Ford Performance’s Latest Machine Is A Hot Hauler

Edge ST puts a new animal on the road — a performance SUV with a track mentality. — Hau Thai-Tang

Shortly after teasing a new ST vehicle in its lineup, Ford Performance introduced its latest vehicle in advance of the North American International Auto Show, which starts in a matter of days, the Blue Oval revealed its latest performer. It will get you, your family, and all your gear where you need to go in a hurry. It is the 2019 Edge ST.

“Edge ST puts a new animal on the road — a performance SUV with a track mentality,” Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing, said. “From a performance standpoint, and with its SUV silhouette and versatility, it sets a new standard Edge fans will love to drive.”

Taking Count

Remember when the Blue Oval formed its Ford Performance group in 2014? Back then, the company promised to introduce 12 new vehicles by the year 2020. As scary as it sounds, we are only a couple years from that milestone, and judging by Ford Performance’s latest family photo, we still have several more exciting announcements in the next couple years, as there are now seven members of the clan: Edge ST, Fiesta ST, Focus RS, Focus ST, Ford GT, Shelby GT350, and F-150 Raptor.While it supplants the Edge Sport in the lineup, this is no mildly tuned appearance package. Ford Performance takes the ST badge seriously, so they equipped this new hot hauler with what is described as the most powerful V6 in its class. That’s definitely an attention getter. The 2.7-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost engine is rated at a solid 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with a new “quick-shifting,” eight-speed automatic transmission, the peppy 2.7-liter puts the power to the pavement via an all-wheel-drive system and a tuned sport suspension. The AWD is standard, and you can opt for even larger brakes if you plan to drive this SUV the way it should be driven.

With Sport Mode engaged, the Edge amps up the throttle response and carries the gears to the top of the tach before shifting. You can also shift it manually with paddle shifters. This mode also enhance braking and the exhaust note.

Of course, you’ll want more than a louder note from the dual exhaust to stand out from the crowd, so the edge features a number of performance styling cues, including ST-specific 21-inch wheels and a mesh grille designed for improved cooling.

Sounds like a hot family hauler and it should be ready in time for your family vacation adventures. Look for the Edge ST and its mainstream cousins to hit dealer lots this summer.