2023 Ford Edge many consumers in the US value practicality and value for money above all else when buying a new car, and the Ford Edge certainly lives up to these expectations.
It gets a powerful 250-horsepower four-cylinder with turbocharging, but it’s not for the sake of performance.
If you want something fast and fun, the Mazda CX-5 might be a better choice – or competitors like the Nissan Murano that offer a bit more style and punch.
However, if you need space and a comfortable ride, then the midsize Edge has it. It’s also got some nice features, most notably an updated infotainment system from last year, but the interior still feels a bit dated – and the perceived low-quality materials don’t help.
But at this price point, the Ford Edge is probably enough for most buyers.
2023 Ford Edge Review
The Ford Edge is a five-seater crossover SUV with a luxurious interior, car-like manners, turbocharged power, and available all-wheel drive.
The Edge comes in a single-body style with a sloping roof which doesn’t take up too much cargo space, making it a practical choice among SUVs.
Most use a 250 horsepower turbo-4 paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Edge ST makes 335 hp from its boosted V-6 engine. All-wheel drive is standard across the range.
Changes for 2022 are limited but useful, including a new standard 12.0-inch touchscreen and the removal of the previous standard front-wheel drive version. Several optional styling packs are added to Edge’s list of available features, including a new Adventure pack with a rugged look.
Fuel economy kicks in at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined for the base 4-cylinder, or 19/26/21 mpg with the turbo V-6 installed.
The Edge has performed crash tests well, and its assets include a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for the high-end version plus a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
Automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and a blind-spot monitor are standard fare, while most trim levels offer adaptive cruise control and a forward-facing camera.
Drivers looking for a comfortable interior, clean styling, and a touch of personality should check out the 2022 Ford Edge. This five-seater SUV strikes a laudable balance between utility and usability, with good turbocharged performance across all variants. and a bit more fun in Edge ST guise.
New Ford Edge 2023
The New 2023 Edge comes in SE, SEL, ST-Line, ST, and Titanium trim levels that start just north of $36,000 and top out at $9,000 later when fully stocked.
The Base SE version is hardly basic with a 12.0-inch touchscreen housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 18-inch alloy wheels, and automatic emergency braking. The SEL costs $38,590 with synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, and a keyless start.
Edge ST-Line has a tight appearance but still with a more efficient 4-cylinder engine. The full ST version comes with buttoned suspension plus all the extra V-6 power for $45,000.
Edge Titaniums run for $42,000 but are wrapped in leather and include improved audio. Loaded with navigation, cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic moonroof, and the Elite appearance package, the complete Edge Titanium costs around $50,000.
2023 Ford Edge Changes
After a decent number of tweaks last year, there aren’t any significant changes to the new 2023 Ford Edge SUV. The keyless entry keypad previously available across the range will be removed, and the Outfitters Cargo Plan will be canceled for the new year.
The other changes pertain only to the high-performance ST version, but we’re reviewing the Ford Edge ST separately.
Exterior
The Ford Edge cuts a different profile from the typical SUV with its sloping roofline instead of the more conventional two-box silhouette. The details are tight and sporty, with twin exhaust pipes on the high-end version hinting at performance.
The ST-Line and ST versions sport big wheels and an extra sporty exterior, with red painted brake calipers hiding behind the black wheels.
This year’s new exterior package varies by trim level but may add contrasting exterior trim such as lower bumper moldings, mirror caps, and wheels.
The Adventure Package mounts all-terrain tires on 18-inch alloy wheels for a sturdier look, though this crossover SUV is more at home in the REI parking lot than heading into the woods.
Interior
Inside, the 2023 Ford Edge is high-tech this year with its new 12.0-inch touchscreen, which sits vertically and absorbs most of the audio controls for a clean dashboard appearance.
The minimalist look is wrapped in glossy black plastic and a lighter upholstery color is available.
Ford gave the ST-Line and ST versions of the Edge sporty black seats with more supported front seats. Rear seat riders will find large doors with wide openings and ample head and leg room, plus AC vents.
The Edge caters to nearly 40 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, which grows to 73.4 cubes with the seatbacks folded. A power liftgate is standard on higher trim levels.
Drive
Most SUVs are designed to be comfortable drivers, paying little attention to the concept of fun, and the Ford Edge doesn’t deviate from this norm. It has more than enough power to get around easily, and while it accelerates fairly effortlessly, it’s anything but thrilling.
And if you’re trying to maintain any kind of momentum into corners, the chassis and suspension will let you down. There’s no feedback from the wheels, though at least there’s enough weight behind the wheel to keep you confident on the road.
Where the Edge won’t let you down, though, is convenience. The SUV easily handles bumps in the road, and the cabin is well insulated from outside noise.
This makes it a great companion for long trips. However, if you’re looking to have a little fun on your way to the office or home after dropping the kids off at work, something cooler like the Mazda CX-5 might better light the fun fire.
Engine
More car-like than some of its competitors, the Edge has effortless handling and a comfortable, quiet ride even with the largest wheel options available.
The base 250-hp turbo-4 reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds and works well with the 8-speed automatic transmission. While far from being caustic, the base engine is quite refined and should be sufficient for most typical riding needs.
The Edge ST model swaps in a 335-hp 2.7-liter V-6 that shaves more than two seconds off the 60-mph sprint and delivers impressive power in any situation. The ST also has a tight suspension and various steering adjustments to provide sharper handling on twisty roads.
The Edge is capable of towing as much as 3,500 lb when properly equipped with the factory-optional trailer hitch.
2023 Ford Edge Price & Trim
SE
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
8-Speed Auto
All Wheel Drive
$37,945
SEL
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
8-Speed Auto
All Wheel Drive
$39,345
ST-Line
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
8-Speed Auto
All Wheel Drive
$43,100
Titanium
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
8-Speed Auto
All Wheel Drive
$43,100
Verdict
While it may not be as outlandish or fun as some of its contemporaries, the 2023 Ford Edge is a solid offering in the midsize SUV segment.
Some buyers may ignore it if they are looking for a car that is ‘the best at everything, but any list of great all-around cars definitely includes this vehicle.
The standard technology is nothing to sniff at, with plenty of safety and driver assistance features included. Most are accessed via the sizeable 12-inch touchscreen, which runs Sync 4A software.
The Edge also has a very spacious cabin, and the cargo hold has ample space for most day-to-day needs.
However, this is offset by low-quality materials that you don’t expect from a car at this price point. And while the engine is powerful enough to make driving a breeze, everything from the suspension to the steering makes it clear that using that power for any kind of pleasure is out of the question.
Thankfully, these few minor issues aren’t enough to spoil everything the Ford Edge does well. They just kept it from being one of the best cars in the segment, which is a shame because the potential is there.