We all know that consumers are once again choosing SUVs for their new vehicle purchase but that doesn’t mean they want to forgo the thrilling performance they had in their car. Well, enter the new breed of racier sport utility vehicles like this, the new Ford Edge ST.
Just weeks ago, I reviewed the updated 2019 Edge Titanium Elite and discovered it was still competitive in the midsize SUV segment but that father time had eroded some of its appeal. So to keep their 5-passenger sport-ute on the cutting edge, Ford Performance has tricked-out one all of their own.
Until now the go-faster ST treatment has been reserved for the Fiesta and Focus so this is the first time Ford is infusing it into one of their SUVs and it brings with it sharper handling via a sport tuned suspension, a sport mode for the new quick-shifting 8-speed replete with a more pronounced exhaust note, standard all-wheel drive and a twin turbo V6. And inside the contoured sport seats hold you firmly in place. It’s a thoughtful package that will satisfy the enthusiast driver at a reasonable price without going too far so as to water down the Edge’s family use.
This 2.7-liter engine is the real deal. Making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque it’s a huge upgrade over the standard Edge’s 2.0-liter engine and gives real credence to the ST badge. You’ll feel the steering wheel tug a little on full throttle, what’s referred to as torque steer, before the all-wheel drive system helps rein it in. When driving for the thrill of performance, it’s all about pressing the S in the center of the rotary dial. You can also put the traction and stability control system in a sport or full-off mode but there’s seemingly little difference in the handling when you do. The ST sticks pretty well no matter what. Ford’s all-wheel drive utilizes a disconnect feature to save gas, letting the front wheels do the all of work without parasitic losses until more grip is needed. You can view the torque bias right here in the gauge display. Unlike the Raptor though, another Ford Performance truck, the Edge’s sport gauges are minimal in scope, dated and small. There’s also no heads-up display which is particularly helpful in a faster drive like this. The 8-speed auto is smart in keeping the revs where you want them but the paddle shifters are hugely disappointing…way to slow to react to your input, especially upshifts. Another sign of age is the lack of drive modes – there’s only normal or sport.
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