2020 Ford Edge ST Review By Larry Nutson

2020 Ford Edge ST
Fast flexibility

By Larry Nutson Executive Editor and Bureau Chief Chicago Bureau The Auto Channel (DSC_6906)

The midsize crossover SUV segment is the largest sales segment in the U.S. It offers something for everyone from a basic SUV to top performing sport models.

Coming from the Ford Performance team is Ford’s first performance crossover SUV and the first to wear the ST badge. The Edge ST was introduced for 2019 and continues for 2020 without much change. However, there is for 2020 a new Edge ST-line variant now being offered.

I had two different drive experiences with the Edge ST in the past year and I was happy to recently get behind the wheel again. Last year at the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin the rural roads surrounding Elkhart Lake proved very suitable for feeling-out the overall driving dynamics of the ST. I also spent a weekend in Southeast Florida where I had a good opportunity, thanks to Ford, to make a couple expressway runs as well as drive the Edge ST in typical urban traffic.

) The Covid-19 pandemic has put the damper on track events this year. This most recent drive was confined within the communities around my Chicago home which included a couple highway stints. The 2020 Edge ST had a bit of a price bump and now has a base of $43,285 plus the $1,245 destination charge. The Rapid Red tinted clearcoat exterior ($395) certainly made the ST stand out.

Additional options on my driver were Equipment Group 401A ($4840), the Cold Weather Package ($495) and the ST Performance Brake Package ($2695) bringing the bottom line to $52,935.

Edge ST features a specially tuned 335hp 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. With 380 lb.-ft. of torque, a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control the ST has lots of go power.

Sport Mode opens up the dual exhausts as well as changes the calibrations of both the engine and transmission mapping for increased performance. Shift paddles make for easy control of transmission gear selection.

Zero to 60mph is in less than 6 seconds and top speed is 130mph. See ya!

The Edge ST has larger front and rear stabilizer bars as well as ST-tuned front struts and rear monotube shocks. Brake rotors are also upped to 345 mm (13.6”). The ST-tuned sport suspension and steering systems can be further enhanced with an available ST Performance Brake Package, which was equipped on the ST I drove.

The Performance Brake Package includes 265/40R21 performance summer-only tires. I thought the overall ride quality of the ST with these tires was good with no significant negatives. Do note that they are for summer only use, that is, warm temperatures. Winter tires will need be equipped in cold weather areas of the country. The standard tires are 245/50R20 all-season.

Meanwhile, the 5-seat Edge ST also delivers loads of functionality and convenience. It’s got 39 cubic inches of cargo space that opens up to 73 cubic inches with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. The hands-free foot-activated power rear hatch makes things convenient.

A full array of advanced driver assistance safety (ADAS) features are standard in the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Post-Collision Braking are also standard.

Inside there is plenty of comfort with leather-trimmed and sueded-cloth high bolstered front seats that are both heated and cooled. A leather wrapped steering wheel and soft touch surfaces add refinement. A 12-speaker B&O audio system delivers the tunes. The rear seat truly has room for three adults.

( Now here’s something exciting. When you purchase a Ford Edge ST you’re invited to the Ford ST SUV Experience in Park City, Utah. It’s one of many available programs offered by the Ford Performance Racing School. The one-day program for you and a guest includes hotel accommodations for one night and meals. The program includes a series of performance driving exercises to demonstrate and help you understand the performance capabilities of the Edge ST.

And for something less edgy, there’s the new 2020 Edge ST-Line model. Ford says it’s a new choice for SUV customers who prefer Edge ST’s bold style but prioritize value over performance. With a starting price $5,165 less than Edge ST, Edge ST-Line shares the same aggressive looks and includes all of the smart driver-assist technologies. Edge ST-Line comes standard with a 250hp twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine featuring Auto Start-Stop, an 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel or optional all-wheel-drive.

More information and details on the 2020 Ford Edge can be found at www.ford.com.