Ford is dropping the Sport name from its redesigned 2019 Edge crossover at the Detroit auto show and adding an ST badge, a new sporty grille, some new shoes and an upgraded 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 making 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque connected to an eight-speed automatic.
Like the Fusion Sport, the Edge ST will come with a driver-adjustable sport mode that will change up the throttle position, shift patterns, electronic stability control and exhaust note. The Edge ST also gets paddle shifters and seats with more bolstering as well as slightly different front and rear styling, new side skirts and dual exhaust. It will arrive from the factory with a stiffer suspension tune and be available in four new colors, most notable of which is the Ford Performance blue that you see in the pictures.
Performance brakes are optional, as are 21-inch wheels and summer Pirelli tires.
Lower trim levels of the 2019 Edge will introduce a bunch of new safety features to the lineup, including standard post-collision braking, which helps reduce potential secondary impacts after a crash, optional evasive steering assist, which provides steering support in an emergency maneuver and optional adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering.
On the technology front, all buyers will get wireless smartphone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot and the Ford Pass app, which allows owners to start, lock/unlock and locate their Edge. A 12-speaker premium audio system by Harman is available, as is the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch screen.
The standard powertrain for non-ST Edge models is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four making 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, also with an eight-speed automatic. Inside there’s a redesigned instrument panel with a rotary shifter and Ford with Alexa capability. That last item connects your car with your home Amazon assistant, allowing you to keep up with daily appointments, check for nearby points of interest and even make some purchases without ever leaving the driver’s seat.
All-wheel drive is standard on ST models, optional on the basic Edge.
The Edge was a strong seller for Ford in 2017. It was up in December and up for the year, and comes in second in the midsize CUV segment below the Subaru Outback but above the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2019 Ford Edge goes on sale late summer of 2018; we’ll get to see it in person next week at the North American International Auto Show.