Ford made a splash with its Ford Edge ST, a sporty, high-performing vehicle that could outrun most of its competitors. However, it came at a hefty price, and some people didn’t like it. 

Ford listened to those critics and gave them what they’ve been asking for: a more affordable Edge SUV that resembled the ST model. They introduced the ST-Line, a new model for the Ford Edge family. Car and Driver explains what it is and what’s so great about it.

What is the new Ford Edge ST-Line?

In 2019, Ford rolled out their Edge ST, kick-starting the new high-performance models. With a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, it put out 335 hp. That’s higher than the sporty model that the ST replaced. But it was pretty pricey for a base model, and it upset some people. 

In 2020, Ford heard the complaints about the price and introduced the Edge ST-Line, a more affordable variant to the ST model. It sports a lot of what the ST has, but there are a few key differences. The ST-Line maintains some of the ST’s looks and features, but it doesn’t quite have the power. 

Under the ST-Line hood is a 2.0-liter engine putting out only 250 hp, which is still good, but it doesn’t match the power that the Ford Edge ST has. Paired with it is an eight-speed transmission that complements the motor well. 

Even though it lacks in the performance department with the less powerful motor, it more than makes up for it with its styling. Sleek, handsome looks make it more attractive to buyers who don’t care so much about the power difference. 

What are the pros of the Ford Edge ST-Line?

The most obvious one is the price. Being almost $5,000 cheaper than the ST, Ford has made it more affordable for Edge lovers who love the ST’s look but don’t like the price tag. Now you can drive around a sporty version of the SUV without putting down a ton of money to get it. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean Ford sacrificed a lot to offer it for less money. On the contrary, they pulled out all the stops to provide a handsome-looking vehicle pleasing to the eye. You will find the same honeycomb black grille on the front, body-colored bumpers, 20-inch gloss-black wheels, and black side-roof rails. 

On the inside, you’ll notice Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also sports other features like a wireless charging pad and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

What are the cons to the ST-Line?

The biggest weakness the ST-Line has is the weaker engine. But, in all fairness, Ford didn’t build it for performance as much as they did for the good looks. To help keep costs down, they put in a less powerful motor that does just fine. People who aren’t interested in a lot of power will appreciate the sleek styling instead. 

The other area that the ST-Line fails to impress is that it doesn’t offer some of the other features you find with other Ford Edge models. The Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver’s assistance system and the all-wheel drivetrain will cost you more money if you choose to add them on. 

The Ford Edge ST-Line offers the perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to show off their sporty SUV model but doesn’t care so much for the actual performance. Now you can do just that without paying the extra money for it.