The Edge is Ford’s two-row mid-size crossover which has been released a couple of years ago. The car directly competes with the Grand Cherokee and the Touareg, two of its fiercest rivals. Even though it is currently being outsold by the two, the Edge is actually a really good car. The only real grief with it has been the quality inside the cabin which did let some people down. However, not that long ago rumors started to surface around the internet about an update. It seems that the upcoming 2018 Ford Edge won’t be just a mild refresh by Ford.
Many people seem to think that the 2018 model will also bring some changes to its powertrain, likely a new look and even a better interior. The latter was the main problem so if they manage to offer something remotely interesting then Ford is going to have a winner on their hands.
Source: driver.com.au
More details
Despite what most said, the 2018 model won’t change the platform. However, some upgrades are bound to happen. For starters, the steering rack of the current model is disappointing, to say the least. The car has a really vague steering which doesn’t inspire confidence to its driver. On top of that, the feel through the steering wheel is nonexistent which is a bit of a shame considering the look of it. For the future, Ford might prepare something interesting. Even though the base car will likely carry on with the same steering system, its high-performance version might receive an update.
This could do with a shorter steering rack and better feedback thanks to better bushes. The result should allow the 2018 Ford Edge to have the driving characteristics it was always meant to have. The release date is still unknown, but if we had to guess, the end of 2017 seems to be the most probable. Its price will likely remain similar to the current version.
Source: drive.com.au
2018 Ford Edge Design
The Edge is actually the car that started Ford’s new corporate front end look. Even though these are still just rumors, it seems the upcoming model will do the same. We already know the Expedition will get closer in design to it so it would make sense for Ford to better differentiate the sporty crossover. In the front, we expect an even more aggressive grille and possibly curvier headlights.
The car’s “squat look” on the other hand is here to stay. The rear end will likely receive just revised tail lights while the wheels will more than likely be upgraded to reflect Ford’s new design scheme.
Inside the cabin
Like the current model, the 2018 Ford Edge will definitely be available as a 5 or 7 seat crossover. The first version will have sliding rear seats, a center armrest, likely optionally heated seats and even a modular trunk. The second version, on the other hand, will have to do without these. The two extra seats will be mounted inside the trunk, so the remaining space will be minimal. This will remain a compromise version for those needing the two extra seats only on occasions. In the front, it is actually expected to get a new dashboard.
The current model is a bit sedated when it comes to the overall design, especially when being compared to its exterior. Ford might turn to their European division which recently designed the new Fiesta’s interior which is a huge upgrade over its predecessor.
Source: drive.com.au
Under the hood
The current model is available with three different engines. There is a base 2-liter turbo-four with 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5 liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque is an option. This adds slightly more pulling power and a better sound. The top range model gets a 2.7 liter EcoBoost with 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 2018 Ford Edge is expected to retain just the base and top of the line engines.
The naturally aspirated V6 will more than likely be gone. In its place, we may see a 2.3 liter EcoBoost with around 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Also, because of this engine, the larger 2.7 liters V6 might receive a small bump in power and torque. All of them are expected to make use of Ford’s upcoming nine speed automatic.
Other rumors are to the effect that the naturally aspirated 3.5 L V6 engine will be replaced by the new 3.3 L V6 just announced for the 2018 F150, and will also get the new 10-speed transmission.
Ford will make it a point to keep a naturally aspirated option in the form of the 3.3 V6, as many buyers don’t want a turbo. Even Ford says that maximum performance from a turbo requires premium gas, which is becoming more and more expensive.