The Ford Edge is a compact SUV that’s stylish, comfortable, and convenient, with a wide array of features inside and out. It has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety thanks to its crashworthiness, and it comes standard with intelligent all-wheel drive, which switches on and off depending on road and weather conditions so you can save fuel when you don’t need it and get extra traction when you do.
When looking at the 2024 model, you’ll find it’s divided into five different trim levels, each of which has its own pros and cons. If you’re considering buying a 2024 Ford Edge, it can be tricky to know which trim is right for you since some differences are subtle, and you’ll want to find just the right balance between your wishlist and your budget. So, let’s delve into what these trims have to offer so you can make an informed decision…
Trim #1: SE
The SE is the base trim—and thus the most affordable option—making it the right choice for anyone on a budget who doesn’t need to have all of the bells and whistles included on higher trim levels. However, there are a good amount of safety and convenience features that come standard on the SE. For instance, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technology is included at no extra cost for all trims of the Edge, giving you automatic headlights and high beams, a blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, SOS post-crash alert, and hill start assist no matter which trim you opt for.
The infotainment setup with Sync 4A is also standard. This system has a large 12.0-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to see both text and camera views and control all kinds of apps and settings. Software updates can be delivered over the air, so it’s easy to stay up to date on bug fixes and new features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you control several smartphone apps through the vehicle’s interface, and voice recognition lets you operate the system hands-free while you’re behind the wheel.
Trim #2: SEL
The SEL trim is a little over a thousand dollars more than the SE trim, and that higher price gets you a much-improved interior. Instead of cloth, the seats feature ActiveX material, which is easier to clean and provides a leather-like look, though it is entirely synthetic. The front seats get more perks, including the ability to heat up for extra comfort on cold days. The driver and front passenger seat are also power-adjustable in the SEL, making them easier to adjust than their manual counterparts on the SE trim.
In addition to having powered controls, the driver’s seat also gets more ways it can be customized, with an eight-way system instead of the basic four-way one. In the back, the EasyFold second-row seats are easier to tuck out of the way when you want to expand the cargo area. In addition to the upgraded standard features, the SEL also has several optional features that cannot be added to the SE, like adaptive cruise control, a moon roof, a wireless charging pad, and a power liftgate, among others.
Trim #3: ST-Line
Looking at this trim’s exterior, you’ll find changes that include pure style elements and practical upgrades. For the former, there’s a special ST-Line badge on the fender, a pillar black mesh grille up front instead of the standard silver honeycomb one, and body-color lower cladding instead of the basic black. The LED fog lamps give you a more practical use, lighting up dark nights and inclement weather with more power.
There are changes inside the Edge ST-Line, too, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ActiveX seats that feature red contrast stitching for a bold, sporty look. There’s also a unique metallic foot pedal and floor mats with accent edging that add to the overall aesthetic. On the practical side, there’s a standard wireless charging pad to help you power your devices without cables, a remote start system that lets you start the vehicle (and the heat or AC) from a distance, and a power liftgate that opens at the push of a button.
Trim #4: Titanium
The Titanium loses a few features that are exclusive to the ST-Line and ST trims, but these are minor things like the black mesh grille, accent stitching, and exterior badging. You’ll still find all of the tech upgrades from the ST-Line, plus a few more. Instead of just having a power liftgate, the Titanium has a hands-free version that can be activated by waving your foot so you can open it more easily when your hands are full. An ambient lighting system helps you set the mood during evening drives, and the standard heated steering wheel comes in handy during cold winter nights.
The sound system gets an upgrade, too. Where lower trims have a six-speaker audio system, the Titanium has a standard Bang & Olufsen system with twelve speakers, including a subwoofer. The driver’s seat is ten-way adjustable instead of eight-way, and it has a memory setting so you can get your position just right in a hurry after letting someone else drive your car.
Trim #5: ST
Those looking to boost the performance of their SUV will want to consider the ST. Instead of the base-level 2.0L I-4 engine—which produces up to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque—this trim comes with a 2.7L V6 that provides 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, so you can accelerate more quickly and perform well at high speeds. It’s also the only trim available with the ST brake package, which includes front and rear vented disc brakes and red-painted calipers, plus a brushless radiator cooling fan to keep everything from getting too hot and a vented brake shield for extra protection.
The ST brings back several of the styling features from the ST-Line, like the metallic foot pedal and badging that helps it stand out. Instead of red accent stitching, the ST has City Silver stitching for a less ostentatious look. However, there are some features that don’t come standard on the ST, even though they do come standard on lower trims, like the wireless charging pad, remote start system, and hands-free power liftgate.
For many drivers, the upgraded engine makes up for this, but if one of those features is important to you, then you should look closely and not just assume that the ST will have everything available simply because it’s the priciest trim level. If you want to have both the improved performance and the full suite of luxury features, you can get these and more added to the ST, though you might have to wait a bit for a factory order.
Some Final Thoughts
Getting the differences between these trims straight can be confusing, but if you know what features you’re looking for and what you’re willing to spend, it’s not too difficult to decide which one is right for you. These five trims exist because no two drivers are alike, and what’s right for one person may be completely wrong for another. So whether you’re looking for a basic commuter vehicle, a stylish head-turner, or a fun-to-drive sporty SUV, you can find an Edge that suits your needs.
