Over the past few years, Ford Motor Company has taken the lead in the world of performance sport compacts with their ST line. The Focus ST formally introduced Americans to FoMoCo’s high performance program and the Fiesta ST built on the popularity of the Focus, offering go-fast-fans two different options when shopping for a small, high performance car.
When the 2018 North American International Auto Show opens in Detroit’s Cobo Hall next week, the world will be formally introduced to the newest, biggest and most powerful ST vehicle – the 2019 Ford Edge ST.
“Edge ST puts a new animal on the road – a performance SUV with a track mentality,” said Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. “From a performance standpoint, and with its SUV silhouette and versatility, it sets a new standard Edge fans will love to drive.”
ST Performance Year-Round
The heart of the 2019 Ford Edge ST is the uniquely-tuned, 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This engine delivers 335 horsepower and 380lb-ft of torque (20 more horsepower and 30lb-ft more torque than the Edge Sport) to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Those performance figures make the Edge the most powerful ST model, but it is also the first ST-branded vehicle to come with AWD, so unlike the Focus ST and Fiesta ST – the Edge ST is a high performance package that owners can enjoy on a warm summer day and on a snowy winter day.
In addition to the twin turbo V6 and the standard AWD system, the 2019 Edge ST features sport-tuned suspension, two unique wheel/tire packages including 21-inch rollers wrapped in summer performance tires, an available high performance braking package and a Sport Mode that offers a more aggressive exhaust note.
The ST Look, Inside and Out
While the most notable features of the 2019 Ford Edge ST make it one of the best-performing mid-sized SUVs sold in America, the design team paid the same attention to the interior and exterior as they did with the Focus and Fiesta ST packages.
On the outside, the Edge ST features a unique front fascia that bears a striking resemblance to the ST-brand cars. This includes a large central grille opening and unique sculpting through the middle and bottom of the front fascia, introducing the same basic angular design that gives the ST cars their aggressive face. As a result, the Edge ST is easily the sportiest of the packages we have seen for Ford’s popular mid-sized SUV, allowing it to stand out from the rest of the massive crowd in that segment.
Out back, the 2019 Edge ST sports unique dual exhaust outlets and an aggressive lower diffuser, which when tied together with the new front end and the new wheels makes for one great-looking mid-sized SUV.
On the inside, the 2019 Ford Edge ST follows suit with the Focus and Fiesta ST, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, unique sport-contour seats, ST- and Ford Performance badging throughout the cabin and – like the other ST models – the Edge comes with a long list of standard interior features.
Unfortunately, we don’t have pricing or the date of availability yet, but with the 2019 Ford Edge ST set to make its formal debut next week at the Detroit Auto Show, we can expect the full details soon. In the meantime, check out the video below showing the Edge ST in action with Ben Collins behind the wheel.