The 2017 Ford Edge is an excellent midsize SUV with great performance, interior space, and technology. Its biggest flaws lie in its limited visibility and inadequate fuel economy.
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2017 Ford Edge: A Brief Overview
- The Ford Edge fits comfortably in the Ford lineup, slotted between the Escape and the Explorer.
- The SEL Trim offers buyers the most bang for their buck with great technology at an affordable price point.
- The best engine is the 2.7L EcoBoost, followed by the 3.5L V6. But stay away from the unreliable 2.0L straight-four EcoBoost engine.
- Thanks to underperforming headlights and the Edge’s unique shape, Edge struggles to provide drivers adequate visibility.
- The Nissan Murano’s interior is much more refined than Edge’s. However, the Edge offers better performance and handling.
- Watch Vehicle History‘s exclusive full video review of the 2017 Ford Edge here.
The Edge is Relatively New, Released as Ford’s First Midsize CUV
The oddly shaped 2017 Ford Edge fits perfectly in the Blue Oval’s lineup, between the smaller Escape and the larger three-row Explorer. Released in 2007, the Edge was Ford’s first attempt at making a midsize CUV. Interestingly, it got its name from a package that was originally offered on the Ford Ranger.
The Edge is in its second generation and thus has a relatively short history. However, the second-gen Edge, released in 2015, was a massive improvement from the original generation. It brought with it two key refinements: better styling, and a bigger interior.
We Tested the Titanium Trim, but Recommend the SEL Trim Because it Offers the Most Bang for Your Buck
A used 2017 Edge will set you back between $20,000 and $28,000 depending on trim, mileage, and condition. Ford offered the Edge with four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport. Aside from the AWD-only Sport, all Edges come standard with FWD, leaving AWD as an option.
We tested the 2017 Ford Edge Titanium, which averages a price of about $25,000. The SEL is an excellent choice, offering excellent technology at an affordable price point, and the Titanium adds a few features to the SEL trim for an extra $2,000.
Edge’s Excellent 3.5L V6 Engine Provides Plenty of Power
There are three engines offered on the 2017 Edge sport utility vehicle. A 2.0L inline-four EcoBoost engine comes standard on all trims, aside from the top-of-the-line Sport. We tested an Edge with the optional 3.5L V6 engine, which is available on the SE and Titanium trims only. Additionally, Ford reserves its excellent 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine for the costly Sport trim.
We recommend going with the 2.7 EcoBoost engine if you can afford it, because it adds much better performance and even marginally increases the fuel economy. However, the 3.5L engine we tested provides adequate power and is relatively reliable, but it’s a gas hog. We recommend staying away from the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, because it’s been found to leak coolant into the cylinders, leading to a costly engine replacement.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb.-ft.) | Combined MPG (FWD/AWD) |
| 2.0L I4 EcoBoost | 245 | 275 | 24/23 |
| 3.5L V6 | 280 | 250 | 20/19 |
| 2.7L V6 EcoBoost | 315 | 350 | NA/20 |
Each Edge comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Although the transmission is adequate, we noticed during our road test that the transmission is unresponsive at times, and tends to hesitate while attempting to upshift. The SUV’s max towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for the 3.5L and 2.0L engines. The 2.7L only achieves 2,000 pounds, because it’s not eligible for the tow package. Although it’s not very tall, the cargo area of the Edge is very spacious. The 2017 Edge we tested is fitted with a hands-free power liftgate. In the main cabin, it comes packed with lots of cubbies for passengers to store things.
2017 Edge Handles Extremely Well but has Poor Driver Visibility
When we drove the 2017 Edge, we were thoroughly impressed with how it handled. It reminded us of driving a hatchback. The Edge achieves something most cars today can not: The driver feels connected to the vehicle. When cornering, the suspension is firm and the steering wheel is very responsive. You’d think a firm suspension means it’s an uncomfortable ride, but actually, it glides over bumps, and the suspension handles them well.
The only pitfall with the Edge lies in its visibility. First, it’s harder than usual to see out of the side, because the Edge is stout, so taller drivers feel like their visibility is squished. Also, the headlights are subpar, and that wasn’t just our experience–they earned the lowest mark of “Poor” from the IIHS.
SUV is Safe in a Crash but Lacks Standard Safety Technology
Overall, the Edge did well in the IIHS crash testing, earning top marks in every category except for the small overlap front test on the driver’s side, where it earned an “Acceptable” score. However, we were disappointed at the lack of standard safety technology found on the Edge. The only standard technology it comes with is Ford’s excellent backup camera with dynamic guidelines. But because we tested the Titanium, it came with some extras like rear parking sensors that alert you when you’re about to hit something.
Additionally, the Titanium adds auto-dimming to the rearview and driver-side mirrors to make night driving easier. Finally, our Edge was equipped with the Technology Package, so it had a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert.
Loaded with Convenience Features, the Ford Edge Offers Everything from Remote Start to Heated Rear Seats
The interior of the Edge we tested came loaded with creature comforts for all passengers. A 10-way power-adjustable leather driver’s seat with memory and dual-zone automatic climate control system is standard on the Titanium. Technology reserved for the 301A package found on the vehicle we tested includes heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and remote start. Finally, because our Edge has the Cold Weather package, drivers get a heated steering wheel.
We found that the seats aren’t very comfortable; they’re flat and not forgiving. Additionally, the climate control layout could be better. It’s not intuitive, has too many buttons, and they split the controls between the touch screen and physical buttons. However, on the plus side, there’s plenty of room for three adults to fit comfortably in the back seat. Which is something that can’t be said about the compact SUVs on the market.
Plenty of Tech Features to Captivate Passengers
The Titanium comes with Ford’s Sync3 eight-inch infotainment system with navigation and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Excellent Sync3 system comes paired with Sony’s 12-speaker sound system.
Additionally, there’s lots more technology found on the Titanium, such as ambient lighting, an astonishing panoramic moonroof, universal garage door opener, and keyless entry.
2017 Ford Edge Verses its Top Competitor: Nissan Murano
The Edge really is a strange vehicle, and we’re not just talking about the looks of it. Most SUVs today are either compact or have third-row seating. Because of this, finding a similar competitor wasn’t easy. Of the few affordable midsize SUVs offered in 2017 without third-row seating, we think the Nissan Murano is Edge’s best competitor.
The Murano beats the Edge when it comes to interior quality, seating, and luxury. It also comes equipped with better standard features and unique styling. However, the Edge doesn’t just roll over, it puts up a fight with its more spacious interior, better handling, and range of engine options. All in all, if performance is not a top priority, the Murano is the way to go. However, if you care about handling and performance, the Edge is the right buy.
Is the 2017 Ford Edge a Decent Used Vehicle?
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with great handling, lots of technology, and don’t need third-row seating, the Edge is perfect for you. It’s a great vehicle, but buyers should be aware of two important things. First, it’s a gas guzzler, it’s more competitive in the pickup truck segment than it is in the midsize SUV category.
Second, buyers need to avoid the unreliable 2.0L EcoBoost at all costs. Although the Edge isn’t a perfect vehicle, it offers great capability at an affordable price. It comes loaded with lots of cool technology and creature comforts on the inside. However, if your primary focus is a luxurious and comfortable interior, Nissan’s Murano is the way to go.
Photos: Austin Kinney/Kinney’s Reviews; Nissan
