Mention the letters ST around hot-hatch enthusiasts and they're bound to light up. But the latest addition to the Ford Performance lineup isn't a Fiesta or a Focus. In fact it isn't a hatchback at all (though it does have four doors and a tailgate). It's an SUV.
Feast your eyes on the new Ford Edge ST, the sharpest version of Dearborn's midsize crossover yet. It's like the existing Edge Sport, only more so.
Under the hood sits the same 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 as the Edge Sport, but instead of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the Edge ST offers up 335 hp and 380 lb-ft. That puts it closer, in terms of output, to the Focus RS than to the Focus ST. The engine's also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (instead of the old six-speed slushbox), with standard all-wheel drive – but while the steering wheel has paddle shifters, sadly a manual is not available.
It's the most powerful engine that Ford's ever fitted in this model – edging out, so to speak, the larger 3.5-liter atmospheric V6 with its 280 hp and 315 lb-ft. And according to the manufacturer, it's the most powerful V6 offered in its class. The Blue Oval automaker isn't saying what it'll do, but the Edge Sport could dispatch 0-60 times in about 5.7 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 14.3, and you can expect to see the new Edge ST better those numbers.
What we do know is that the Edge has been tightened up all around in ST spec: the suspension, throttle response, shift patterns, engine braking, exhaust note, and styling have all been sharpened. There's a more aggressive-looking aero pack, dual exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels, and there'll be an upgraded performance brake package offered as well – a good idea considering the levels of inertia involved in a performance SUV.
Along with the new ST model, Ford has upgraded the rest of the Edge lineup for 2019 with more safety systems, infotainment options, and powertrain equipment. Even the base 2.0-liter EcoBoost four now offers five more horsepower while returning better fuel economy, thanks in no small part to that eight-speed automatic.
Expect to see the sharpened Edge on show in Detroit starting next week, in all specifications – including the new ST (pictured in blue) and the premium Titanium model (in deep red).
2019 Ford Edge ST
2019 Ford Edge Titanium
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