A Fresh Edge: The 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Elite

The 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Elite.

It's been a bit over three years since the last time I drove a Ford Edge, and there have been some changes---both in the Edge itself and in its place in Ford's future.

In the fall of 2015, the Edge was the middle child of Ford's crossover SUV lineup---bigger than the Escape, smaller than the Explorer---with some wondering how much of a future there was for any crossover that didn't have a third row of seats.

But now, with Ford's decision to focus its portfolio on the Mustang, the F-Series pickups, the Expedition and its crossovers, the Edge looks like it could very well be Ford's future bread-and-butter machine.

2019 Ford Edge Titanium Elite.

As for the Edge itself, it's had a mild refresh for 2019, with sportier front and rear fascias, grilles, hoods and liftgates.   The new standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic, and automatic start/stop is also standard.  Those two items boost the EPA fuel economy average to 22 city/29 highway from the prior 20/28.  Power continues to come from Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes an impressive 250 horsepower.

Ford has also put a priority on drive assist technology as standard equipment for the 2019 Edge, with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, rearview camera and auto high-beam headlamps.  Post-impact braking and rain-sensing wipers are also standard.

The base price of $38,760 for the Edge Titanium also includes wireless phone charging, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, heated leather-trimmed seats and a hands-free foot-activate liftgate as standard equipment.   That's just the start of a very long list of what comes with at the base price:

• Stainless exhaust tips
• LED fog lamps
• Chrome grille
• Automatic bi-LED headlamps with auto high beam
• Wiper-activated headlamps
• LED signature lighting
• Power heated folding exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, approach lamps and memory
• Rear door privacy glass
• 60/40 folding rear bench seat
• Ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Eight cupholders
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Illuminated sill plates
• Ten-way power adjustable heated driver and front passenger seats with driver memory
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
• 12-volt powerpoints
• Two smart charging USB ports
• FordPass 4G Wi-Fi hotspot
• Intelligent access with pushbutton start
• Remote start

2019 Ford Edge Titanium interior.

That doesn't leave a lot out, but our tester did have a few extra-cost options:

• Equipment Group 301A---Evasive steering assist, voice-activated touchscreen navigation, adaptive cruise with stop and go and lane centering, enhanced active park assist, heated rear seats, cooled front seats and a panoramic vista roof ($4,150).
• Titanium Elite package---.245/50R20 A/S black sidewall tires, 20-inch bright machined aluminum wheels with premium dark stainless-painted pockets, body-colored front bumper and lower fascia with chrome inserts, a body-colored rear bumper, and body-colored lower side cladding with chrome inserts ($1,195).

Add destination charges of $1,095 and the bottom line comes to $45,200, but Ford is currently offering $2,000 of incentives on the Edge Titanium, so that really works out to $43,200---which, remarkably, is $385 less than the Edge I reviewed three years ago.  

If you don't need a third row of seats---and let's be honest, the vast majority of us don't and the vast majority of vehicles with them are a compromise in terms of third row comfort, cargo space or both---the 2019 Ford Edge is a solid choice for a crossover.