Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Ford Edge Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Ford Edge Model Years (Ranked)
The Ford Edge was Ford's two-row midsize crossover from the 2007 model year until production ended after 2024 in North America. Across two generations it offered a roomy, comfortable cabin, a strong list of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, and — in the wild Edge ST — a genuinely quick performance variant making over 330 horsepower.
It slotted between the compact Escape and the three-row Explorer, appealing to buyers who wanted SUV space and an elevated driving position without a third row.
Not every Edge year is equal. The first generation (2007-2014) had a thirsty 3.5-liter V6 and the occasional PowerShift-related anxiety on certain Ford products (the Edge itself used conventional automatics), while the 2015 redesign brought a much-improved cabin, more efficient EcoBoost engines, and better dynamics.
This ranking covers the best Ford Edge model years using real engines and transmissions, EcoBoost options, towing, infotainment, recall history, and value. The short version: the 2019-2022 second-generation cars are the sweet spot, the 2017-2018 EcoBoost models are the value picks, and the Edge ST is the enthusiast choice.
Direct Answer
The best overall Ford Edge model year is the 2021 Ford Edge — a refined second-generation car with the efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four (250 hp) or, in the ST, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (335 hp), the smooth 8-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, the modern 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and a full suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver aids.
For value, the best value Ford Edge is the 2017 Edge, a mid-cycle car that pairs the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with available AWD and has depreciated steeply, making it one of the cheaper ways into a comfortable two-row crossover. Performance buyers should target the 2019-2022 Edge ST for its 335-hp twin-turbo V6.
1. 2021 Ford Edge (Second Generation) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2021 Ford Edge is the most refined mainstream year of the second generation (2015-2024). The standard engine is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four producing 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft, paired to a smooth 8-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive. The 2021 brought the big 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a redesigned center console, and standard Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech (automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping).
The value is the best-equipped, most modern Edge with a proven turbo-four and current infotainment at used-car pricing.
2. 2017 Ford Edge (Second Generation) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2017 Ford Edge is the smart-money buy. It carries the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four (245 hp) as standard, with the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in the Sport trim, both on a 6-speed automatic with available AWD. The 2017 offers SYNC 3, a roomy cabin, and a comfortable ride, but it has depreciated heavily.
The value is excellent — a clean 2017 SEL or Titanium delivers leather, a big cargo area, and turbocharged power for a fraction of its original price, making it one of the most affordable comfortable two-row crossovers on the used market.
3. 2019 Ford Edge ST (Performance Pick)
The 2019 Ford Edge ST replaced the old Sport trim and is the performance flagship, using the 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 making 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft, standard all-wheel drive, and the new 8-speed automatic. It adds sport suspension tuning, bigger brakes, and unique styling.
The value is genuine quickness — 0-60 in the low-6-second range — in a practical family crossover, the most powerful Edge you can buy. As the first ST year, it is also where this performance variant became attainable on the used market.
4. 2020 Ford Edge (Second Generation)
The 2020 Ford Edge is nearly identical to the 2019 mechanically, with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost (250 hp) standard, the 2.7-liter ST option (335 hp), the 8-speed automatic, and available AWD. It carries standard Co-Pilot360 driver aids and SYNC 3. The value is a near-current Edge with the better 8-speed transmission at a slightly lower price than the 2021.
It trails the 2021 only because that year added the larger SYNC 4 screen and a refreshed console, but the 2020 is otherwise a fully modern, well-equipped crossover.
5. 2022 Ford Edge (Second Generation)
The 2022 Ford Edge continues the refreshed second generation with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost standard, the Edge ST with its 335-hp twin-turbo V6, the 8-speed automatic, available AWD, and the 12-inch SYNC 4 system. It ranks just below the 2021 only because it commands a slightly higher used price for a nearly identical vehicle.
The value is the newest-feeling Edge short of paying near-new money, with the latest tech and the same efficient turbo-four. A strong choice if you want the most recent model year at a modest premium.
6. 2018 Ford Edge (Second Generation)
The 2018 Ford Edge is the final year before the 2019 refresh and a strong value. It offers the 2.0-liter EcoBoost (245 hp) standard and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Sport, both with a 6-speed automatic and available AWD, plus SYNC 3 and available adaptive cruise.
The value is a well-sorted pre-refresh car at attractive pricing — essentially the same comfortable crossover as the 2017 with the last small running improvements. It trails the 2019-plus cars only because they gained the 8-speed and the ST badge.
7. 2023 Ford Edge (Second Generation)
The 2023 Ford Edge keeps the refreshed look, 2.0-liter EcoBoost standard, the Edge ST, the 8-speed automatic, available AWD, and the large SYNC 4 screen. As one of the last model years before the Edge's North American discontinuation after 2024, it offers the most up-to-date features.
The value is current technology with the long-depreciation tail of a nameplate winding down, meaning a recent, well-equipped crossover at a price softened by the model's end-of-life status. Verify warranty remaining and a clean recall record.
8. 2016 Ford Edge (Second Generation)
The 2016 Ford Edge is one of the earliest second-generation cars and a solid value year, offering the 2.0-liter EcoBoost (245 hp) standard, the 3.5-liter V6 in some configurations, and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 in the Sport, all on a 6-speed automatic with available AWD.
It shares the redesigned 2015-plus platform with its much-improved cabin and ride. The value is the redesigned Edge at one of the lowest prices, ideal for budget buyers who want the modern body and interior without paying for the latest tech.
9. 2015 Ford Edge (Second Generation, First Year)
The 2015 Ford Edge launched the much-improved second generation, with a stiffer platform, a quieter and roomier cabin, and the move to turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost and 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engines alongside the 3.5-liter V6, all on a 6-speed automatic. As a first model year, it carries slightly more risk than later cars, but the redesign was a clear leap over the first generation.
The value is the cheapest way into the modern Edge body and interior, best for buyers who buy on condition and a documented service history.
10. 2014 Ford Edge (First Generation, Final Year)
The 2014 Ford Edge is the most refined first-generation car (2007-2014), with the 3.5-liter V6 (285 hp) or the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four and 3.7-liter V6 in the Sport, on a 6-speed automatic with available AWD. As the last of its generation, it received the most accumulated updates, including MyFord Touch refinements.
The value is first-gen affordability with the better engines and final-year polish — a budget pick that gives up the second generation's quieter cabin and modern tech but remains a comfortable, capable crossover.
How to Choose
Begin with generation. The first generation (2007-2014) is the cheapest, with a torquey 3.5-liter V6, but the cabin, ride quietness, and infotainment lag far behind newer cars — the 2014 is the pick if you go this route. The second generation (2015-2024) is the one to target for most buyers, with a much-improved interior, efficient EcoBoost turbo engines, available all-wheel drive, and modern SYNC infotainment (the larger SYNC 4 arriving for 2021).
Next, choose your engine. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four is the efficient, well-rounded daily choice with around 250 horsepower. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in the Sport or ST adds real punch, up to 335 horsepower in the ST.
Want the better transmission? Buy a 2019-or-newer car with the 8-speed automatic. As always, confirm open recalls by VIN, check the EcoBoost for clean cold starts and no turbo whine, and prioritize documented maintenance — turbocharged engines reward consistent oil changes.
FAQ
Which Ford Edge year is the most reliable? The second-generation cars from about 2017 onward, especially the 2019-2022 models, post the strongest reliability records, with the mature 2.0-liter EcoBoost and the well-sorted 8-speed automatic. First model years of each generation (2007, 2015) carry slightly more risk, but condition and maintenance matter more than the exact year.
Is the Ford Edge EcoBoost engine reliable? Yes, when maintained. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is a proven turbo four that commonly exceeds 150,000 miles with consistent oil changes and quality fuel. Keep up with cooling-system service and watch for any boost leaks or turbo noise on a test drive.
Neglected examples can develop carbon buildup, common to direct-injection engines.
How much can a Ford Edge tow? Properly equipped, a Ford Edge with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 tows up to about 3,500 pounds, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost models tow around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. Always match the rating to your specific configuration and use the correct hitch and trailer setup.
Why was the Ford Edge discontinued? Ford ended North American Edge production after the 2024 model year as it streamlined its crossover lineup and shifted toward newer models and electrification. The two-row Edge's role was partly absorbed by other Ford SUVs and the Mustang Mach-E.
Bottom Line
The 2021 Ford Edge is the best overall pick — the most refined second-generation car, with an efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost, the smooth 8-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, and the modern SYNC 4 system. The 2017 Edge is the best value, delivering turbocharged power and a comfortable cabin for very little money.
Performance buyers should chase a 2019-2022 Edge ST for its 335-hp twin-turbo V6. Whatever the year, buy on documented maintenance and a clean recall record, and give any EcoBoost turbo a careful cold-start test.
Sources
- Ford Edge overview and generations, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Edge
- Ford Edge specifications and trims, Ford USA: https://www.ford.com/suvs/edge/
- Ford Edge reliability and reviews, Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/ford/edge/
- Ford Edge model-year ratings, Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/ford/edge/
- Ford Edge recalls and complaints, NHTSA: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/FORD/EDGE
- Ford Edge used pricing, Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/edge/