With Ford’s recent shift in both management and future product, the Blue Oval’s lineup of crossover vehicles have become a key cog in Ford’s profit making machine. The 2019 Ford Edge is one of these, and big changes are coming that aim to keep this proven nameplate fresh for the new model year.
The exterior styling of the Edge has seen a significant refresh for 2019, which includes items such as a tweaked front grille, and standard LED headlights. A fully contoured hood is also on deck, and helps bring some muscular undertones to what was previously a very flat, bland, almost Dilbert-esque canvas. Revisions to the rear are very minimal, but a piece of black trim below the rear glass helps create an attractive two tone look, while tweaked tail lights add a finishing touch to the overall festivities. While the range topping Titanium model was displayed in Ford’s press photos, we suspect that some of its good looks will brush off on its lesser siblings, which would be a good thing considering that those lower trims make up the bulk of Edge sales.
The real surprise however is the all new ST model. The Edge ST is not only the first crossover to receive the ST moniker, but it is also the first Ford product outside the Focus lineup to receive the title. Ford engineers wanted to make sure that the ST was distinct from its Sport badged cousin, and made a number of styling tweaks that aim to do just that. A mesh style front grille pays homage to the fore-mentioned Focus ST, while tweaked lower side skirts and a new bumper with dual exhausts broadcast its performance intentions loud and clear.
The ST shares the Sport’s 2.7 liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6, but that’s where the similarities end, and the ST’s unique virtues shine through. For instance, instead of making 315 horsepower, the engine now makes 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Ford did not reveal how it reached that figure, but we suspect engine tweaks, as well as possible nocturnal visits by Ford Mustang engineers played a crucial role. All of this power is channeled to all four wheels through a trim exclusive eight speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The ST’s standard brakes are shared with the Sport, but Ford plans to offer beefier units as an optional extra for those that look to do weekend track work after a long week of hauling the family around town. The interior also gets in on the act with thicker bolsters adorning the already supportive sport seats, as well as splashes of black toned trim for a bit of contrast
Ford did not reveal official pricing for the 2019 Edge, but look for more information to be revealed at the 2018 North American International Auto Show next week in Detroit. Ford also has no plans on building an Edge RS anytime soon, but it’s fun to imagine how utterly bonkers such a model would be, especially in properly trained hands.
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Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.