All Dressed Up Without the Go

Not everyone wants, needs or can afford the performance version of any vehicle. This is especially true of mainstream models, such as a domestic-badged midsize crossover.

Take the Ford Edge, for example.

The top-end Edge ST, which was launched in late 2018, features a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine that kicks out 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension, standard all-wheel drive, optional performance brakes and plenty of bling.

Only about one in eight Edge buyers opts for the $44,500 ST. That’s actually twice the take-rate of the previous Edge Sport, but it still leaves a lot of room between the ST and the second-tier Titanium variant.

Premium Look, Less Power

Ford believes there’s an untapped market for a new value-oriented penultimate model, with a focus on design.

Ford Edge S-Line (Image: Ford)

Enter the 2020 Edge ST-Line, which starts at $39,300. It has considerably less power, getting the same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque) that’s standard in the lower-level SE, SEL and Titanium versions of the Edge. Both engines are mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What it lacks in power, the ST-Line makes up for in styling pizazz. Maintaining the ST’s sporty appearance, the new model features:

• Unique grille and special badging
• Body-colored bumpers
• Black beltline molding and lower sport cladding
• LED lights and fog lamps
• Black roof rack side rails
• 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels

Advanced Tech Included

The ST-Line also gets a host of standard safety features and other amenities. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, parking assist, evasive steering assist, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), wireless phone charging, Waze navigation and Alexa personal assistant capability.

Value Proposition

“Some customers want style and value and don’t need all of the horsepower,” explains Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “For them, the Edge ST-Line hits the bullseye.”

For those who are even more price-conscious, the base SE model starts at $32,300. The mid-level SE and Titanium sticker for $35,600 and $39,300 (the same as the new ST-Line).

Ford plans to add ST-Line variants of other models later this year.