2018 Ford Edge Sport In-Depth Review

The Edge Sport has the word "Sport" in its name, but does it meet or exceed potential? And what plans does Ford have down the road for their midsize crossover amid new competition?

Pros: Good cargo/passenger space, clear control layout, smooth/powerful TTV6 engine w/AWD
Cons: Fuel economy, looks kinda anonymous - driving dynamics mostly match, upcoming 2019 Edge ST is even MORE expensive...

I’m sure you’ve heard - crossovers are in demand. As such, automakers are attempting to make one for every need, whether it be pure utility or driving pleasure. Enter the Edge Sport, Ford’s midsize performance crossover meant to offer buyers something with a little more... ahem, “edge” than similar competitors. Does it... “edge them out” or not? Let’s explore.

This test drive took place a Wilson Ford-Lincoln (formerly Saginaw Valley Ford-Lincoln) in Saginaw, Michigan. They have expansive inventory, AND helped me get my first car back in 2011. So if you’re in the tri-city area (or elsewhere), check them out!

Note: This was a 2016 Edge Sport I tested some time ago. No 2017s or 2018s were available. However, changes were minimal from 2015-2018, though Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay did both become standard in 2017. For 2019, the Edge gets a design refresh and the “Edge Sport” will become the “Edge ST” and gain 20 HP, along with other performance upgrades.

Today’s History Lesson

Ford’s Edge was introduced in early 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle, and was meant to capitalize on the growing SUV trend. The Sport model was introduced for the 2009 model year, and featured upgrades such as faux suede seat inserts, Ford’s SYNC in-car communications, 6-disc CD changer w/MP3, and 20-inch chrome rims with 22-inch rims optional. This trim was carried over for the 2nd generation of the Edge in 2015.

Looks the Part, But What’s Underneath Is What Counts

At first glance, the Edge Sport honestly just looks like an “all-black package”. It’s quite unassuming. But that’s not to say it it isn’t sharp. Available 21-inch wheels add to the appearance, and if you had any doubts about this Edge being different, simply check the rear badging or on the engine cover for confirmation. Overall, I feel the exterior is an understated kind of “sporty”, which works well with this design - especially in

black or red paint.

Underneath the Edge’s skin, there’s a 2.7L twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for a stout 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. And it’s only getting better for 2019, as mentioned. More on that later.

In case you don’t want/need that much power, the standard engine in non-Sport Edges is a 2.0L turbocharged Ecoboost with 245 HP and an optional 3.5L V6 with 280 HP, both still using a 6-speed automatic.

Street Smarts

Even though this Edge Sport still had MyFord Touch, gauges were laid out clearly.

While behind the wheel of the Edge Sport, one thing I really liked was the seating position. You can see over the hood well. However, visibility to the rear was seriously impeded by thick pillars. I recommend choosing a model with blind-spot detection, or BLIS as Ford calls it. I’m sure most drivers will be satisfied with the Sport’s power delivery. There was moderate turbo lag off-the-line, but this crossover MOVES once rolling! Midrange punch is strong. Streets were crowded, but I’d estimate 0-60 to be in the low-to-mid 6 second range.

Speaking of streets - handling was solid (though just short of sporty) with moderate body roll in turns, and ride quality was pretty nice most of the time. The interior also remained quiet. Although, over larger bumps you do feel more vibrations in the cabin and hear some road noise. Blame that on the larger tires. The Edge Sport’s exhaust note is not particularly sporty sounding - I couldn’t tell if engine noise was being piped in through the speakers - but the 2.7L engine itself is smooth, likewise for the transmission.

For the Economy Minded

Fuel economy for the 2.7L Ecoboost TTV6 I tested is 17 city/24 highway. If MPGs are a concern, you may want to pick a FWD, smaller engine trim of the Edge or similar crossovers.

Interior Appointments

Comfort and materials in the Edge Sport were mostly good,
though in some spots (like around the glove box) I noticed
inconsistencies...

Inside the Edge Sport, it’s a black-only affair. Trim and materials used lend to the sporty vibe, but I did notice that in some spots panels didn’t fit together. There were plenty of soft-touch points for those that enjoy feeling around, and the carbon fiber-like trim doesn’t look too fake. I found a good seating position easily, but like I mentioned, not without considerable blind-spots. I was comfortable sitting behind myself in my the rear seat, and at 5’7, I had plenty of headroom in all seating positions, even below the panoramic sunroof. Extra points for the suede inserts on the seats, too. I like.

The infotainment setup I used in this 2016 Sport was MyFord Touch, but with physical buttons to press on. MyFord Touch was available alongside Sync 3 during its roll out in the 2016 model year, but got dropped all-together in all Fords for 2017 forward. I personally found MyFord Touch easy to use, and the screen and gauge layout intuitive. MyFord Touch was often blasted for being laggy, but I experienced no such issue in this model. Whatever major kinks that existed I hear have been worked out in updates. Sync 3 is still far more intuitive from what I understand. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay were not on this example, but work well in other Ford vehicles I’ve seen. My tester had the active parking system, but I did not have a good place to test it. Edge's Sony branded speakers sound great! Plenty of bass and clarity.

I will say, I personally didn’t mind the touch capacitive buttons of MyFord Touch. If the on-screen UI and ease-of-use of Sync 3 and FCA’s UConnect could be combined with the touch capacity of MyFord Touch and motion sensing of Cadillac’s CUE, I’d call that an interesting system...

Cargo space was ample behind the rear seat, cavernous with the seats down. There's also some underfloor storage. With the rear seats folded, you’d be looking at 73.4 cubic feet of space, 39.2 with them up. Interior storage is decent, with various map pockets in doors, a decent-sized center console, and a decent-sized glovebox.

Does It “Edge” Out?

Pricing for my tester new was $45,285. I built a black 2018 Edge Sport on Ford’s website fully loaded for $47,100. It’s a compelling crossover. But things get more interesting when we break down pricing, however.

Some midsize SUV competitors for the Edge include the Nissan Murano starting at $30,800, the new 2019 Chevy Blazer officially starting at $29,995, the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (previously known as the Santa Fe Sport) starting at $25,500, and in a more distant land, the Jeep Grand Cherokee starting at $30,895. For 2018, the Edge starts at $29,315. For 2019, the Edge starts at $29,995. All prices are before destination.

That’s steep competition, but Edge falls right in line price-wise. It doesn’t look as sporty as the new Blazer, or as fluidic as the Santa Fe. It also lacks a “floating roof design” like the Murano, if that’s a styling trend that’s important to you. But I think Edge’s best selling point, particularly for the Sport and upcoming 2019 ST, is “simple sportiness.” It’s not understated, or overstated. It checks several boxes well without shouting, “LOOK AT ME!”

An Edgier Future

If you're sad about Ford's performance hatches and sedans going away - be sad no more! The Edge ST is coming to the rescue!

Speaking of the 2019 ST - as mentioned, the entire Edge lineup gets a refresh for 2019. Gone is the 3.5L V6, meaning it’s Ecoboost or bust in terms of engine choices. The 2.0T does gain 5 HP, and the 2.7L 20 HP, as noted, for total outputs of 250 and 335, respectively. An 8-speed automatic transmission is new. 

I saw the Edge ST at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and built a 2019 Edge ST, black paint of course, on Ford’s website for $52,415. That’s a $5,315 increase over the outgoing 2018 Edge Sport fully loaded. This price includes an ST Performance Brake Package upgrade. But at that price, you could also consider a very modestly optioned Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sport or BMW X3 with the M Sport Package, too. And they might drive better and get you more attention too. Just a thought.

Regardless, I think the Edge Sport is a solid crossover with solidly above average performance vs. it’s closest competitors. I don’t see it as a ‘sports crossover’ per se, but if you need utility, AWD, require more power, and like “simple sportiness”, the Edge Sport and forthcoming Edge ST are definitely worth a test drive.

Grading (Sport Only)

Engine Power/Economy: B+ (8 points)

Quietness: B (7.5 points)

Interior Quality/Comfort: B+ (8 points)

Driving Dynamics: B (7.5 points)

Cargo Capacity: B+ (9 points)

Overall: 40/50 (B-)

Other Specs (2018):

Engines Available: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (245 HP, 275 lb.-ft. of torque), 3.5-liter V6 (280 HP, 250 lb.-ft. of torque), 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (315 HP, 350 lb.-ft. of torque)
Drives: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmissions: 6-speed automatic

Fuel Economy Ratings (Sport): 17 city/24 highway/20 combined

Trim Levels: SE, SEL, Titanium, Sport

Model Pricing: $29,315 (SE) - $40,770 (Sport)

*Price as Tested*: $45,285

Available/Standard Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Brake Support, Stability Control, Blind Spot Monitoring (BLIS), Forward-Collision Warning, Rear-View Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Various Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Driver & Passenger Knee), MyKey, Child Locks, 911 Connect (via Sync 3), Enhanced Active Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist

Crash Test Results:

IIHS Offset: Good

IIHS Small Overlap Driver: Acceptable (if built after May 2015)
IIHS Small Overlap Passenger: Not Tested

IIHS Side: Good

IIHS Roof Strength: Good

Head Restraints & Seats: Good

Headlights: Poor
LATCH: Acceptable

Star Ratings: Frontal Driver- 5 Stars  Frontal Passenger- 5 Stars  Front Side- 5 Stars  Rear Side Crash- 5 Stars  Rollover- 4 Stars; Overall Safety Rating- 5 Stars

Key Competitors: All vehicles in the midsize crossover SUV segment; Includes the upcoming 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe (previously Santa Fe Sport), Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Murano

On the Adam’s Autos “Should You Buy It?” scale of “Drool, Cool, Meh, or BLEH”: The Edge Sport is “Cool” - consider leasing it while also looking at similarly priced and equipped alternatives.

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