New Update 2023 Ford Edge EcoBoost SUV Review

2023 Ford Edge the mid-range SUV includes a wide range of vehicles, from three large rows to two spacious rows. For those who want a little more space than a small SUV offers and don’t need a third row, the 2023 Ford Edge could be a good option.
It is roomy, comfortable, and equipped with features. All-wheel drive and a large 12-inch touchscreen came standard on all models, for example. Ford also offers a performance version of the ST that packs a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6.
Edge does have some drawbacks. Its fastback-like style cuts through the headroom of the rear seats and the thick roof pillars impede visibility. It also goes against a group of strong competitors, most of whom benefit from fresher designs.
Check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Outback if you want something with more off-road capability than a Ford, a Honda Passport, or Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport for a more roomy interior.
The changes for 2023 are minimal, just shuffling some trim features, but nothing gives Edge any new edge (ha!) In competition.
Some reports say the Edge is fading after 2023 for an electric replacement to join the Mustang Mach-E, though Ford has yet to confirm this. Still, Edge has enough appeal to attract attention.
Check out the Expert Rating below for our test team’s full evaluation of performance, Edge utilities, and more.
Pro
- Padded and soft chair
- Plenty of space for passengers and luggage
- Fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engine
- Silent cabin at highway speeds
Cons
- Interior design and control layout dated
- Visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and blind spots
- Transmission response is a bit slow
- Riding uncomfortably on bumps and small slopes
2023 Ford Edge Review
- No significant changes for 2023
- Potentially the last year of production for the Edge
- Part of the second generation of Edge introduced for 2015
How does 2023 Edge drive? We tested the Edge with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At freeway speed, the acceleration can be better. The response was very muffled, but the thrust it provided was generally satisfactory. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
Consistently comfortable steering, handling, and braking give Edge good behavior even if it won’t speed up your heart rate.
The transmission moves smoothly although sometimes a bit exaggerated. This tendency, coupled with the slow response accelerator means Edge can sometimes take steps to regulate itself. Enabling Sport mode can help shorten delays.
2023 Ford Edge Interior
How is the interior? The Edge has a fairly large cabin that provides plenty of space for the driver and passengers. The main controls are quite intuitive to use, although secondary functions, such as for the climate system, could be better.
The front door is wide open, making it easy to get in and out of the front seat, but the rear seat access is a little narrower.
Extensive seat and steering wheel adjustments mean almost any driver can find the right sitting position, although forward visibility is somewhat hampered by the wide front roof pillars.
How convenient is Edge? The comfortable Edge front seats offer supportive bolsters and soft leather, but the rear seats are fairly flat and out of shape.
The back of the rear seats is a nice touch. The suspension and body dampen medium-sized bumps on the road quite well, but smaller bumps and imperfect pavements actually make the Edge feel a little bouncy.
We prefer the quiet Edge cabin, which provides excellent isolation from wind, road, and engine noise. The climate control system is capable and quiet with the exception of a few strange clicks that you can hear when the radio is off.
How is it stored? Without the need to pack the third row of seats, Edge offers a large cargo area. There are 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row, including the most generous in its class. You can quickly fold the back of the rear seat with a 60/40 split, but not completely flattened.
There are four reasonably accessible car seat points in the open rear seats (no cover to pull back) and three clear top moorings at the rear of the rear seats.
Rear-facing and larger convertible baby seats may be slightly pinched if the front occupants are of above-average height.
2023 Ford Edge Technology
How is the technology? The Ford Edge includes the latest version of the Ford Sync infotainment system. That includes a tall 12-inch touchscreen.
The navigation system is one of the best you’ll find in any car right now, and the screen looks clear and responsive to use.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and 4G Wi-Fi hotspots became standard. And there are two front USB ports, some 12-volt outlets, and even an optional 110-volt household-style outlet for charging the device.
Several driver aids — automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and automatic far lights, among others — came standard.
2023 Ford Edge Models
The 2023 Ford Edge is available in five trim levels: SE, CELL, ST-Line, Titanium, and performance-focused ST. All Edge trims except for the ST use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 280 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The ST gets a more powerful turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) paired with a seven-speed automatic. Both engines deliver power to the wheels through an all-wheel-drive system that is standard on all models.
SE
This Ford Edge base is quite well equipped with:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 12-inch infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Six-speaker audio system
- Keyless entry with start button
- Ford Co-Pilot360
- Automatic high beam
- Blind spot alerts with cross-traffic alerts (warns you if the vehicle is in your blind spot during lane changes or during reverse)
- Lane-keeping system (performs small steering corrections to help the vehicle stay centered in its lane)
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking (alerting if a front impact is imminent and braking if you do not respond in time)
Edge SE is also available with a Black Appearance package that adds:
- 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Black Badge
- The bumper, grille, and exterior trim were slightly altered
SEL
The SEL trim is similar to SE but adds:
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable heated front seats
- Nine-speaker audio system
- SecuriCode Ford entry keypad
Additional options for the SEL include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Evasive steering assist (improves forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
- Navigation system
- Convenience Package
- 110-volt household-style outlet
- Security alarms
- Electric elevator doors
- Start remotely
- Wireless charging pads
- Adventure packages
- 18-inch carbonized wheels with all-terrain tires
- ActiveX faux leather seating material (more durable and stain-resistant)
- Black and gray exterior accents
SEL is offered with fabric seating packages as a no-cost option; It also eliminates the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
ST-Line
The ST-Line is essentially an Edge SEL with some sporty design touches, plus a few additional standard features, including:
- Black exterior trim and lower front and rear fascia
- Bumper and lower cladding
- 20-inch gloss black wheel
- ActiveX faux leather seats
- Red-accented interior stitching
- Standard Comfort Package
Titanium
Titanium trim gives Edge a more premium feel by:
- 19-inch wheels
- Hands-free liftgate
- Leather upholstery
- More power adjustments for the front passenger seat
- Wireless smartphone charging pads
- Remote engine start
- Rain sensing wipers
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Front parking sensors (warn you of obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
- Standard Comfort Package
Options for ST-Line and Titanium trims include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Lux Package (Titanium trim)
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Front Camera
- Automatic parking system (directing to the parking lot with little or no driver intervention)
- Panoramic glass roof
- Towing package (with Class II hitt)
ST
The Edge ST is the sportiest model in its lineup and comes with a turbocharged V6 engine. It is built on SEL trim with:
- 20-inch alloy wheels painted black
- Sports suspension
- Black exterior trim and body color similar to the ST-Line
- Front sports seats with silver seams
- Leather and suede seats
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
Options include:
- ST Performance Brake Package
- 21-inch gloss black wheel
- Larger brakes with red-painted calipers and performance pads
- Improved cooling
- Summer tires for better grip
- High plan (similar to Lux Titanium plan)
MPG
How is the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive Ford Edge with a 2.0-liter engine gets a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg (21 cities/28 highways).
We matched 23 mpg of EPA on our 115-mile evaluation route.
Verdict
Does Edge have good grades? Shoppers feel value in a different way, but Edge should rank highly with people who put comfort and technology first.
The Base Edge with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine fits perfectly with most competitors and offers an abundant set of standard features.
It competes with most midsize SUVs in warranty coverage and offers longer roadside assistance than some other vehicles.
However, the perceived build quality could be better. Our Titanium AWD test vehicle is priced like a luxury brand but the inside doesn’t look like it.
The Edge is not the sharpest midsize SUV, but the steering is sharp. There’s also confidence in its basic driving dynamics that makes it more attractive than a typical SUV.
Given its size, quiet cabin, and advanced safety and infotainment technology, the Edge meets and exceeds expectations for this class. In the end, its basic functions will win people’s hearts.