Ford Edge ST Review: Performance Meets Style

The car you see above is the Ford Edge ST. Knowing a thing or two about the American manufacturer, you’d recognize that the ‘ST’ badge is a very special one. Being the first SUV built by Ford Performance, the Edge ST was developed by the same team responsible for remarkable vehicles like the Focus ST, the Mustang Shelby GT350, the F-150 Raptor, and the legendary Ford GT.

Exterior

From a styling perspective, it’s two thumbs up. The Edge ST looks the part of a performance SUV and differentiates itself from the standard car in a few distinct ways:

• Black upper and lower mesh grille instead of a chrome grille
• Beautiful 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels for a sportier appearance
• Dual trapezoidal exhausts replacing the circular exhausts found on the standard model

Overall, it’s a handsome package that we can unanimously agree on.

Interior

Inside, Ford has continued to differentiate the ‘ST’ from the standard car. The Edge ST features sports seats that are heavily bolstered, covered in leather and suede. With leather on the outer sections and suede in the center, it keeps you firmly in place during spirited driving.

To amplify its sporting identity, the ‘ST’ receives:

• Stitched leather on the door panels
• Stitched leather on the steering wheel
• Faux carbon fiber trim on the dashboard
• Aluminum accents on the accelerator and brake pedals

However, there is a noticeable amount of exposed hard plastic that could use improvement.

The second row is critical in an SUV, and the Edge ST offers ample legroom but limited headroom. The seats are reclinable, and there are rear A/C vents and power outlets.

Features

Targeting a younger audience, the Edge ST is packed with features, including:

• An 8-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC 3 software, which includes built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
• A sophisticated automated parking system that excels in both parallel and perpendicular parking.
• A cool ambient lighting system that enhances the cabin atmosphere.
• A premium Bang & Olufsen audio system and a large panoramic glass roof that creates a spacious feel.

However, some features could be better:

• The Edge ST includes both standard and adaptive cruise control, but toggling between them is complicated and buried in menus.
• Climate control buttons are plentiful, yet changing air direction is hidden in a menu, which is frustrating.

Drive

As a performance SUV, you might expect a robust V8 engine like those found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT or Range Rover Sport SVR. Instead, the Edge ST is equipped with a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 335 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. While these numbers sound impressive, they may not live up to expectations.

Ford has essentially upgraded the previous Edge Sport, adding just 20 horsepower and branding it with the ‘ST’ badge, which raises questions about its performance credentials.

Performance SUVs should deliver a satisfying exhaust note, dynamic handling, and an engaging driving experience—qualities that the Edge ST lacks.

The 8-speed automatic transmission struggles to perform effectively, offering jerky transitions, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Strong acceleration leads to unpleasant engine sounds pumped through the speakers, and a distinctive sizzling noise at higher RPMs can be quite disconcerting. The steering lacks feedback, despite quick ratios.

Verdict

When news of the Edge ST first surfaced, there was considerable excitement among enthusiasts, as it was the first SUV from Ford Performance, the same team behind the Focus ST, Shelby GT350, and Raptor. However, after testing the vehicle for nearly a week, I believe Ford made a significant mistake by branding the Edge with the ‘ST’ designation. It does not qualify as a performance SUV. Instead, it represents a lackluster attempt at performance, essentially a repackaged Edge Sport.

Priced at 179,500 Dirhams, is the Edge ST worth the investment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.