Ford Edge (2016-2019) review

The Ford Edge is a family-sized SUV with an impressively practical interior lurking within its substantial dimensions. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, very well equipped and comes with a good collection of safety aids to help give you added peace of mind.

Ford is hoping to make a step upmarket with this car, however, and the dull handling might hold the Edge back when it’s compared to rivals in its price bracket. There’s no seven-seat option, while many buyers might wince at paying so much for a Ford, especially as the top models now cost in excess of £40k.

Tough competition in the large SUV class means the Ford Edge has a fight on its hands. It's the biggest SUV that Ford has for sale in the UK, and there's plenty of space on board, which makes it ideal for families, although there's no option of seven seats.

That's a shame, because many rivals to the Edge have seven seats as standard or as an option. Those rivals include the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, SEAT Tarraco, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and even the Land Rover Discovery Sport. You may possibly consider a Ford Edge over basic five-seat versions of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, and this also gives you some idea about where the Edge is priced, starting from around £37,000.

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An update for the 2019 model year sees the range simplified, but all cars are well equipped. There's no Zetec model offered, so the plush Edge Titanium is the 'entry level' model, sport-focused ST-Line and luxury Vignale trims offered, and all models are loaded with kit, including a powered tailgate, privacy glass, heated electric leather seats, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, auto LED headlights, climate control and keyless entry.

As you would expect, ST-Line adds a sportier look, with 20-inch wheels and sports suspension, while Vignale models also add bigger wheels, extra colour coded bodywork and plush front seats with extra padding.

Changes under the skin include the addition of Ford's latest EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engine. This comes in two power outputs - 148bhp or 235bhp – both of which use a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the lower powered engine is front-wheel drive, and the larger one is 4WD. Which engine you choose determines the trim you go for, and vice-versa, because the Titanium comes with the 148bhp engine, while the ST-Line and Vignale models exclusively use the more powerful motor.

Choose either engine, and quoted economy is poorer than the pre-facelift Edge. However, that's because of the new WLTP testing procedure than any drop in efficiency. Claimed economy for the 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS is up to 42mpg, while the four-wheel drive-equipped 238PS engine has a best of 41.5mpg. That's not as good as some large SUV rivals, though.

Prices for the Ford Edge start from around £37,000 for the 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS Titanium, while the more powerful ST-Line is around £43,000 and the Vignale is £46,000.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Edge SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk