Ford Edge Interior Review: A Sleek Space Packed With Comfort and Tech
If you're in the market for an SUV that combines style, comfort, and technology with enough space to fit your family or gear—then the Ford Edge is one to consider. This mid-size crossover has been a strong contender in its class, offering a well-thought-out interior design that makes driving a pleasure. Let’s deep dive into the interior of the Ford Edge, exploring its features, comfort, and what makes it stand out from the competition. We’ll cover all the bases, from infotainment systems to seating and storage options—and, of course, the potential drawbacks you might want to know before making a purchase.
Design and Layout
The Ford Edge cabin is designed with a driver-first approach, and this can be seen in how the dashboard and controls are laid out. One thing you'll immediately notice is the balance between form and function. The interior feels modern, with soft-touch materials, contrasting stitches, and a choice of either cloth or leather upholstery depending on your trim level.
Material Choices
The materials used in the Ford Edge's interior elevate the sense of luxury without going overboard. Higher trims like the Titanium or ST come with perforated leather-trimmed seats, which not only feel great but also add a touch of elegance. However, some may feel that the lower trim’s standard cloth upholstery doesn't quite match the premium vibe. And while most of the cabin's materials feel good to the touch, there are still some areas—like the lower door panels—that have harder plastics.
“A great mix of comfort, style, and a bit of flair. I’d say it’s on par with what you’d find in other luxury SUVs in its price range,” says Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast.
Seating and Comfort
Front Seats
One of the Ford Edge’s best features is its spacious seating. The front seats are wide, plush, and supportive—great for long road trips or daily commutes. Thanks to the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (standard on most trims), finding your ideal driving position is quick and easy. Heated and ventilated seats are available as you go up the trims, adding that extra layer of comfort during winter mornings or hot summer days.
Rear Seats
In the back, the Ford Edge provides plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers, even taller ones. The seats recline for added comfort, and there’s enough space for three passengers to sit comfortably. However, the rear seats may not be as well-padded as the front ones, which might become a minor issue for passengers on longer trips.
Cargo Space
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Edge outshines many of its competitors. With all the seats in place, you get a 39.2 cubic feet cargo area, which can be expanded to a whopping 73.4 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are folded down. This makes the Ford Edge highly versatile, whether you're running errands around town or packing up for a weekend getaway.
A Few Downsides
While the seating is overall comfortable, some drivers have noted that the cushioning can be a bit firm for their tastes. Additionally, the rear visibility can feel limited due to the thicker rear pillars, although this is somewhat mitigated by the standard rearview camera and available blind-spot monitoring.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Ford Edge comes equipped with Ford's SYNC 4A system, one of the more intuitive infotainment systems available in this segment. It's all about providing ease of use and customization for both the driver and passengers.
Standard Tech Features
The base model of the Edge is no slouch when it comes to tech. You get a 12-inch touchscreen display that sits vertically on the center console, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. The interface is responsive, easy to navigate, and pairs well with your smartphone.
Available Upgrades
For those looking to up their tech game, the Ford Edge offers several upgrades, including:
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Wireless charging pad
- 12-speaker B&O Sound System for that audiophile-level sound quality
- Voice-activated navigation system
One notable tech upgrade is the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which bundles together features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and enhanced voice recognition to make driving safer and more enjoyable.
Alex Collantes notes, “The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly. The large screen and minimal lag make navigating the options easy—especially when you're on the go.”
Potential Drawbacks
The infotainment system’s vertical screen might not be to everyone’s taste. Some users may prefer a horizontally-oriented screen, which feels more natural and easy to use. There have also been reports of occasional software glitches or lag, though these tend to be minor issues.
Driver-Centric Controls
Ford has designed the Edge's dashboard to ensure that all controls are easily accessible to the driver. The climate control, audio settings, and driving mode selector are all well within reach, with tactile buttons and knobs that have a satisfying feel when pressed.
Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is semi-digital, providing a mix of analog gauges and digital displays. It’s simple, clean, and easy to read at a glance. Higher trims like the ST or Titanium Elite come with a fully digital instrument cluster that provides a customizable display, allowing the driver to prioritize the information they want to see.
Interior Space and Versatility
When it comes to space and storage, the Ford Edge certainly doesn't disappoint. The cabin features numerous cubbies and compartments, making it easy to store and organize smaller items. The center console is especially large, with a deep bin and several smaller trays to hold all your essentials.
Cupholders and Compartments
There are 4 cupholders (2 in the front and 2 in the rear) as well as bottle holders in each of the door pockets. Additionally, the glove box and door bins are well-sized and functional.
Flexible Storage
The Edge comes with a flat-load floor that makes it super easy to load and unload items from the cargo area. There's also a hands-free liftgate option, which is perfect for those times when you have your hands full of groceries or gear.
Interior Lighting and Ambience
The Ford Edge uses ambient lighting to enhance the cabin’s atmosphere, especially during nighttime drives. The Titanium and ST trims come with customizable ambient lighting, allowing drivers to choose from several colors to set the mood. The dashboard also has a soft glow that helps make the cabin feel more upscale.
Sunroof and Panoramic Roof
A panoramic sunroof is available, bringing in plenty of natural light and making the cabin feel even more spacious. It’s a two-panel design, so rear passengers can enjoy the sky view as well. However, the sunroof does eat into the available headroom slightly, which might be a drawback for taller passengers.
Trim-Level Interior Differences
SE (Base Model)
- Cloth upholstery
- Manual climate control
- Basic SYNC infotainment system with 12-inch touchscreen
- Rearview camera
SEL (Mid-Trim)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Upgraded audio system
Titanium (Higher Trim)
- Perforated leather upholstery
- Ambient interior lighting
- Hands-free power liftgate
- B&O Sound System
ST (Sport-Oriented Trim)
- Unique sport seats with leather and suede-like inserts
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
- Sport-tuned suspension
Potential Drawbacks of Ford Edge Interior
While the Ford Edge interior excels in many areas, it’s worth noting some potential downsides:
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Interior Material Quality: While the higher trims offer leather and soft-touch materials, lower trims have more hard plastics, which may not appeal to all buyers.
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Visibility: Due to the thicker rear pillars, rear visibility is somewhat limited. However, this is mitigated by advanced safety features.
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Firmness of Seating: While the front seats offer excellent support, some drivers might find the cushions a bit firm, especially during long drives.
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Limited Customization: While the SYNC 4A system is highly functional, it lacks some of the customizable settings found in competitors' infotainment systems.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ford Edge Interior Right for You?
The Ford Edge brings a lot to the table when it comes to interior comfort, tech features, and space. Its driver-centric controls, spacious seating, and versatile storage make it a strong contender in the SUV segment. The SYNC 4A system and premium features on higher trims like the Titanium or ST add a touch of luxury that feels well above its price point.
As Alex Collantes aptly puts it, “The Ford Edge is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and practicality. It’s an ideal family SUV or even a solo road-tripper’s best companion.”
In conclusion, while the Ford Edge's interior isn't flawless, it does tick many boxes for drivers looking for a comfortable and tech-savvy SUV that’s ready for any adventure.
References:
- Ford.com: Ford Edge Specifications
- MotorTrend: 2024 Ford Edge Review
- Car and Driver: Ford Edge Features & Specs
- Personal Interview with Alex Collantes, Automotive Enthusiast