Used 2018 Ford Edge

As more midsize-crossover SUVs morph into larger 7-passenger SUVs, it’s nice to know the 2018 Ford Edge remains a roomy, 5-passenger offering brimming with style, power and features. Ford’s 2018 Edge crossover SUV delivers car-like ride and handling plus the ability to tackle deep snow and light off-road trails. Although softer than a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Outback, the Edge nevertheless offers a number of sporty trims that can run circles around the Outback. Towing is another area where the Edge has a leg up on the Subaru. The Edge’s premium look and feel don’t come cheap, however, and you can save thousands buying an entry-level (but less well-equipped) SUV from Subaru, Kia or Nissan.

With an impressive balance of ride comfort, fuel efficiency and ample power, the 2018 Ford Edge is one well-rounded SUV. The base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is unique in both its potency and fuel economy, churning out 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, nearly equal to some competitors’ optional 6-cylinder engines. Although a naturally aspirated V6 is available, we really don’t see the need. Those looking for truly top-end performance should opt for the 315-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 exclusive to the Edge Sport. The Sport includes a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, but also comes with a noticeably stiffer ride. Fuel-economy fans will note that the front-drive Edge with the 2.0-liter engine comes with start/stop technology, a feature as annoying to some as it is welcome by others.

Ford’s Edge crossover SUV for 2018 offers a 2-row, 5-passenger layout that has generous space for both people and cargo. The Edge’s large exterior and form-fitting seats yield impressive legroom for both front and rear passengers, with the rear seats offering a commendable 40.6 inches. Cargo capacity is 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 73.4 with them folded. The cabin has a fresh, premium design. Ford has moved away from adaptive-touch controls, equipping the Edge with hard buttons for audio and climate controls. As mentioned, the revamped Sync 3 is a vast improvement over the past MyFord Touch.

The 2018 Ford Edge crossover SUV has a wide, squat profile. That translates to a roomy interior, but beware this Ford’s wide dimensions when pulling into a one-car garage. Ford Edge styling is conservative yet strong, starting with a large trapezoidal grille and ending with a sloped rear and wraparound lights that bring cohesion. Sport models stand apart with their piano-black grille treatment, unique headlights, body-color front and rear fascias, and body-color lower cladding. They can also be spotted from behind by their pair of trapezoidal exhaust housings instead of the circular bright tips of those on the other trims.

2.7-LITER ECOBOOST V6 ENGINE
Available only in the 2018 Ford Edge Sport, the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 turns the Edge into a performance hottie, with a stiffened suspension to better hug corners and standard all-wheel drive for improved grip and reduced torque steer.

SYNC 3 INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
After years of nightmarish complaints about its Sync infotainment system, Ford has finally gotten it right with Sync 3. Faster and more intuitive, the system in Ford’s 2018 Edge now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sync 3 is standard on Sport and Titanium trims and optional on the SEL.

The 2018 Ford Edge comes in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport. Spend the least on a base SE and you’ll still get a high-tech turbocharged engine, keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, cloth seats with 6-way-manual driver’s adjustment, and 18-inch wheels. Infotainment is brought to you by a basic Sync system with 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with USB input and Bluetooth connectivity. If your budget can budge another $3,000, you’re better off with an SEL model that adds power driver and passenger seats, reverse-parking aid, dual-zone climate control, EasyFold remote rear-seat release and satellite radio.

Options abound, running the gamut from pragmatic to the entertaining. Of the former, all-wheel drive can be had for better traction. Other features include navigation, a forward-facing camera to aid in parking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision and lane-keeping warning systems, and inflatable rear safety belts. A parking-assist system is also available. The high-end, leather-clad Titanium and Sport models offer Ford’s adaptive steering system, which varies response based on speed, and the hands-free liftgate feature that you’ll appreciate every time your hands are lugging groceries. Other amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic roof and a rear-seat entertainment system.

You have a choice of three engines in the 2018 Ford Edge. Standard on SE, SEL and Titanium models is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder. In addition to powering the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, the small but potent powerplant is offered with all-wheel drive (AWD). Optional on SEL and Titanium models is a 3.5-liter V6. Top-line Sport models come with the most powerful engine, a 315-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 with standard AWD. All models continue to use Ford’s well-integrated 6-speed automatic transmission. All also have a Sport mode for quicker acceleration, and paddle shifters replace the former awkward manual-shift buttons. With the max-towing package, all models of the Edge except the Sport are rated to pull 3,500 pounds, with the Sport rated for 2,000 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (SE, SEL, Titanium)
245 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (FWD), 21/29 mpg (FWD, with auto start/stop), 20/27 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 (SEL, Titanium)
280 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
250 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (FWD), 17/23 mpg (AWD)

2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Sport)
315 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (AWD)