 43.6 inches for front seat passengers and 40.6 inches for those in the rear.
Technology
Ford's Sync 3 comes standard on the 2020 Ford Edge along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE hot spot, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and two USB-A ports. Built-in navigation, a 12-speaker B&O play audio system, and two 4.2-inch configurable gauge cluster displays are available on higher trims.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
2020 Ford Edge SE: The base SE grade comes standard with dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated driver's seat, cloth upholstery, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry/start.
2020 Ford Edge SEL: Moving up to the SEL trim adds LED signature daytime running lights, a nine-speaker audio system, and heated front seats.
2020 Ford Edge Titanium: At the top of the range, the Titanium trim adds a 12-speaker B&O audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, front parking sensors, leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a heated steering wheel.
2020 Ford Edge ST: The Edge ST is the most powerful variant available and gets similar equipment as the Titanium but adds special ST sport seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, and all-wheel drive. An available Performance Brake package adds 21-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front and rear brakes, an upgraded radiator, red brake calipers, a brushless radiator cooling fan, summer performance tires, and vented brake shields.
Available options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, a 180-degree front camera, and a rear seat entertainment system.
