2023 Ford Edge

Many consumers in the USA prize practicality and value for money above all else when it comes to buying a new car, and the Ford Edge definitely meets these expectations. It gets a potent 250-horsepower four-cylinder with turbocharging, but this isn't for the sake of performance. If you want something quick and fun, then the Mazda CX-5 might be a better option - or other competitors like the Nissan Murano that offer a bit more style and punch. However, if you need space and a comfortable ride, then the midsize Edge has these in spades. It also gets some nice features, especially the updated infotainment system from last year, but the interior still feels somewhat dated - and perceived low-quality materials don't help. But at this price point, the Ford Edge might be enough for most buyers.

One of the Ford Edge's key selling points is the fact that it sells for a competitive price. The base model SE AWD starts with an MSRP of around $38,000, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,495. The SEL will set you back closer to $40,000, while the ST-Line and Platinum add a few thousand on top of that.

Most SUVs are designed to be comfortable drivers, paying little attention to the notion of fun, and the Ford Edge doesn't depart from this norm. It has more than enough power to get around with ease, and while it accelerates readily enough, it's not thrilling in any way. And if you try to maintain any kind of momentum going into a turn, the chassis and suspension will let you down. There is no feedback from the wheels, though there is at least enough weight behind the wheel to keep you confident on the highway.

Where the Edge won't let you down, though, is comfort. The SUV easily handles bumps in the road, and the cabin is nicely isolated from outside noises. This makes it a great companion for long road trips. But, if you want a little fun on the way to work or home after dropping the kids off at work, something spunkier like the Mazda CX-5 might better stoke the fires of fun.

While it may not be as quirky or fun as some of its contemporaries, the 2023 Ford Edge is a solid offering in the midsize SUV segment. Some shoppers may overlook it if they are looking for a car that is the 'best' at anything, but any list of great all-rounders should definitely include this vehicle. The standard tech is nothing to sniff at, with plenty of safety and driver-assistance features included. Much of this is accessed through the appreciably large 12-inch touchscreen, which runs Sync 4A software.

The Edge has a very spacious cabin, too, and the cargo hold has room enough for most daily needs. However, this is offset by low-quality materials that you wouldn't expect from a car at this price point. And while the engine is powerful enough to make driving feel easy, everything from the suspension to the steering makes it clear that utilizing that power for any amount of fun is out of the question. Luckily, these few niggling problems are not enough to undermine everything the Ford Edge does well. They simply hold it back from being one of the best cars in the segment, which is a pity because the potential is there.

Some competitors offer a more premium experience out the gate, so we wouldn't bother going for something like the Titanium. Instead, we'd suggest looking at the affordable SEL. For around $40,000, the SEL offers precisely the same powertrain as the more expensive trim levels. The interior gets tastefully upholstered ActiveX seating material, and the standard features list sees the addition of a ten-way power, heated front seat with driver's memory feature, and a six-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an EasyFold rear seatback, twin configurable 4.2-inch digital driver-information displays, and a leather steering wheel.