Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A light blue 2021 Ford Edge is shown from the side parked in a parking garage.

An Edge Over the Competition: Everything to Love on the 2021 Ford Edge

If you’re shopping for an SUV, then you’re probably well aware of the importance of choosing between a two-row or three-row layout. While the three-row layout offers additional seating, these accommodations can be considerably cramped for those third-row passengers. For two-row options like the 2021 Ford Edge, you’re prioritizing comfort over capacity, and your passengers will undoubtedly thank you for it. This makes the 2021 Edge a rare breed in the midsize SUV market because of its spacious two-row layout that gives the driver and passengers ample room and loads of comfort.

So, what should you look for when shopping for the 2021 Ford Edge? Here’s a closer look at everything the Edge has to offer. From affordability and options to power, performance, safety, and tech, this is a midsize SUV that earns every ounce of praise and is one you’ll definitely want to consider.

#1 – It’s Super Affordable

For everything the 2021 Edge has to offer, you’ll be surprised at its affordability. The SE base model sets the standard for the lineup and comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist and safety features. The model, which starts at $32,250, also comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, a cargo management system to maximize the rear storage area, bright LED exterior lighting, push-button start, and a 12-inch touchscreen display. This is a huge value for the price, considering the Edge is competing against models like the Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe.

With the SE as the base model, the Edge only gets better with each subsequent trim. Next in the lineup is the SEL, which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a nine-speaker audio system, heated front seats, LED fog lamps, body-color mirror caps, roof rails, and more. Rounding off the lineup is the ST-Line, Titanium, and ST. The ST offers every feature imaginable as well as a more powerful 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that delivers 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque to make the Edge even more responsive and a joy to drive.

A red 2021 Ford Edge is driving down a two lane road next to a cliff.

#2 – Speaking of Engines

There’s no question that the Edge can handle itself on any road, whether that means navigating a busy city street, cruising the highway, or climbing a mountain with steep, hairpin turns. This capability begins with the Edge’s base engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost that proves power and efficiency aren’t mutually exclusive. This engine delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, making the Edge quick to accelerate while still maintaining a fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

If you’re looking for even more power and performance, Ford delivers with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that is standard on the ST trim. The most dynamic handling SUV in the lineup, the Edge ST screams with power to the tune of 335 ponies and 380 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a special 7-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel-drive, and selectable traction control. You can even take the ST’s capability further by adding the ST Performance Brake Package with its 21-inch wheels, performance brakes, and summer tires to make the Edge even quicker to respond and smoother to handle at high speeds.

#3 – Ready for the Road

You can get behind the wheel of the 2021 Edge with confidence since the SUV offers the most driver-assist technologies in its class. Named an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2021, the Edge is equipped with cameras and sensors that are designed to help you navigate the road and minimize the potential for collision. These tools are found in the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite and include Ford’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Auto High-Beam Headlamps for enhanced visibility, a Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist that’s paired with Automatic Emergency Braking to mitigate impending collisions. You can also add advanced driver-assist tools like Enhanced Active Park Assist, which takes the guesswork out of parking by using front and rear sensors to maneuver the Edge into a parallel or perpendicular space.

#4 – Tech Savvy

Ford knows that their customers lead busy lives, which is why Ford equips the Edge with the latest technology and connectivity features at your fingertips. Designed so that you can keep your eyes on the road, the Edge is outfitted with a 12-inch touchscreen display that allows you to use multiple apps at once, thanks to its split-screen feature. These apps include everything from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to navigation and more, all of which are part of Ford’s brand-new SYNC 4A infotainment system.

SYNC 4A offers the most advanced technology on the road thanks to over-the-air updates that ensure your Edge is operating with the latest technology at all times without having to visit your Ford dealer. This means that your Edge can easily receive updates while sitting in your garage. Aside from this exceptional feature, the SYNC 4A system also offers a hybrid search tool that recognizes your voice and conducts an internet-based search to give you all the information needed with a simple voice command. You can also utilize the Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected wherever the road takes you, or other features like Ford+Alexa, which enables you to add items to your Amazon shopping list, get real-time traffic updates, and control your smart-home devices.

A blue 2021 Ford Edge is driving through a city during a rain storm.

#5 – Comfortable and Capable

The 2021 Edge is unique because it’s a midsize SUV that focuses more on comfort than fitting as many passengers as possible. By eliminating the third-row and only offering a two-row configuration, the Edge maximizes cargo area and gives the driver and passengers more headroom and legroom to deliver an exceptionally comfortable ride. This comfort is enhanced by a high-quality interior that’s outfitted in cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. What’s even better is that you don’t have to worry about over-packing since the rear cargo area is plenty spacious and comes equipped with storage cubbies. You can even fold down the rear seats to maximize the space, which is ideal if you’re hauling a lot of gear!

Beyond offering plenty of room for passengers and a large cargo area, the Edge is also a capable hauler. The Edge ST is equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package, which is an available upgrade on the SEL and Titanium. This package pushes the Edge’s capability even further to a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Ford also makes sure you have all the tools you need to tow with confidence, thanks to Trailer Sway Control. This feature monitors the motion of the Edge and the trailer to apply precise braking or reduce engine torque to help you regain control over the SUV and the trailer.

What’s Your Favorite Feature?

What’s your favorite feature on the 2021 Edge? One of Ford’s top-selling SUVs, the Edge proves that you don’t have to make any sacrifices when it comes to getting a midsize SUV that offers outstanding comfort, performance, and capability. Equipped with the latest safety and driver-assist tools as well as Ford’s innovative SYNC 4A system, there’s no question that the 2021 Edge is a great buy that offers excellent value and the reliability of the Ford brand at a budget-friendly price.