Discerning drivers know the value of a high-performance, midsize SUV. These sporty models provide plenty of room for up to five passengers, as well as an engine that can handle the road like no other. However, these midsize models were not all created equal. Some, like the Ford Edge, have standard features that set them apart from other midsize SUVs in their vehicle class. For example, each model of the 2023 Ford Edge comes with Intelligent all-wheel drive. This means that you won’t have to pay extra to get exceptional traction. Furthermore, this means that the Ford Edge was built from the wheels up as an all-wheel drive model. It is not some front-wheel or rear-wheel drive SUV with a retrofitted all-wheel drivetrain put on as an extra, expensive option.
Within the 2023 Ford Edge itself are five different trims, but for drivers who truly want an edge, there is nothing quite like the Ford Edge ST model. This is the top-of-the-line trim that has more to offer than any of the other four. As a result, whether you are planning to use your Ford Edge for your daily commute, as a family vehicle, or just for fun, choosing the Edge ST will give you more than other midsize SUVs offer in terms of performance, handling, and comfort.
A Powerful Engine to Edge Out Other Motorists
Ford chose to give the Edge ST a very powerful engine. This is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost Turbo V6 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This has a rotary gear shifter with a manual shifting mode courtesy of paddle shifters located on the steering wheel, so you can emulate a manual transmission without worrying about working a clutch. There are active grille shutters to improve efficient performance by reducing drag. This powerful engine utilizes twin turbochargers to deliver 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
This is in contrast to the other four trims of the Edge. These feature a smaller 2.0-liter EcoBoost Turbo I-4 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly enough, Ford has given the smaller engine on the other Edge models an eight-speed automatic transmission, which compares favorably to the seven-speed automatic transmission on the Edge ST.
The 2023 Edge ST is the one to choose if you have a need for speed. Other Edge models will get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 6.8 and 8.0 seconds. This is a decent number, especially for merging onto busy highways. However, the Edge ST easily beats this, getting from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds! This is because the Edge ST features a larger engine, as well as a sport-tuned suspension designed to handle these speeds. The top speed on the Edge is an impressive 130 miles per hour, but we doubt you’re going to be in many situations where you need to pin the speedometer.
The only advantage of choosing the other Edge models is fuel economy. These will get you about 28 miles per gallon in highway driving, while the Edge ST delivers a slightly lower 25 miles per gallon figure in these types of driving situations.
Interior Comfort That Has a Real Edge
The inside of the 2023 Edge ST features some of the most comfortable seating you are going to find on a midsize SUV. The front row features a pair of ST-bolstered captain’s chairs. These have specialized City Silver stitching with the embossed ST logo. The bolsters are going to come in handy for you and the lucky person who gets to ride shotgun, especially when you push your Edge ST over the edge.
The seats themselves are leather-trimmed with Miko inserts. There is red and blue accent stitching throughout the interior, giving the Edge ST a very sporty and modern look. The front seats are heated, with the driver’s seat featuring ten-way power adjustment and the front passenger seat having six-way positioning. You can opt for available heated seats in the rear, as well as cooled seats in the front that will be a real pleasure in the summer.
Ford has made sure to give the Edge ST plenty of specialized interior features. There are trim-unique carpeted floor mats that tie into the interior design of the Edge ST. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with City Silver stitching and the ST logo to match the front seats. In addition, the Edge ST features a pair of trim-specific, driver-configurable 4.2-inch LCD displays. These allow you to set the information you are interested in receiving on your vehicle.
The Edge ST also offers a number of optional equipment that you can choose to fit your driving needs. These include a heated steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, a built-in navigation system, and a wireless charging pad that will allow you and your passengers to avoid the need to bring along charging cables for your smartphones.
An Infotainment System That Edges Out the Competition
Each 2023 Ford Edge features the SYNC 4A infotainment system set on a 12-inch, center-stack, multi-function touchscreen. This is like having a tablet computer set into the front dashboard of your Edge! This makes it very easy to use.
The SYNC 4A is the latest version of Ford’s advanced infotainment system. This allows you to make hands-free calls with Bluetooth connectivity. You can also hook up your smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This will let you stream your favorite apps, whether these are for navigation to help you get wherever you are going or for entertainment so you can listen to your favorite music.
Speaking of music, if you are a real audiophile, then you are going to love the 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen that comes standard on the 2023 Edge ST. This features a subwoofer and will help you transform your Edge ST into a music hall. You also get a complimentary three-month subscription to SiriusXM with 360L, so you can choose between all the great channels on SiriusXM or stream your favorite music, talk, sports, or comedy through your smartphone apps.
Ford helps you and your passengers stay connected wherever you go in your 2023 Edge ST. The FordPass Connect delivers a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of up to 50 feet outside of your vehicle. It can handle up to ten devices, so everyone can stay connected to the Internet safely and easily.
Advanced Driver Assistance Technology to Give You an Edge in Safety
Ford has made safety standard on the 2023 Escape. This is because it has equipped all models of the Edge with a set of Ford Co-Pilot360 features. This suite of driver assistance technology helps get you and your passengers safe wherever you are going in your Edge. Pre-Collision Assist alerts you about a possible collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle. It also engages the emergency brakes to either avoid or reduce the impact of a crash.
There is also the standard SOS Post-Crash Alert system that brings the Edge to a stop after a collision to avoid a secondary accident while unlocking the doors to assist first responders. If you start to drift out of your lane, the Lane-Keeping System will alert you and make minor steering adjustments to get you back in the lane. The Blind Spot Information System lets you know if the coast is clear to change lanes or back out of a parking spot. There are also the auto high-beam headlamps that turn your high beams on and off in areas of low light. This will help you better focus when driving at night.
The Edge ST also features rear parking sensors. These are not standard on all 2023 Edge models. These will help you parallel park by letting you know if you are getting too close to another vehicle or an object that is behind your Edge ST. There is also a set of rain-sensing wipers that will turn on automatically when the system detects precipitation and adjusts the speed of the windshield wipers to match the intensity of the rain. Each of these features helps set the Edge ST apart from other midsize SUVs, ensuring that you will get where you are going safely and easily.
Taking Advantage of the Edge
Getting an edge in driving can be really important. When it comes to performance, it can help you get on the highway with a little bit of acceleration. When it comes to enjoying your ride, it can help you stay connected wherever you go. With respect to safety features, it can often mean the difference between life and death. The 2023 Ford Edge ST delivers these benefits in a sporty package that has the advanced comfort and technology features you need to get an edge in these busy times.