2017 Ford Edge Sport Road Test and Review

01 2016 Ford EdgeSport Front threeqtr ・ Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

The proliferation of vehicles claiming to be “sporty” these days can leave you numb to the term, so it’s a pleasant surprise when something like the 2016 Ford Edge Sport AWD actually delivers the goods. More than just a collection of fake spoilers and keywords like “dynamic,” the Edge Sport brings three important, exclusive features to the table: a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and adaptive steering. Combined, along with a number of other technologies and special touches, the 2017 Edge Sport is the class of its lineup and a fearsome competitor among athletic crossovers.

A Crossover Stand Out

In any trim, the 2017 Ford Sport is among the best values on the market for a compact SUV. Where the Edge Sport differentiates is its seamless integration of additional luxuries, capabilities, and eye-catching looks, as well as its ability to back them all up on the street. These days, it’s not difficult to dress a crossover in attractive sheetmetal and a couple of nice interior touches and brand it as top of the line. Sink your teeth into it, though, and the effect can be like runny creme brûlée—something’s just not quite right. This isn't the case in the Edge Sport, which offers composure and performance baked into its DNA.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Exterior

The long list of exclusive features in the 2017 Edge Sport begins with the outward design. No other Edge is available with the ultra-aggro piano black front grille, or the futuristic HID headlamp setup, or the trapezoidal exhaust tips pushed out to the corners of the lower rear fascia. This is a crossover that doesn’t scream "Sporty!" - it just is. Even the roof spoiler and standard 20-inch polished wheels come off as natural extensions, rather than tacked-on accessories. The overall effect is that of an apex predator; perfectly adapted to its surroundings and prepared to take on all comers foolish enough to challenge it.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Interior

The design themes established on the outside carry over well inside the cabin of the 2017 Ford Edge Sport, as well. A smooth black color scheme nicely blends all components together. Leather-trimmed seats with perforated sueded inserts, standard on the Edge Sport and not available on any other trim, are easy on the back with plenty of lateral support. Hidden storage compartments are seemingly everywhere, and small classy touches like aluminum pedal covers and ambient LED lighting lend the Edge Sport a welcome air of grace. Choosing the Edge Sport also unlocks the Tech Package, a $3,150 option that includes remote start, enhanced park assist, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and several advanced safety features.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Engine

Under the hood, the 2017 Ford Edge Sport truly earns the final word in its name. There resides a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, packing 315 horsepower and a stout 350 lb.-ft of torque from just 2,750 rpm. This baby goes. From a standstill the Edge Sport needs a moment to load, before that turbo works itself up to speed and delivers a wallop. It’s not the laggy punch in the chest boost that old turbos are famous for; more integrated and smooth, yet still powerful enough to make your stomach sink. Once you’re up to speed, the Edge Sport is ready at a moment’s notice, and around town can be as docile and easy as you like.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Performance

The engine is inarguably the star of the show, but the Ford Edge Sport has the all-around attributes to handle that power with precision. The suspension has been sport-tuned, arming the Edge Sport with anti-roll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than other trims, as well as 20 percent less body roll. This trim is the only one with standard Intelligent AWD, and the same goes for Adaptive Steering, which noticeably firms up control as speed increases. Fuel efficiency drops from 20/28 MPG in other AWD trims to 17/24 in the Edge Sport, and the 6-speed SelectShift transmission is smooth when cruising yet delayed under hard driving. Otherwise, though, the Edge Sport provides seriously impressive performance credentials.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Technology & Infotainment

The new and improved SYNC3 infotainment system is standard equipment on the 2017 Ford Edge Sport, and is controlled through an 8-inch touchscreen front and center. Voice activation is a welcome feature, and additional screens can be utilized in the instrument cluster. However, SYNC3 has its hiccups. While Android phones can connect to mobile apps through Bluetooth, an iPhone needs to be plugged in. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not compatible, and some other mobile functions are not quite seamless yet. Still, processing speed is impressive, the navigation experience is enjoyable, and the screen is impressively sensitive to touch. The new system is based on Blackberry technology, moving on from Windows, so menu options are clearly and easily presented.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Ford Edge with a Top Safety Pick award, its second-highest available. Strengthened construction, particularly reinforced door-hinge pillars, helped the Edge perform well under testing, and it scored a Good rating in four out of five tests. Ford’s collision avoidance systems also helped—the Tech Package mentioned earlier includes blind spot monitoring, and a lane keeping system. Its lack of automatic braking kept the Edge Sport out of contention for the Top Safety Pick+ award, but NHTSA has rated it with five stars, and a tire pressure monitoring system is standard equipment as well.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Trims & Pricing

The 2017 Ford Edge Sport sits at the top of the Edge lineup food chain, with several exclusive features and many other standard ones that will cost extra with any other trim. Considering all that’s packed inside, the base price of $40,900 before destination is very competitive for the segment. Of course, there are plenty of extras to consider. At a cost of $3,150 the Tech Package is well stocked, and my Edge Sport tester came with a flurry of goodies: adaptive cruise control ($1,150); 21-inch wheels and summer tires ($995, each); cold weather package ($325); inflatable rear safety belts ($195) and more. Perhaps best of all is the ruby red metallic paint job ($395), but to each their own.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Competitors

There is no shortage of competition in the affordable midsize SUV category, but when it comes to dedicated performance, the Edge Sport largely stands alone. Industry mainstays like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Nissan Murano don’t offer a sportier version. Only the Jeep Grand Cherokee really has a dog in this fight, but the formidable SRT is almost in a different stratosphere with a 475-horsepower V8 and MSRP over $65,000. Maybe the Edge Sport is on to something here: a crossover that provides well balanced oomph and handling without losing capability or comfort, in a modern package with competitive pricing. It certainly looks the part, and it's always nice when the book can back up its ambitious cover.

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen