Have you heard the news? Ford is changing its lineup to make room for more electric vehicles that live up to and exceed our expectations of what it means to drive a Built Ford Tough vehicle. That change means finding a new Ford Edge for sale on lots around the country will soon be a thing of the past, with the automaker discontinuing the model after 2024. But is this good news or bad?
The Edge’s retirement is bittersweet. It marks the end of an era for the versatile and popular SUV, but it also means drivers can reap the rewards by investing in a used Edge. As someone who recently owned an Edge, I can attest to its appeal and why it’s an impressive model packed with features and innovative technologies. Unsurprisingly, these characteristics have defined the Edge since its debut in 2007.
The First-Generation Edge (2007-2014)
Ford turned heads in 2007 when it expanded its SUV lineup with the Edge. Positioned between the Escape and Explorer, the Edge filled a much-needed gap in Ford’s SUV family. As a midsize crossover, it made a lasting impression with its engaging and efficient powertrain, spacious cabin, and value-packed trims.
Trims and Features
The first-generation Edge was initially available in three trims: the SE, SEL, and SEL Plus. Ford renamed the SEL Plus the Limited in 2008 and added a Sport trim in 2009. The trims offered a progressive lineup of features, with the SE setting the baseline with its cloth seats, AM/FM stereo, CD player, and 17-inch painted wheels. The SEL added higher-quality seating with a power driver’s seat, a premium radio with a six-disc CD player, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.
Ford answered the need for luxury and performance in the SEL Plus and Sport trims. The Edge Limited boasted leather seats, an EasyFold second row for greater accessibility, and Ford’s SYNC connectivity system. The Sport made the most of the potent 3.5L V6 engine and the six-speed automatic transmission by adding 22-inch wheels and performance tires. Exclusive design details like the Alcantara seats, body-color details, and dual exhaust tips finished the SUV’s sporty aesthetic.
Performance
Besides the first-generation Edge’s well-equipped trims, the SUV quickly garnered acclaim for its engaging driving demeanor and efficiency. The first-generation Edge featured a multi-engine lineup after its 2011 refresh, giving drivers a choice between a 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four, a 3.5L V6, and a 3.7L V6. With Ford fine tuning the engines throughout the generation, the Edge saw a steady increase in output, with its top performer (the 3.7L) delivering 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Industry Recognition
The Edge’s high-value packaging and many standard safety features earned it widespread praise across the industry. The 2007 model earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and more top honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ward named the 3.5L Duratec V6 to its “10 Best Engines” list. The SUV also earned the coveted APPEAL Award from JD Power and Associates.
The Second-Generation Edge (2015-2024)
The Edge continued to evolve, with Ford introducing the SUV’s second and final generation in 2015. With production still running, you can still find second-generation models on the new and used lots. It’s how I ended up behind the wheel of an Edge with low mileage and packed with features just a few years ago. But what else can you expect from this generation and the SUV’s final curtain call?
Trims and Features
The second-generation Edge sees a significant shift in its appearance, with Ford likening it to the larger Explorer by sharing many design elements. Early second-gen models feature a hexagonal front grille, which Ford updated in 2019 to mimic the three-bar grille on the Explorer. Newer models, like the 2023 and 2024, feature an iconic silver honeycomb grille with a chrome surround that gives the SUV a more elegant and refined aesthetic.
In addition, the second-generation Edge offers more wheel options and an extended color palette. Ford also adjusted the Edge’s trim lineup to offer distinct personalities and more overall value. The SE base model continues to set the stage for the SEL, which was now followed by the luxurious Titanium and potent ST. The Edge ST is easily and undeniably the most exciting in the lineup and a great find on the used lot.
The Edge ST defies every expectation of a midsize crossover, from its design to its performance and handling. It makes history as the first SUV from Ford Performance to feature a quick-shifting automatic transmission, an ST-tuned sport suspension, and standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control. For the best find, look for an Edge ST on the used lot with the ST Performance Brake Package. Instantly recognizable by the red-painted brake calipers, the package adds four-wheel vented disc brakes, performance brake pads, a brushless radiator cooling fan, and gloss black-painted 21-inch aluminum wheels to transform the SUV into the ultimate road warrior.
Performance
The second generation marked another round of firsts for the Edge, with Ford upgrading the SUV’s powertrain to bring its towing capacity to 3,500 lbs and adding to its versatility. The base powerplant is a 2.0L EcoBoost, followed by the 3.5L V6 and the impressive 2.7L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. As expected, the twin-turbo V6 is the ST’s heartbeat, producing 335 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2.0L EcoBoost is no slouch either, offering plenty of power for a base engine by producing 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5L fell in between the two but had the lowest fuel economy and was discontinued after 2018.
Technologies
One significant appeal of shopping for a second-generation Edge built after 2019 is enjoying technologies comparable to what you’ll find on the newest models. For example, Ford enhanced the Edge’s safety and driver-assist suite in 2019, adding post-collision braking, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering. In 2021, the Edge introduced an expansive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The Final Chapter
The Edge’s final curtain call is set for 2024, with Ford making only minor updates to the SUV in its last year. For example, the 2024 Edge is stylistically the same but offers an extended three-year trial of Ford’s Connected Built-in Navigation and one year of Ford Streaming. These minor updates make shopping for a used Edge even more appealing, especially if you can find a later second-gen model like the Edge ST that can satiate your penchant for performance without compromise.
I can say from experience that, regardless of trim, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Edge and everything it offers. Although I traded up to the Explorer, the trade was out of necessity, with our family needing a third row and more cargo room for outings, vacations, and errands. Kids require a lot of stuff. If that hadn’t been the case, I’d still be driving the Edge and keeping my eye out for an Edge ST on the used lot. After all, who doesn’t want a little more power under the hood?
