Detroit 2018: 2019 Ford Edge ST Gets Sharper

Nice looking CUV, they have improved this allot with plenty I do like about the auto. Dash is the failure here for me, the minimalist, hard plastic just comes off CHEAP on an auto that we know is going to cost some serious dollars as it is the ST top of the line version.

This is where Ford fails for me is they put some cool tech, build a nice looking auto and then go cheap on the inside where you spend the bulk of your time.

Seats look nice, rest of the interior based on these pictures is ok, but the dash is the failure here IMHO.

So buy the Lincoln then. That solves your problem. lol

Why is there an 8spd being used in Fords? Isn't this the second vehicle that has an 8spd since the 9spd has been plugged into some Chevys, which they co-developed? 

11 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

So buy the Lincoln then. That solves your problem. lol

Why is there an 8spd being used in Fords? Isn't this the second vehicle that has an 8spd since the 9spd has been plugged into some Chevys, which they co-developed? 

There might be a packaging issue with the 9-speed that we're not aware of.  It looks like only the CD4 vehicles are getting the 8-speed, so I'm betting it has something to do with an incompatibility there.   Just speculation.

19 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

There might be a packaging issue with the 9-speed that we're not aware of.  It looks like only the CD4 vehicles are getting the 8-speed, so I'm betting it has something to do with an incompatibility there.   Just speculation.

There has to be.. What is all on the CD4? 

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

There has to be.. What is all on the CD4? 

according to the Book of Knowledge,

Vehicles currently using this platform include:

• 2013–present Ford Fusion (CD391)
• 2014–present Ford Mondeo (CD391)
• 2015–present Ford Edge (CD539N)
• 2016–present Ford Galaxy (CD390E)
• 2016–present Ford S-Max (CD539E)
• 2016–present Ford Taurus (D568 China market)
• 2013–present Lincoln MKZ (CD533)
• 2016–present Lincoln MKX (U540)
• 2017–present Lincoln Continental

So over here the Fusion/MKZ, Edge/MKX/Nautilus, and Continental, right?  

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

So over here the Fusion/MKZ, Edge/MKX/Nautilus, and Continental, right?  

Si.

That 2016 Chinese Taurus is basically the Ford version of the Continental, isn't it? I just looked at a picture of it and it's a pretty good looking car.  Nothing special, just clean looking. 

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

So buy the Lincoln then. That solves your problem. lol 

Yea, not much better in the Lincoln MKX 2018 version of the Edge.

Sorry @ccap41, but for the money we know they will charge for this, they need to do much better than this.

Kinda sorta... yes it is on the same stretched platform as the Continental, but I think the similarity ends there.  That said, I think it is a handsome conservative looking sedan. 

The Chinese Taurus looks like a Fusion with a more upright rear window..

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Yea, not much better in the Lincoln MKX 2018 version of the Edge.

Sorry @ccap41, but for the money we know they will charge for this, they need to do much better than this.

The Nautilus center stack is better than the Edge's if for one reason.... they don't mix up buttons.   I find the layout of the buttons in the Edge and Explorer to be infuriating.  Why would you mix HVAC and audio controls like that?? The A/C button is just below the CD eject.... the HVAC power off button is right next to the tune up button.  The automatic climate control button is the complete opposite side of the controls from the temp and fan buttons. 

On the nautilus, the radio controls are all together and the HVAC controls are all together.... the way it is supposed to be.

5 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Yea, not much better in the Lincoln MKX 2018 version of the Edge.

Sorry @ccap41, but for the money we know they will charge for this, they need to do much better than this.

That Edge center stack is...bad. If they just made those buttons larger I think it would look better. There's so much empty space and it isn't utilized very well. 

The Lincoln one looks much better, imo. It isn't great but it looks like they at least tried. For, 60-70k I think looks "meh" at best. But if you don't click all of the options it starts at $39,035, add a few small things to bring it up to 45k and it is still a respectable interior at that price. 

I don't really think it looks any worse or better than what's probably its closest rival, the MDX. 

12 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Kinda sorta... yes it is on the same stretched platform as the Continental, but I think the similarity ends there.  That said, I think it is a handsome conservative looking sedan. 

I actually thought some of the lines were similar, that's what actually caught my eye. 

8 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The Nautilus center stack is better than the Edge's if for one reason.... they don't mix up buttons.   I find the layout of the buttons in the Edge and Explorer to be infuriating.  Why would you mix HVAC and audio controls like that?? The A/C button is just below the CD eject.... the HVAC power off button is right next to the tune up button.  The automatic climate control button is the complete opposite side of the controls from the temp and fan buttons. 

On the nautilus, the radio controls are all together and the HVAC controls are all together.... the way it is supposed to be.

That sounds like a really stupid design. I can't imagine they thought that was "correct". 

The MDX is an abomination of button ergonomics as well.  Every time I get in one I have to re-learn where everything is.  I'd put the nautilus above the MDX on that one. 

MEH

@ccap41 I get your point and agree with what your saying except for the Acura, Drew hit the nail on the head with the button abomination comment!   In regards to the Acura, Lincoln wins best out of the 3 dash's. 

5 minutes ago, dfelt said:

@ccap41 I get your point and agree with what your saying except for the Acura, Drew hit the nail on the head with the button abomination comment!  

So you think the MDX looks clearly better? 

I think the Acura and Edge are both confusing, but by virtue of having more buttons, the Acura is more of a mess.

21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

So you think the MDX looks clearly better? 

Nope clarified my original post, Acura worst, then Edge, Lincoln best out of the 3.

9 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Nope clarified my original post, Acura worst, then Edge, Lincoln best out of the 3.

Ohhh I gotcha. From just those three(I'm not sure if there is another competitor in the low end luxury group and I realize the Edge isn't in that group) I'd favor the Nautilus first, MDX then Edge. The empty space in the Edge just looks off. they didn't utilize it well, or at all. 

2 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Ohhh I gotcha. From just those three(I'm not sure if there is another competitor in the low end luxury group and I realize the Edge isn't in that group) I'd favor the Nautilus first, MDX then Edge. The empty space in the Edge just looks off. they didn't utilize it well, or at all. 

MKX, MDX, RX, XT5 and if you squint QX60, Enclave, and Grand Cherokee Summit

New MDX doesn't have many buttons anymore, but almost every function you have to go through the couple menu screens and that is a disaster.  I test drove 2018 recently.  Other than that it is a very nice, I would say even fun driving crossover.

Just now, ykX said:

New MDX doesn't have many buttons anymore, but almost every function you have to go through the couple menu screens and that is a disaster.  I test drove 2018 recently.  Other than that it is a very nice driving crossover.

Some of those buttons are screen based which is almost worse.

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Some of those buttons are screen based which is almost worse.

Absolutely.  Unfortunately it seems it is the trend in the industry.

25 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

MKX, MDX, RX, XT5 and if you squint QX60, Enclave, and Grand Cherokee Summit

Ahhhh I should have known the XT5. I did think the Grand Cherokee but I figured that was more along the lines of the Edge. Isn't the Enclave much larger and 3 row? They're priced similarly though. 

Just now, ccap41 said:

Ahhhh I should have known the XT5. I did think the Grand Cherokee but I figured that was more along the lines of the Edge. Isn't the Enclave much larger and 3 row? They're priced similarly though. 

I only was including the Grand Cherokee Summit since it has some substantial interior upgrades over a standard issue GC.  Also, with a base price for the Summit 4x4 of $50k ranging all the way up to $65k, it can certainly rank with this class. 

I mentioned the QX60 and Enclave as "if you squint" only because they are 3-row crossovers, but they overlap the Acura and Lincoln.  Base price Enclave - $39,995, Base Price MKX - $39,035, Base Price MDX - $44,200, Base Price QX60 - $43,300, Base Price XT5 - $40,595.

Now, another reason I include the Enclave.  Buick plays games with its base pricing and they've done this for years. It is virtually impossible to find a base Enclave.  The lowest trim you will find is a FWD Essence with a base price of $47k. I searched 5 zipcode around the country and found a single 2018 Enclave 1SV (base trim) in South Florida.  DC, NJ, Pittsburgh, NYC had none.   My guess is that the 1SV is primarily a fleet only model that Buick will sell you if you order one. 

They've done this before with the Regal and Lacrosse.  SMK used to go on rants about the 4-cylinder Lacrosse and its $30k base price... and he might have had a point except for the fact that nearly zero were built for general consumption unless you ordered it that way. Nearly all the Lacrosses were V6 models with higher trims.  The same goes for the eAssist Regal... they exist, but are so rare as to not matter. 

There is a ton of gray plastic on that center console, which just screams cheap.  My question is how with a 335 hp/380 lb-ft V6 does the Edge have the same 0-60 time as a 241 hp Mercedes GLC?  The Edge must have huge drivetrain losses in power.  

What I don't like about the look of this Edge, is the grille looks like the front end of a Taurus police car, and the back half looks the same as it has since 2008.  

10 hours ago, dfelt said:

Yea, not much better in the Lincoln MKX 2018 version of the Edge.

Sorry @ccap41, but for the money we know they will charge for this, they need to do much better than this.

yes, it needs help.  a larger touchscreen on top and i think a secondary screen to fill some of the stuff below.  that's mailing it in!  the shifter and cupholder area is pretty nice though.

standard edge's only 4 cylinder for 2019...interesting to see how that pans out.  And its the 2.0 only, the 2.3 should be offered.....

Like it....but it looks quite pissed off!

12 hours ago, regfootball said:

yes, it needs help.  a larger touchscreen on top and i think a secondary screen to fill some of the stuff below.  that's mailing it in!  the shifter and cupholder area is pretty nice though.

standard edge's only 4 cylinder for 2019...interesting to see how that pans out.  And its the 2.0 only, the 2.3 should be offered.....

I think the 2.0T has been standard since 2015. They don't really need anything between 250hp , 280hp and 315hp. Unless you're thinking of replacing the 3.5L engine with the 2.3L? 

Yes

The 2.0T is plenty smooth enough, but it is a strong bit of evidence for my assertion that low displacement high boost 4-cylinders are not suitable replacements for V6es.  In spite of what the output numbers say, this engine feels lethargic in such a heavy crossover. 

Yeah between that and not everybody being sold on small  turbo engines I think it's nice to keep a n/a v6 in the mix. The 4 bangers just don't get the real world fuel economy that they're "supposed to" get. 

On 1/11/2018 at 11:19 AM, dfelt said:

Yea, not much better in the Lincoln MKX 2018 version of the Edge.

Sorry @ccap41, but for the money we know they will charge for this, they need to do much better than this.

I have actually been waiting for a more minimalist interior on modern vehicles. I do not like how "busy" interiors have become.

I agree that there should be less hard plastic surfaces that appear to be more prevalent, but I can live with that here. 

I would even be in favor of even more removal of "clutter".

I drove the 2.0 edge and I think it's decent and can function as a base engine. To me though, a 2.3 upgrade choice would still be a best practice. And, I also agree on the v6 being available. I think ford is phasing out their NA v6's actually! And the 3.5 is ancient and in 2019 is basically a boat anchor that is a 15 or more year old design. They got rid of it in the mustang too.  So they basically have  no replacement    To be honest then the 2.7t v6 should become an option on Upper scale normal edges  

We love our new van and one of the reasons is the v6. The smoothness and immediacy of a v6 compared to a 4. If I project here and just loosely compare our recent van acquisition vs considering 4 cyl crossovers like the edge. The v6 turned out to be an advantage. 

I will be interested to see how the traverse 2.0 does in the market. 

4 minutes ago, regfootball said:

I drove the 2.0 edge and I think it's decent and can function as a base engine. To me though, a 2.3 upgrade choice would still be a best practice. And, I also agree on the v6 being available. I think ford is phasing out their NA v6's actually! And the 3.5 is ancient and in 2019 is basically a boat anchor that is a 15 or more year old design. They got rid of it in the mustang too.  So they basically have  no replacement    To be honest then the 2.7t v6 should become an option on Upper scale normal edges  

We love our new van and one of the reasons is the v6. The smoothness and immediacy of a v6 compared to a 4. If I project here and just loosely compare our recent van acquisition vs considering 4 cyl crossovers like the edge. The v6 turned out to be an advantage. 

I will be interested to see how the traverse 2.0 does in the market. 

The Edge's upgrade to an 8-speed may help, ditto for the 9-speed in the Traverse.... but I think that drivers will still have to keep their foot in the boost to keep these beasts moving.  The Acadia V6 with a 6-speed moves really well... shame it is otherwise duller than dishwater to drive.

I think gm badly needs to work a twin turbo v6 option into its crossovers like Acadia, traverse, XT5 etc 

22 minutes ago, regfootball said:

I think gm badly needs to work a twin turbo v6 option into its crossovers like Acadia, traverse, XT5 etc 

That's the least of their worries on those cars. The problem is that they have all the numbers to stack up to the competition, for the meat of the market, but they are the automotive equivalent of novicaine. Shopping in this segment they would be dead last with the Pathfinder and Outlander.

CX9 better handling

Pilot better space

Highlander hybrid options and better interior build.

Grand Cherokee more off-road capable, better handling, hemi option, high tow rating, better interior

Durango ditto GC

Explorer/Edge better interior, more solid feeling, just looks more premium and dare I say it Explorer has an "authority" to it.

Atlas better looking than Acadia

Ascend haven't driven it yet, but it checks all the right boxes and has a knock out interior.

5 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

That's the least of their worries on those cars. The problem is that they have all the numbers to stack up to the competition, for the meat of the market, but they are the automotive equivalent of novicaine. Shopping in this segment they would be dead last with the Pathfinder and Outlander.

CX9 better handling

Pilot better space

Highlander hybrid options and better interior build.

Grand Cherokee more off-road capable, better handling, hemi option, high tow rating, better interior

Durango ditto GC

Explorer/Edge better interior, more solid feeling, just looks more premium and dare I say it Explorer has an "authority" to it.

Atlas better looking than Acadia

Ascend haven't driven it yet, but it checks all the right boxes and has a knock out interior.

I actually thought the new Traverse drove well and had good power and handling.  It's larger and not as nimble but overall its the best blend.  Where GM screwed the pooch was downsizing the Acadia.

I've driven a few of your list, my feelings

CX-9 - was pretty nice but did not wow me and the 4 cylinder was a weak spot.  Nice interior but cramped in cargo and third row.

Pilot - some friends have one and I rode in it.  From a passenger perspective I was not wowed.

Highlander - Toyota sheep love the weirdness of Toyotas.  I have a good buddy, they have a highlander and its their second one, and they love it.  but it was their upgrade from a CRv so you can imagine anything would be amazing after a CRv.

Grand Cherokee is nice, but there is no Jeep 3 row yet.

Durango - i've not driven but from what i have read, its sort of a polarized split.  Some love, and some think its not up to snuff.  I like the interior mostly but it still feels more truckish than carlike.  Not sure how efficient space wise it is.

Explorer - I'm completely tired of it.  Second row leg space is cramped.  Not bad otherwise but it badly needs an update and longer wheelbase.  I love the flip fold third row like was on my Taurus X.

Edge - only 2 rows but is very comfy. I like that someone makes a 2 row that does try to put in a compromised third row.  Just needs a decent center stack!

Atlas - drove nice, in the right colors is nice inside but otherwise can be perceived as cheap inside.  Decent space.  Looks good mostly but not luxury.  V6 is quiet and fairly smooth but is deficient in lunge.

Ascent- will probably be popular, but i think it lacks a 6?  And will have typical subaru indifference / UJS interior inside.  A puffy Forester.

3 row crossovers are what the family sedan used to be.  We're glad we got the Pacifica instead of the 3 row crossover.  Car and Driver new article on the Pacifica pointed as bette than other 3 row crossovers.  I agree.  Just that it lacks AWD and the SUV aura.

After seeing that MKX console a few times, that wouldn't look bad in a $27k Edge, in a luxury car it is just embarrassing.