What is it? The Ford Edge is a large SUV aiming to target premium market rivals.
Our view: The Edge is a very good mainstream large SUV and provides great value for money.
Type of review: Taster test
The Ford Edge effectively completes the brand’s SUV line-up, being a large – in fact very large – vehicle to sit alongside the EcoSport compact SUV and its Kuga mid-sized sister.
However, the newest Ford SUV is much more than a finishing touch. It is targeted firmly at upmarket, rather than mainstream rivals, Ford arguing that the vehicle can take sales from the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.
It will do this, we are told, on a combination of class-leading space, quality refinement (especially in the Vignale version) and technology every bit as up to date as premium alternatives. Take for example the microphone-based noise-cancelling software that adds that extra layer of silence to the cabin, even when moving along at speed.
There are two engine options for the Ford Edge, both versions of the 2-litre Duratorq diesel with either 180 or 210hp, and both allied to all-wheel-drive as standard. Six-speed manual or Powershift auto transmissions are available, while there are three trim levels – Zetec, Titanium and Sport – with the latter expected to take the majority of sales.
What do we think of it? The first impression of the Edge is that it is big – very big. And once one gets inside, that is not a bad thing, the car offering impressive space whether one is seated up front or in the rear. Remarkably, considering its size, the Edge is only offered as a five-seater, but that does make it seriously spacious.
It’s also well put together. The surfaces are of good quality, though the dash layout is not as user-friendly as some rivals. And while it does feel like a very good mainstream car, it still doesn’t quite make the leap into premium contention.
Our test vehicle was fitted with the more powerful 210hp engine, though in truth it doesn’t feel that powerful, needing a lot of work to hustle along with any urgency.
The car is well planted on the road, the all-wheel-drive helping greatly in this respect, and in our short test did a good job of smothering all but the most severe bumps.
Verdict: The Ford Edge is a very good mainstream large SUV. Looked at objectively it could challenge premium rivals, because while the base price might not seem a great saving, once one factors in the standard equipment it becomes a very serious alternative. The problem is, many will be seduced by the Audi or BMW badge, be taken in by their clearly premium interiors and fail to rate the obvious advantages of the Edge, particularly its space.
Ford Edge – key specifications
Tested model: Ford Edge Titanium 2.0 TDCi 210PS
Price: £35,245 (Range starts £29,995)
On sale: Sept 2016
Engine: 2.0 diesel, 210hp, 450Nm
0-62mph and max speed: 9.4sec, 131mph
Economy and emissions: 48.7mpg, 149g/km
Key Rivals: BMW X3, Audi Q5
Test date: September 2016
