The 2021 Ford Edge ST Line CUV Crossover Utility Vehicle
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: What is an Edge? The Edge is a range of crossover CUV’s manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in the 2007 model year, the Edge is the first midsize CUV crossover utility vehicle marketed by Ford in North America, and the model line is currently in its second generation.
The 2021 Ford Edge is a midsize 5 passenger CUV that slots between the smaller Ford Escape and the larger Ford Explorer. It is in the midsize SUV class with 10 competitors, and they are: the Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Venza, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. In this category you have got to be good to compete.
A CUV crossover utility vehicle is a nice blend of a tall car, a minivan, a station wagon and a SUV. You get the higher ride height, the 4 doors, a large cargo area, and the option of AWD all wheel drive. Just like an SUV, a CUV can go and do a lot of things, without the extra cost and equipment, to be an on and off road competitor.
Returning for 2021 is the Ford Edge ST-Line CUV, for customers who prefer the Edge ST bold style, while prioritizing value and performance. Most models are powered by the twin-scroll 2.0L liter EcoBoost inline 4 cylinder engine that’s rated at 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Then it’s bolted to a 8 speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the front wheels via a FWD front wheel drive differential.
What is an EDGE ST-Line? In short, the ST-Line brings the looks of the ST, but not its price or performance, to the standard Edge. The model includes sporty looking body cladding, an ST style grille, more aggressive side skirts, a set of gloss black 20” inch wheels, double red stitched seats and door panels, and the requisite ST-Line badging. It looks like an ST, but costs less, and gets better gas mileage.
This week Ford sent me a 2021 Edge ST-Line FWD front wheel drive CUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model
is $38,440. The options on the test car are: the Ford co-pilot 360 assist for $895, the panoramic vista roof for $1,595 and the rear cargo compartment mat for $50.
The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $2,540 in optional equipment, plus the $1,245 destination and delivery charge, came to: $42,225. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total out the door and in your driveway purchase price came to: $47,503.
With the average vehicle transaction selling price at near $45,000 in 2021, this new Ford Edge costs right in the middle of the $50,000 sweet spot, and the average $45,000 transaction price, at $47K and change.
If you have $50 Grand as your top of the line budget, then you should be looking at a 2021 Edge ST-Line to buy, or lease. You can spend a lot more, even with Ford, but you can’t buy better than this nicely equipped 2021 Ford Edge for the price.
Let’s take a good look at the option list on this ST-Line model. It starts with the 20” premium black painted alloy aluminum wheels with a set of 245/50 R20 BSW black sidewall tires. Then add in the convenience package, the Ford C0-Pilot 360 assist package with evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control and lane center assist, the Panoramic vista sunroof panels, and the personal safety system with perimeter alarm. Just a few of the 68 lines of standard and optional equipment listed on the window sticker.
This Ford Edge gets 29 MPG highway, 21 MPG city, and 24 MPG miles per gallon in combined driving. The greenhouse gas rating is a 5, and the smog rating is a 5, both out of 10. Plus it has a 5 Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA National Highway Safety Administration, the highest rating you can get. Nice gas mileage, a good smog rating, and a great 5 Star Safety score, puts the Ford Edge at the top level of the midsize SUV/ CUV class.
When you’re ready to buy a new midsize CUV the Edge should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s the one of the best priced mid size CUV’s for sale today. Call, click or visit your local Ford dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on a new 2021 Edge. And remember that the base price for a new Edge starts at only $32,750. Ford Edge - Built Ford Proud.
A word to the wise is sufficient: Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net