With only one passenger car model left in its U.S. line-up, Ford has turned to putting a sporty emphasis on its light truck family, earlier this year launching the first true, performance-oriented SUV, the 2020 Edge ST. Now, it’s expanding the family with the introduction of the Ford Edge ST-Line.
With the addition of the ST and ST-Line, Ford is following a playbook already used by some of its key competitors, from Hyundai to Mercedes. Unlike the balls-to-the-wall Edge ST that is motivated by a 335 horsepower turbo-six, the ST-Line version is essentially all show, with no extra go.
“Edge ST continues to break new ground with terrific styling, powerful performance and smart technology,” Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager, said in a statement announcing the new variant. “But some customers want style and value and don’t need all of the horsepower. For them, Edge ST-Line hits the bull’s-eye – again.”
All told, there are now five different versions of the 2020 Ford Edge, starting with the base SE at a starting price of $32,345. Buyers can opt up to the $$35,600 SEL model, the lavishly equipped Titanium at $39,345 or make the jump all the way up to the Edge ST at a base $44,510. The ST-Line comes in at the same $39,345 as the Titanium – all prices here including delivery fees.
Like the rest of the line-up, the ST-Line gets a buyer a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 250 hp and 275 pound-feet of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic. Buyers can opt for the standard front-wheel-drive configuration or upgrade to all-wheel-drive.
The 2020 Ford Edge ST-Line is distinguished by a number of exterior tweaks modeled after the high-performance ST version. That includes a unique grille, body-colored bumpers, lower sport cladding, black roof rails and other touches, including 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. Fog lamps also are standard.
Ford didn’t offer clear details about interior upgrades, though there appears to be red contrast stitching to the leather seats and unique ST-Line sill plates.
(First drive: 2020 Ford Explorer ST.)
Like the Edge Titanium, this is a well-equipped package with technology including the latest Sync 3 infotainment system with, among things, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa capabilities. There’s also wireless Qi cellphone charging.
And the Edge ST-Line comes with some advanced driver assistance systems. But the full Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus technology, which includes Enhanced Active Park Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane-Centering and All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect, is optional.
Ford began taking orders for the 2020 Edge ST-Line today.
The stairstep approach to performance is becoming the norm, rather than the exception with high-line automakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz on the high-line, as well as with more mainstream marques such as Hyundai.
