Ford is no stranger to performance derived vehicles thanks to their ST division, just look at the Focus, Fiesta and the mighty GT. With the world going nuts for SUV’s it was only a matter of time before we’d see a 2020 Ford Edge ST pop up.
The Edge has always been at the forefront of the 5-seater SUV segment and in some aspects leads said segment. But with the ST, they’re entering uncharted territory only reserved for the big boys.
Fun fact, a blue Ford Edge is the fastest-selling pre-owned car in the UAE and takes just 20 days to sell. Keep that in mind when selling your Edge ST.
The good
- Handling
- Fuel economy
- Cargo Space
The bad
- Infotainment system desperately needs an update
- Dashboard gauges could be bigger
- No seven-seater option
As always, a huge shout out to Al Tayer Motors Ford for lending us the vehicle.
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With all that out of the way, is the Edge ST worthy of the ST badge or is it tacked on to get the enthusiasts excited? Join us, and let’s find out together.
Driving the 2020 Ford Edge ST
We only had the SUV for a short amount of time, and we really didn’t want to give it back. We’ve driven a few agile SUV’s in our time, and the 2020 ST Edge is right up there with them, thanks to its motorsport-derived suspension.
Where the 2020 Edge ST shines is when you engage sport mode. With a press of a button, the throttle response time decreases and the SUV jolts to 100km/h faster.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and sends power to all four wheels via an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Gear shifts are smooth, and one can choose to change gears manually with small paddles behind the thin steering wheel, but most won’t find a use for them.
The intelligent all-wheel-drive system monitors the road condition in real-time. It automatically switches between two- and four-wheel-drive delivering a blend of power, traction and fuel economy when needed.
Outside the 2020 Ford Edge ST
Without a doubt, the Edge ST is the best looking Edge to date. To stand out, Ford has added subtle differences that you may skip over. Red ST badges will be the first changes spotted, but upon further inspection, one will notice the darker grille.
Not only does the mesh grille make the front end pop, but it also keeps the engine cool. Either side is flanked by sleek headlights with standard DRL’s.
Crisp lines flow along either side and connect to the back. The 2020 Edge ST’s rear sports new muscular styling which now has dual exhaust outlets that deliver a soothing sound.
For easy unloading and loading, the boot can be opened with a swing of your foot underneath, just don’t stand to close.
Inside the 2020 Ford Edge ST
When securely fastened behind the wheel, you will find your self sitting a bit too high even with the 10-way power-adjustable seat set all the way down. On the plus side, it does give you a better view of the road ahead.
Sound insulation is excellent as road noise is minimal when cruising around town.
Cargo space is spacious, and the bed is lined in tough plastic. Great for cleaning, bad for small cargo loads as everything slips and slide all over the place.
The second row is spacious and offers decent head and legroom. Our only gripe is the lack of connection ports in the centre console.
Safety and tech
Right off the bat, the infotainment system is outdated and sluggish at times, but does what it’s supposed to do. Despite the archaic system, it does have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which is always nice to have. Navigation is also included but needs an update.
Connecting your desired device via the system is a good idea as the standard Bang & Olufsen sound system broadcasts clear audio throughout the cabin.
On the safety front, the Edge ST 2020 is well equipped but some features are harder to find compared to the others and are off by default. With that said, when they are turned on, they quietly inform you that you might be something wrong instead of jolting you across the road.
Final Verdict
Of all the “sporty” SUV’s the 2020 Ford Edge ST offers a gloriously spacious cabin and cargo space in its segment. With very few shortcomings, the Edge ST is one to consider if you’re on the lookout for a five-seater SUV with character. This is one that the school run would love.
We’d add it to our list of five-seater SUV’s to consider as it stands out in a crowd thanks to its flowing lines and the punchy 2.7-litre engine does what it can to keep the Edge ST moving.
The ST badge can stay.
Against its rivals, the 2020 ST Edge sits at the lower end of the price spectrum making it the ideal sports derived SUV. If only the manual was available in the UAE.
2020 Ford Edge ST price in UAE: AED 190,000.
Find new Ford and used Ford for sale in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman.
Picture credit: Rajitha Perera (Dubicars)
