Refreshing or Revolting: 2019 Ford Edge

After four model years, the Ford Edge is receiving its mid-cycle refresh for 2019. The crossover has been revamped to fit in with the rest of Ford’s modern lineup, and a new ST model has been introduced to inject some sportiness into the midsizer. But how does the new look compare to the pre-refresh car? Compare for yourself below.

The 2019 Ford Edge maintains the hexagonal grille introduced in 2015, but it’s now smaller with more rounded corners. The headlights have also been redesigned and no longer touch the edges of the grille. Meanwhile, the front bumper has been completely restyled with new foglight surrounds and a different intake opening in the lower front valance. The ST model gets a larger grille with mesh insert and red ST badging and a unique front valance with black accents.

Predictably, the 2019 model’s profile doesn’t change much from the outgoing Edge. Titanium models still offer chrome window trim, and there’s still a roof-mounted rear spoiler that visually extends the roofline. The standard 2019 Edge does receive four new wheel designs, however, and the ST gets special 20-inch wheels or optional 21-inch five-spoke alloys finished in gloss black. The taillights have been completely redesigned, and are no longer connected in the middle of the liftgate. Though there’s no longer a continuous lens across the back, the taillights are still joined by a black trim piece. The ST has molded tailpipes and a unique rear bumper flanked by vents.

Inside, the biggest change is the replacement of the shifter with a rotary dial controlling a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This frees up space in the center console and generally makes the cabin look more modern, even though not much else has changed besides the shifter. An available wireless charging pad is also new, located in the cubby in front of the transmission dial. An available 8.0-inch touchscreen still offers Sync 3, and the speedometer in the center of the gauge cluster is still flanked by dual TFT screens. The ST trim receives special seats with extra bolstering and embossed ST logos, ST badging on the steering wheel, and Ford Performance door sill guards.

What do you think of the refreshed 2019 Ford Edge and Edge ST? Do they move the crossover’s design forward? Tell us your thoughts on our Facebook page.