The Ford Edge isn’t usually at the top of the average SUV shopper’s wishlists. The Ford Escape is the more attractive option, given its redesign and lower starting price. The Edge also has an outdated infotainment system that lags far behind rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Some critics have also pointed out that the Ford Edge’s seats aren’t very comfortable. Despite this, Consumer Reports argues that the Ford Edge’s interior has a luxury feel overall. Here’s what Consumer Reports’ staff liked the most about the Edge and why buyers shouldn’t write it off just yet.

An overview of the 2020 Ford Edge

The Ford Edge has room to seat five occupants and has a decent amount of cargo area. With the second row folded down, drivers can store their belongings in over 73 cubic feet of space. The Edge SUV also comes standard with some nice tech, including smartphone compatibility and a Wi-fi hotspot.

Drivers have two choices when it comes to the Ford Edge’s powertrain. The standard option is a turbo four-cylinder that can make up to 250 hp. For drivers in need of a little extra power, higher trims have a twin-turbo V6 capable of 335 hp.

Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also an option.

The 2020 Ford Edge’s weak points

One odd thing about the Ford Edge is its limited seating. Many other midsize SUVs have three rows, but the Edge only has two. While the infotainment screen’s graphics are crisp, Car and Driver said that the layout looks outdated and the touchscreen is too small.

Like the infotainment layout, the interior itself hasn’t aged well. Edmunds also reported that the second row of the Ford Edge doesn’t have the most supportive seats. Consumer Reports indicates that the SUV only has an average predicted reliability rating.

Does the Ford Edge have a good interior?

Consumer Reports didn’t shy away from criticizing some aspects of the Ford Edge. Testers acknowledged the excessive amount of hard plastic inside the cabin but appreciated all the nice padded surfaces. These, along with the chrome and silver accents, gave the Edge a subtle luxury feel.

Testers also found that the seats themselves were quite spacious, even in the second row. The thick pillars at the front and rear somewhat hinder visibility, but at least the front seat has a high riding position. Consumer Reports also appreciated the car’s low floor and large door openings, which made for easy entry and exit.

Plenty of safety features

The standard trim of the Ford Edge also comes with some very useful driver’s aids. It has blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and the Ford MyKey system. A few extra options are available for higher trims, but most drivers will be content with the standard safety suite.

The Edge also got great scores on its safety tests. It got a ‘Good’ rating in every crash test conducted by the IIHS, with a ‘Superior’ ranking for front crash prevention. It also got an overall rating of five stars from the NHTSA.

A pleasant driving experience

In addition to being impressed with the interior, Consumer Reports also praised the Edge’s ride quality. There’s barely any road or wind noise, and the hum of the four-cylinder during acceleration is very subdued. While the seats definitely don’t feel plush, Consumer Reports’ testers found that the suspension felt steady over uneven pavement.

Consumer Reports also experienced very little body lean and the brakes function excellently. The Ford Edge may not be the perfect midsize SUV, but it’s definitely far from the worst option.