Introduced just more than 10 years ago, Ford’s popular mid-size crossover has blossomed into a formidable choice in the segment.

It is very refreshing that Ford has given the Edge some strong qualities that make it a worthy option in such a complex and highly competitive crossover market. Despite the Edge being a five-seater with no third row, having basic styling and an understated approach to everything in general, it ends up doing a lot of things very well and in unique ways.

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“Compared to the last generation, this new model is more robust than the model it replaces. It’s also more stylish, better packaged and perhaps more importantly, the Edge is positioned to continue as a segment leader,” said AutoGuide.com in a full review of the vehicle. Make sure to check out our full review, but here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of this crossover.

2018 Ford Edge Pros and Cons

Pros

Energetic Engine Choices: The two engine choices available in the Edge are both strong. The standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder pumps out a healthy 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It more than handles itself in normal driving duties and for occasions where a bit more verve may be needed. The uplevel 2.7-liter V6 with 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque should be more than enough extra boost (pun intended) to cater to those Edge customers who want more power in their vehicle.

Straightforward Versatility: It’s the simple and little things the Edge does in the versatility department that makes it such a winner here. Features such as a one-touch folding rear seat system and a roomy second-row bench seat help to make this a very easy car to ferry passengers and cargo without making compromises on either. Ford was wise to resist the urge to saddle the Edge with a tight third-row that may have stolen some space from the second row and cargo compartment. The result is a large 39 cubic feet cargo area that extends to 73 cubic feet with all the seats dropped.

Exciting ST Version: Billed as the first performance crossover from the company and due for sale this summer, this new trim level will amp up the power rating of the 2.7-liter V6 to 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Complementing all that extra power will be a sports suspension tuned for more damping and larger brakes to quickly get you to a stop. Ford will also be introducing an in-house built eight-speed automatic transmission that will come standard on this trim level.

Available Cool Technology: Although the Edge can come equipped with the expected suite of safety technology such as lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, there are a few unique technological touches. Take for instance, the available front 180-degree camera that can be used at slow speeds and can let you see more clearly around corners. That same camera also has a washer for when it gets dirty.

Cons

Fuel Economy Could Be Better: Despite having a standard automatic stop/start system on all models, the registered fuel economy ratings for the Edge are not exactly competitive. An official combined rating of 24 mpg for the base engine is not terrible, but is not great either.

Sync Is Still Not Perfect: The Sync infotainment system has gone through a lot of evolution and this current version is the best iteration yet. Generally, the 8-inch touchscreen responds quickly to touch inputs and the swiping feature gives the convenient feeling of operating the screen like a smartphone. But at times, the screen can be caught being unresponsive or can freeze if menus are accessed really quickly. Luckily, the voice recognition software is consistently accurate and responsive.

Handling Can Get Hairy When Pushed: For those who desire to drive their Edge like a race car, there is a fair bit of warning. The stability control system can be quite sensitive and you may find yourself hitting the crossover’s handling limits earlier than you expect.

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