As the performance edition of the Ford Edge, the ST badge brings in a host of standard features as well as performance upgrades to the Edge. It comes in a single trim level priced at $44,510. The list of standard features that accompany the 2021 Ford Edge ST includes dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the biggest highlight, a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine.

Which Trim should you buy?

Well, as far as trim levels and options go, there aren’t many choices when it comes to the Ford Edge ST as it is a great package in itself and only comes in a single trim level and drivetrain option. The ST serves to be a better option compared to the normal Edge with more power and character but the difference in price does bother a lot of potential customers.

The 2021 Ford Edge ST comes equipped with a punchy 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the 2.0-liter pot in the regular Edge, the few extra horses and torque output in the Edge ST makes it feel like a different SUV in itself. The engine responds eagerly with plentiful energy and a very healthy torque supply down the lower rpm range, contributing to its sharp and exciting driving experience.

The 8-speed automatic gearbox is the same one that comes in the Edge and hence doesn’t feel on the same page as that of the more powerful engine that accompanies the ST. The gearbox lacks the responsiveness expected from a car with an ‘ST’ badge but is neither too bad in everyday operations. There is only a single drivetrain option available with the Edge ST which is the AWD drivetrain configuration. Despite minor niggles at startups, the Edge ST’s V6 engine is potent enough to push out from 0-60 MPH in just 5.7 seconds. 

The Ford Edge ST might not be the cheapest or costliest option in the segment, but it is certainly the quickest in its class which makes it well worth the money spent on it. The Chevrolet Blazer RS’ performance figures come close to that of the Edge ST’s and it costs a few thousand dollars less. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line on the other hand seem to be backward when it comes to the performance point of view producing the lowest outputs and taking 8.1 seconds to the 60mph mark.

How well does the 2021 Ford Edge ST handle?

The Ford Edge ST not only comes with a performance-oriented powertrain unit, but it also gets a sport-tuned suspension setup that adds a lot of confidence and excitement to the drive. The ride might feel harder than what you might experience in a regular Edge but throw the ST into a corner and you will realize that the ride feels more stable and confidence-inspiring than it used to. 

The anti-roll bars in the front and rear along with the brake actuated limited-slip differential further liven up the ride quality of the Ford Edge ST. While you may get some minor vibrations at slow city speeds, but on highways, the Edge ST impresses with its overall composure. The steering wheel is neither dull nor very active but offers good response and directness for easy highway maneuvering. 

2021 Ford Edge ST Braking Performance

For its 4477 lbs curb weight, the Edge ST encompasses a healthy set of braking apparatus which doesn’t need much effort from your foot to bring it to a halt. With ventilated discs at all four corners secured with 4-wheel ABS, the 2021 Ford Ford Edge ST comes to a halt from 60-0 MPH in just 128 feet. Moreover, despite its healthy proportions and tall stance, the Edge ST shows almost no signs of brake fade or understeer while braking hard. 

Among the competition here, the Chevrolet Blazer RS might have the smallest set of brakes in the segment, but since it weighs less than all the other SUVs in its class, it manages to have a stopping distance of 126 feet which is impressive. However, the likes of the Edge ST and Jeep Grand Cherokee are not too far behind the Chevrolet here. 

The Ford Edge ST continues to impress everyone with its fuel economy despite its higher performance pedigree. With a 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo engine, the Edge ST returns 19 and 26 MPG in the city and on the highway, respectively, and a healthy 21 MPG combined fuel economy. However, its smaller 18.5-gallon fuel tank restricts its combined driving range to only 388 miles. 

Among the rivals here, things are almost the same in terms of economy with very minor differences. While the Chevrolet Blazer offers a marginally better 22 mpg combined economy, the Grand Cherokee benefits from its large 24.6-gallon fuel tank which helps it with 516 miles of combined driving range. The Volkswagen continues to lurk at the bottom of the table averaging 20 MPG and has the least voluminous fuel tank that can hold 18.6-gallons.

When it comes to its interiors, the 2021 Ford Edge ST doesn’t fail to impress you with the host of features and creature comforts on offer just like its performance figures. The Edge ST comes with a plethora of standard features that are otherwise optional features in the regular Edge. The dashboard has the distinctive Ford touch to it in terms of design and is available in both single and dual-tone interior color options. The steering wheel gets leather upholstery as well as a heating function while the trim inserts get an aluminum touch.

The front seats are 8-way power-adjustable seats with leather upholstery and heating function. The signature ST seats get the ‘ST’ logo embossed on each seat as well. Other features inside the Edge ST include a Dual-zone automatic temperature control unit, a power sunroof, an armrest in the center console with storage and ambient lighting. The second-row seats are 60-40 split-bench seats upholstered in leather. The second-row seats of the Edge ST are some of the most spacious and comfortable seats in the segment as well.

In terms of practicality, the Edge ST gets a trunk capacity of 39.2 cubic feet which is impressive for an SUV of its class. Fold-down the second-row seats and you can avail yourself a max cargo capacity of up to 73.4 cubic feet. The trunk opening also comes with a foot-operated hands-free liftgate feature.

The Ford Edge ST is the most spacious SUV in its segment which is an impressive attribute on its side as a lot of potential customers are looking for space and practicality. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on the other hand has the largest standard cargo capacity in the segment of 40.3 cubic feet and also has ample space with both seats. The Jeep and Chevrolet also have similarly sized cabins but fall short on cargo capacity when compared to their rivals. Highlighted Interior Features are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel with leather upholstery and heating
• Aluminum accents on dash and door trim
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power front seats with power lumbar support
• The dual-zone automatic climate control unit
• Heated seats
• Sunroof

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Edge ST gets the latest and updated SYNC 4 infotainment system along with other interesting infotainment features that make it one of the best choices to go for. The Edge ST now comes with a large updated 12-inch vertically stacked touchscreen infotainment screen that has controls for almost every infotainment feature on board. 

The audio system is an 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium surround sound system which is the best that Ford has on offer for their SUVs. Speaking about connectivity features, the Edge ST now receives the latest Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity module along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot internet access system as well. Key infotainment features are:

• SiriusXM satellite radio
• A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment screen 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium surround sound system 
• 4G WiFi internet access hotspot
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity

The 2021 Ford Edge ST does resemble the regular Edge in every way but some elements have been tweaked to adapt to the ST badge. For example, all the parts that were available with a chrome finish are now lacking to give the Edge ST a sporty and bold look.

The sharp LED headlamps along with the chromed-out grille give the Edge ST an edge over its rivals when it comes to looks and LED tail lamps also add to its character. The dual exhaust tips in the rear lower fascia and the black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels come standard with the Edge ST. You also get an option to upgrade to a 21-inch alloy set of wheels.

It is impressive how Ford manages to provide the best in class interior space with the Edge ST despite the fact that it has the smallest wheelbase in its segment of 112.2 inches. The lower wheelbase helps it to maneuver easily in and around the cityscapes and makes the driving experience a lot more fun on the twisties. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line is the largest vehicle on offer and sports an impressive ground clearance of 8 inches. On the other hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the tallest option with a total height of 69.3 inches, while the Chevrolet Blazer RS is the lightest option weighing 4043 lbs. Highlighted Exterior Features are:

• LED headlamps 
• LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Power-folding and heated mirrors
• Dual stainless steel exhaust tips
• 20-inch black-painted machined alloy wheels 
• Rear spoiler lip
• Blacked out exterior elements

The 2021 Ford Edge gets an overall safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA and has managed to receive similar ratings from other agencies like the IIHS. Driven by Ford’s expertise, there need not be any doubt about the Edge ST’s structural integrity and build quality as STs are always special Ford models and Ford always makes sure that they give their best while engineering their ST models.

The Edge ST also comes with a range of safety features as standard which further ensures your safety while traveling in it. These features include a Reverse Sensing System, Ford Co-Pilot 360 Blind Spot Warning System, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Reverse Backup Camera System as well. Some of the notable safety features are:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist 
• Reverse Sensing System 
• Blind Spot Warning System 
• Automatic Emergency Braking

2021 Ford Edge ST vs. 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS

The Chevrolet Blazer RS is probably the closest contender to the Ford Edge ST in terms of performance, space, interior features, and a host of other features and characteristics. The Blazer RS is cheaper than the Edge ST for sure but a majority of their potential customers incline towards the Edge ST as it is much livelier to drive and has a better build quality than the Chevy.

2021 Ford Edge ST vs. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk might appear to be larger than the Edge ST in terms of exterior proportions but the Edge ST comes with a larger interior capacity as well as an engine which clearly makes it easier to conclude that it is much more worthy of your money rather than spending around $3,000 extra to purchase a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. The Edge ST also gets the best safety ratings and features in it which certainly adds to its pros.

2021 Ford Edge ST vs. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line doesn’t have an interior capacity as large as its name and isn’t as practical as the Edge ST either. It does appear to be cheaper than the Edge ST and although it makes less power compared to the Edge ST, its ride handling and driving experience are certainly well worth the money spent on it. And as a Volkswagen, the Atlas Cross Sport offers great build quality and a good list of interior features as well.

The new Ford Edge ST is a perfect SUV for those willing to shell out close to $45,000 to purchase a practical SUV with AWD and a sporty powertrain unit that can balance household chores and weekend fun equally. The Edge ST proves to be a remarkable example of what Ford can create and certainly adds a lot of value to the money being spent with its best-in-class performance figures and the plethora of standard features and creature comforts that come with it.