By Veeno Dewan

For 2022 there is a real focus on technology and safety in the Ford line, and the mid-sized Edge Crossover range is no exception.  Handsome, stylish, and superbly made, the Edge has a strong, confident exterior styling that is ageing well; this is one of the best-looking midsize CUVs you can get.  There are a choice of fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, while the performance ST Line model as tested, offers a powerful 2.0L four-cylinder engine with  250  Horsepower and Torque at 275 @ 3000 rpm. Across the range, the Edge offers a luxury ride, premium interior trims and a plethora of high-tech.  The single 3.7-litre V6 engine meanwhile powers the performance ST Edge and the top-level Titanium model. Not much is new for 2022 apart from a  huge 12-inch touch screen housing the Ford SYNC 4A infotainment system and a few minor updates. The transmission is via  an8/Automatic w/OD hooked up to All Wheel Drive.

The Ford Edge ST Line as tested is a comfortable, performance enhanced CUV. The unique Ford ST performance appearance package comprises: 20 – inch machined and black finished rims, a sport-tuned suspension, leather sport seats with suede inserts, an ST perforated-leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, dual-polished exhaust tips and most of the upper cut Titanium models equipment package. There are also body-color exterior mirror caps, body-color Door handles, black beltline moulding, gloss black painted mesh grill and trapezoidal fascia and a black rear diffuser. Other  ST  Line -specific enhancements include some faux vents, LED headlights and taillights. Option on our tester included: Evasive Steering Assist, .Adapt Cruise W/S&G & Lane Control, Built-In Nav(3-Yr Incl), Cold Weather Package ($500.) .Heated Steering Wheel, Panoramic Roof ($1,850.) , And Class I1 Trailer Tow Pkg ($600)

Interior wise, the  Edge ST offers a roomy, well finished interior with excellent occupant space front and rear. There are full power leather seats, a unique aluminum instrument panel appliqué, Four 12-Volt Power points, and Ambient Lighting.

Technology is high and Ford has you covered completely with a new Ford+Alexa app: BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Power Liftgate, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, Lane-Keeping System, Rotary Gear Shift Knob, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Cruise, Secondary Audio and 5-Way Controls, SYNC® 390 Two Driver-configurable 4.2-inch LCD Displays in Cluster. Options include   Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centring, Auto-Dimming Driver’s Exterior Mirror, Enhanced Active Park Assist with Side Parking Sensors. The Edge comes with Fords Co-Pilot360 Protect suite technology, now available as standard on all trims. The safety suite includes active steering, auto emergency braking with pre-collision braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, backup camera with lens cleaner and auto high-beam assist.

The ST Lines sport seats are supportive and comfortable and have a luxury look. At 1,110 L behind the rear seats, cargo volume is generous, and the opening to the tailgate is nice and wide. Well, thought out buttons remotely lower the second-row seats from just inside the liftgate, and using them opens the cargo volume to 2,079 L.  The Edge is supremely comfortable for all occupants.

On the road, the Edge offers excellent acceleration from the smooth Fur cylinder turbo engine with a wide powerband and lots of torque.  With the Ecoboost’ s excellent engineering, Ford has overcome the traditional downsides of turbocharged engines — poor performance at low rpm, turbo lag and not so good fuel economy. In urban settings the Edge ST proves to be  a comfortable family cruiser  and in contrast lets rip on the highway.   . With tuned suspension, steering and optional performance brakes, the ST Line can handle just about any winding road with utter confidence. Throttle response is just about instant. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and shifts are smooth and quick. Handling is good, cornering is well controlled thanks to at Edge’s firmer suspension.

Overall, the ST  Line  is a fast, fun to drive competitive CUV and has great interior luxury and offers excellent features, other models in the Edge lineup still offer great value for the buck, but the Edge ST has the slinkier looks and the increased performance. Fuel economy is rated at: Est. City/Hwy L/100km. 11.5/8.3.   To sum up, not a lot to complain about, apart from the lack of an available third row. The Edge is a great daily ride. Its fast, entertaining and offers a versatile layout for families as well as being comfortable, and well featured.  Highly recommended.

2022 Ford Edge ST Line  priced from $42, 899 plus destination and axes. Price as tested with options – $48,699.  

More info at www.ford,com