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Mid-Size SUV

2017 Ford Edge

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2024 model shown
1.36DGPA / 4.0
Overall GPA
Reliability
1.27D
Safety
1.31D
EfficiencyGas
1.99C-
24 MPG combined · 432 mi range · $1,500/yr energy
Comfort
1.66D
Value
2.26C
Ownership Cost
1.44D
Technology
0.78F
Driving Experience
2.19C

The verdict

A struggling mid-size suv, strong on value and held back by performance.

Overall 1.36 (D) across 10 graded subjects. Its strongest is value & market position at 2.26 (C), its weakest performance & powertrain at 0.50 (F). 3 of 10 subjects grade at C− or better.

Jump to scores

Strengths

  • Value & Market Position
  • Driving Experience
  • Efficiency & Range

What holds it back

  • Performance & Powertrain
  • Technology & Infotainment
  • Reliability & Quality

Top alternatives

Cars shoppers cross-shop with the Ford Edge

Production history

20072024 · 18 years · 2 generations
SCORED WINDOW · last 8 yearsGen 1200720142007Gen 2201520242015Ended 20242024 — graded2023 — graded2022 — graded2021 — graded2020 — graded2019 — graded2018 — graded2017 — gradedProduction began 2007

How it's evolved

8 scored model years · 20172024

0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242017 · Overall: 502018 · Overall: 52 (+2 vs 2017)2019 · Overall: 55 (+3 vs 2018)2020 · Overall: 56 (+1 vs 2019)2021 · Overall: 57 (+1 vs 2020)2022 · Overall: 56 (−1 vs 2021)2023 · Overall: 57 (+1 vs 2022)2024 · Overall: 59 (+2 vs 2023)

Subject scores by year

Hover or tap a score to see what moved it versus the year before. A corner mark flags a big swing.

YearPerformanceEfficiencySafetySpaceCostReliabilityTechUse-caseDrivingValue
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017

Compare two years

vs
Performance38
39+1
Efficiency59
52-7
Safety49
66+16
Space54
55+1
Cost51
42-10
Reliability49
67+18
Tech42
64+22
Use-case50
62+12
Driving62
61-2
Value63
54-9

Best fit & conditions

CommuterC-57/100
AdventureC-55/100
FamilyD53/100
Winter / inclementD53/100
Work / TowF37/100

Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →

Detailed scoring by subject

1Performance & PowertrainThe Edge's lowest-graded category.0.50F
Horsepower
245 hp (2.0L EcoBoost turbo I-4, SE/SEL/Titanium — volume trim); 280 hp with the optional 3.5L V6 (Titanium); 315 hp on Edge Sport (2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6)
24/100
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

The SEL, the Edge's best-selling 2017 trim, carries the standard 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I-4 rated 245 hp; Titanium buyers could step up to a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6, while the range-topping Sport used a distinct 2.7L twin-turbo V6. Unchanged from the second generation's 2015 introduction through the 2018 model year.

Torque
275 lb-ft (2.0L EcoBoost I-4, volume trim); 250 lb-ft (3.5L V6, Titanium option); 350 lb-ft on Sport (2.7L twin-turbo V6)
39/100
#6 of 23 in classCompare all →

Peak torque for the standard 2.0L EcoBoost four, paired with a 6-speed automatic across the 2017 lineup (the 8-speed did not arrive until the 2019 refresh).

0–60 mph time
~7.8 s (2.0L EcoBoost AWD, volume trim); ~5.9–6.2 s (Sport 2.7L twin-turbo AWD)
28/100
#14 of 23 in classCompare all →

Instrumented tests of the second-generation Edge's 2.0L EcoBoost AWD (unchanged 2015–2018) cluster in the high-7-second range; the 2.7L twin-turbo Sport is considerably quicker, in the low-6-second range.

Powertrain refinement60
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2.0L EcoBoost four is adequately smooth and torquey around town but shows some turbo lag and coarseness under hard acceleration; the optional 3.5L V6 and especially the Sport's twin-turbo V6 deliver notably stronger, smoother power.

Transmission behavior55
#15 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly enough in routine driving but has noticeably fewer ratios and slower kickdown response than newer competitors' 8- and 9-speed units, with occasional hunting on light throttle — a known weak point Ford addressed with an 8-speed only in the 2019 refresh.

Max towing capacity
1,500 lbs standard (SE/SEL/Titanium, 2.0L EcoBoost); up to 3,500 lbs max with trailer tow package (any trim, including Sport 2.7L EcoBoost)
36/100
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

The standard 2.0L EcoBoost Edge is rated to tow 1,500 lbs unequipped; adding the trailer tow package on any trim, including the 2.7L-powered Sport, raises the max conventional rating to 3,500 lbs.

AWD/4WD availability60
#18 of 23 in classCompare all →

AWD is optional on SE, SEL, and Titanium and standard on Sport, with a basic driver-selectable drive mode system (Normal/Sport/Slippery) but no low-range or terrain-specific hardware.

Off-road capability18
#21 of 23 in classCompare all →

The Edge is a pavement-oriented crossover with modest ~7.9 in ground clearance, no dedicated off-road trim, skid plates, or low-range gearing.

Powertrain lineup breadth45
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Three gas engine choices for 2017 — the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4, an optional 3.5L V6 on Titanium, and the Sport-exclusive 2.7L twin-turbo V6 — but no hybrid, PHEV, or EV variant was ever offered on the second-generation Edge.

2Efficiency & RangeOne of the Edge's strongest categories.1.99C-
3SafetyGrades below the middle of the scale.1.31D
NHTSA overall rating
5 stars overall (5 front, 5 side, 4 rollover)
100/100
#1 of 23 in classCompare all →

NHTSA gave the 2017 Edge a perfect 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars for frontal and side impact protection; rollover resistance scored 4 stars, typical for the SUV body style.

IIHS awards & crashworthiness63
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

Good ratings in moderate-overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, but only Acceptable in the small-overlap front test, and its optional front crash prevention system rated only Basic — together these disqualified the 2017 Edge from any IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Standard ADAS suite breadth24
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

The volume SE trim comes with only a standard rearview camera; AEB/forward collision warning, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring are all optional extras confined to the Technology package on SEL/Titanium/Sport trims.

Automatic emergency braking performance32
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

AEB was optional rather than standard, and IIHS rated the 2017-2018 Edge's front crash prevention system only Basic — the lowest tier before Advanced/Superior — reflecting limited-speed autobrake without pedestrian detection.

Blind-spot & cross-traffic coverage34
#19 of 23 in classCompare all →

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is alert-only and bundled into the Technology package, unavailable on the base SE trim and optional on SEL/Titanium/Sport.

Lane keeping & centering38
#10 of 23 in classCompare all →

Lane-keeping system is an alert-and-nudge assist rather than true lane centering, typical of mid-2010s Ford systems, and remains optional rather than standard.

Adaptive cruise & highway assist38
#14 of 23 in classCompare all →

Adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning is available as an option but lacks stop-and-go capability or any integrated highway-assist steering feature — basic radar cruise only.

Hands-free driving availability5
#2 of 23 in classCompare all →

No hands-free highway driving system existed on the Edge in this generation; Ford's BlueCruise did not arrive until years later.

Headlight performance45
#6 of 23 in classCompare all →

IIHS testing found good visibility on straightaways but only fair visibility in curves across all four tested configurations, with excessive glare from low beams — a middling result short of a Good rating.

Outward visibility55
#18 of 23 in classCompare all →

A standard rearview camera helps compensate for typical mid-size SUV sightlines, but no 360-degree camera or blind-spot mirror technology is standard on the volume trim, leaving average visibility overall.

Child-seat (LATCH) usability60
#11 of 23 in classCompare all →

Standard LATCH anchors with the Edge's conventional rear door openings make for workable, if unremarkable, car-seat installation typical of the mid-size SUV segment.

4Space & ComfortGrades below the middle of the scale.1.66D
Seating capacity
5 seats (two-row only, all trims — no third-row option)
25/100
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2017 Edge is a two-row, five-passenger mid-size crossover across all trims (SE, SEL, Titanium, Sport) — no third-row or 6/7-seat configuration was offered.

Front headroom
40.2 in (without panoramic Vista Roof)
64/100
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Front headroom is unchanged across the second-generation Edge (2015–2018); 2017 carries the same body and greenhouse, measured without the optional panoramic Vista Roof.

Front legroom
42.6 in
58/100
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

Ample front legroom typical of the mid-size two-row Edge; unchanged for 2017 within the second generation.

Rear headroom
40.3 in
100/100
#1 of 23 in classCompare all →

Second-row headroom slightly exceeds the front-row figure thanks to the Edge's boxy roofline and tops the mid-size SUV normalization band — a segment strength, unchanged for 2017.

Rear legroom
40.6 in
88/100
#1 of 23 in classCompare all →

Generous second-row legroom for the segment, aided by the Edge's long wheelbase and lack of a third row to compromise packaging.

Third-row usability20
#10 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2017 Edge is strictly a two-row mid-size SUV with no third-row option on any trim (SE/SEL/Titanium/Sport) — buyers wanting three rows had to step up to the Explorer. Scored per the segment's 'no third row / token seating' band.

Cargo/trunk volume
39.2 cu ft behind the second row
26/100
#6 of 23 in classCompare all →

Behind-second-row cargo volume is mid-pack for a two-row mid-size SUV — no third row to fold, so all capacity sits behind row 2.

Max cargo volume
73.4 cu ft with second row folded
41/100
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Maximum cargo with the 60/40 second row folded flat is competitive but trails larger three-row rivals in this band.

In-cabin storage & clever solutions55
#11 of 23 in classCompare all →

Conventional center console, door bins, and a flat-folding second row cover the basics, but the pre-refresh 2017 layout lacks the redesigned console with added storage that arrived with the 2019 refresh, and there is no standout storage innovation versus rivals.

Seat comfort55
#18 of 23 in classCompare all →

Front seats are well-bolstered and cozy with optional ventilation on Titanium, but reviewers repeatedly flag flat, unsupportive rear bench cushions clearly optimized for folding flat rather than long-haul comfort — the same seat structure that carried unchanged through 2018 and into the 2019 refresh. Recalibrated down to align with sibling model years and the mid-size SUV rated band.

Ride quality58
#17 of 23 in classCompare all →

The standard suspension absorbs larger bumps reasonably well with composed body control, but reviewers found it busier than expected over smaller imperfections with some vertical float over undulations; the Sport trim's stiffer tune and 20/21-inch wheels trade comfort for handling. Same tune carried through 2018 and into 2019 — recalibrated to match the sibling years.

Cabin quietness82
#4 of 23 in classCompare all →

Good cabin sealing keeps wind and road noise to a minimum at highway speed, with the Titanium's acoustic side glass and active noise cancellation further improving isolation — the same NVH package that carried through 2018 and into 2019 and was consistently praised by reviewers. Recalibrated upward to match the sibling years.

Climate & comfort features55
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

Heated front seats are standard on Titanium and available via option groups on SEL, but ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are bundled in the pricier Equipment Group 301A / Cold Weather Package on Titanium only rather than being broadly standard. Recalibrated up from 48 to reflect that Titanium-trim shoppers can readily option most features.

5Cost of OwnershipGrades below the middle of the scale.1.44D
Base MSRP
~29,220 $ (SE FWD, incl. ~$900 destination)
89/100
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

2017 was a carryover pricing year for this generation ahead of the 2018 bump and 2019 mid-cycle refresh, keeping the Edge SE among the more affordable mid-size SUV entry points.

Volume-Trim Price
~31,860 $ (SEL FWD, most popular trim, incl. destination)
88/100
#6 of 23 in classCompare all →

SEL was the volume-selling 2017 Edge configuration, adding SYNC 3, dual-zone climate control, and additional convenience/tech content over SE while pricing well below Titanium/Sport.

5-Year Maintenance & Repair Cost
~4,900 $ (5-yr, projected maintenance + repair)
71/100
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Same generation and mechanicals (carryover 2.0L EcoBoost I4, 3.5L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost V6 on Sport) as the adjacent 2018 model, which RepairPal rates mid-pack for the class (~$611/yr average repair, 3.5/5.0 reliability); projected 5-year cost is estimated in line with that generation.

5-Year Resale Value Retention
~42% of MSRP retained at 5 years
7/100
#20 of 23 in classCompare all →

Weak residuals across this generation of Edge — depreciation studies consistently show the Edge losing value faster than the mid-size SUV class average, the single biggest ownership-cost drag for this vehicle.

Basic warranty
3 yr / 36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper
0/100
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

Ford's standard basic warranty — the floor of the mainstream segment, matching domestic and Japanese rivals but trailing Hyundai/Kia (5/60) and Mitsubishi (5/60).

Powertrain warranty
5 yr / 60,000 mi powertrain
0/100
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

Ford's standard 5/60 powertrain floor — again the segment minimum next to Hyundai/Kia's far more generous 10/100 coverage.

Complimentary maintenance & perks20
#23 of 23 in classCompare all →

No factory-complimentary scheduled maintenance out of the box, and the 2017 Edge predates the FordPass Connect embedded modem (added for 2019); owners get Ford's standard 5-yr/60,000-mi Roadside Assistance and could enroll in FordPass Rewards, but without the later connected-service perks.

Effective 5-Year Ownership Cost
$23,379 (≈$18,479 depreciation + $4,900 maintenance)
69/100
#8 of 23 in classCompare all →

$31,860 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (42% retained, or about $13,381) leaves about $18,479 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,900 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $23,379 in total.

6Reliability & QualityOne of the Edge's weakest categories.1.27D
Predicted reliability55
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Consumer Reports rated the 2017 Edge's predicted reliability as roughly average for the model year, but owner-reported issues with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and 6-speed automatic — including a torque-converter recall specific to 2017-18 models — kept it from scoring above the segment mid-point.

Brand reliability track record42
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

Ford's brand dependability standing was near the bottom of the industry through this period — dead last (31st of 33 brands) in J.D. Power's 2016 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, improving only to a tie for 26th in the 2017 study, still meaningfully below the industry average PP100.

Recall & TSB history35
#19 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2017 Edge carries a notably heavy recall load for its generation: torque-converter weld-stud failures risking total loss of propulsion (18V390000), an improperly welded windshield header on Panoramic Vista Roof cars that reduces lateral structural integrity, a shifter-cable bushing that can degrade and cause unintended vehicle movement, and a rearview-camera display defect. Eight total NHTSA campaigns touching powertrain, structure, and rollaway risk is worse than typical for the class.

Powertrain durability reputation35
#22 of 23 in classCompare all →

The volume 2.0L EcoBoost/6F35 combination has a documented pattern of transmission and torque-converter failures (subject to its own recall) alongside a separate coolant-into-cylinder engine defect affecting 2015-2018 Edges that typically requires full engine replacement — owners outside warranty report $7,000-$10,000 repair bills. This is a real, recurring problem powertrain rather than an isolated issue.

Interior material quality58
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

Reviewers praised generous soft-touch coverage on the dash, doors, and center console above hip level, but consistently criticized the lower center stack and dash trim as cheap-feeling hard plastic — a mixed but overall competitive result for a mainstream mid-size SUV.

Fit & finish55
#18 of 23 in classCompare all →

No widespread owner complaints about rattles or panel-gap inconsistency surfaced, but the Vista Roof windshield-header weld defect (subject of a 2017-specific structural recall) points to at least one real assembly-quality lapse for that configuration during this model year.

Dealer & service network68
#15 of 23 in classCompare all →

Ford operates one of the largest dealer and service networks in the US, giving Edge owners broad access to service and warranty work, though service-satisfaction surveys typically placed the brand in the middle of the pack during this period rather than among leaders.

Parts availability & repair cost66
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

RepairPal rates the Edge's overall reliability 3.5/5.0 (11th of 26 midsize SUVs) with an average annual repair cost of $611 — below the all-vehicle average of $652 — and fewer unscheduled shop visits than the segment norm, aided by high production volume and broad aftermarket parts availability.

7Technology & InfotainmentOne of the Edge's weakest categories.0.78F
Touchscreen size
8 in SYNC 3 touchscreen (new for 2017 — standard on Titanium/Sport, optional on SEL via Technology Package); base SE retains a smaller 4.2 in non-touch SYNC display
12/100
#4 of 23 in classCompare all →

2017 is the model year Ford brought SYNC 3 to the Edge lineup, replacing MyFord Touch on SEL-and-up trims with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen while the fleet-oriented base SE kept its 4.2-inch non-touch display. 8.0 in sits near the bottom of the mid-size-SUV norm for this generation.

Infotainment UX & responsiveness62
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

SYNC 3's debut on the 2017 Edge (SEL and up) was a major usability jump over the sluggish, criticized MyFord Touch it replaced, with quick tile-based menus and retained physical volume/tuning knobs — but the base SE's smaller non-touch display is a clear step down that drags the lineup average, and this was the system's first year on this model.

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto46
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

2017 was the first Edge model year to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at all, bundled with the new SYNC 3 system on SEL (Technology Package) and standard on Titanium/Sport — wired-only, as wireless projection did not yet exist industry-wide, and entirely unavailable on the base SE's non-touch display.

Voice control & native navigation52
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

SYNC 3's voice recognition handles basic phone, audio, and climate commands reliably on SEL-and-up trims, and an embedded SYNC 3 Navigation package was optional on those trims, but most buyers of this era defaulted to CarPlay/Android Auto for mapping and the base SE lacks the system entirely.

Audio system quality66
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

The standard 6-speaker system is adequate for the segment, while an optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen Play premium system (available on Titanium/Sport) was already a standout upgrade in the mid-size SUV class in this generation.

Digital instrument cluster32
#11 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2017 Edge uses analog gauges across the lineup with, at most, a small monochrome or color productivity screen between them on higher trims — no fully configurable digital cluster was offered on any trim.

OTA update capability30
#2 of 23 in classCompare all →

SYNC 3 supports periodic map and software updates via Wi-Fi or USB on SEL-and-up trims, but this is scoped to the infotainment module only, and the 2017 Edge predates the FordPass Connect embedded-modem standardization that arrived for 2019.

Companion app & remote functions42
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

FordPass app remote functions (lock/unlock, vehicle locate) were newly available on SYNC 3-equipped 2017 Edge trims, but the SYNC Connect 4G modem enabling remote start over the app was an optional add-on rather than standard equipment, well short of the standard FordPass Connect module that arrived for 2019.

Charging ports & device power40
#10 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2017 Edge offers a modest pair of front USB-A ports standard on SYNC 3-equipped trims, with rear ports and an optional wireless charging pad available on higher trims; USB-C was not yet present on this generation, and the base SE's older head unit offers even less.

Keyless & remote access56
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

Proximity keyless entry with push-button start is standard from SEL up, with remote start available as an option package, though the base SE relies on traditional key-and-fob entry and no phone-as-key feature existed on this generation.

Camera & parking aids46
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

A standard rear-view camera is paired with available front/rear parking sensors and Active Park Assist on higher trims, but the 2017 Edge predates the Ford Co-Pilot360 branding/enhancements introduced for 2019 and does not offer a 360-degree surround-view system.

Head-up display availability5
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

No head-up display was offered on any 2017 Edge trim, consistent with this generation's feature set across its entire production run.

8Use-Case FitGrades below the middle of the scale.1.37D
Kid & car-seat practicality52
#19 of 23 in classCompare all →

Wide door openings and a low load floor make loading kids and stroller gear easy, but the 2017 Edge is a strict two-row, 5-seat crossover with no third-row option, and IIHS rated LATCH ease-of-use only Acceptable for this generation, citing hardware that complicates quick, correct installs.

Family safety package51
#12 of 23 in classCompare all →

NHTSA gave the 2017 Edge a full 5-star overall rating (5 front, 5 side, 4 rollover), but IIHS rated front crash prevention only Basic and small-overlap front only Acceptable with no Top Safety Pick award, and key ADAS - adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping, active park assist - were extra-cost options rather than standard on the family-friendly SE/SEL trims (Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite would not standardize this until the 2019 refresh).

Family road-trip comfort57
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

Second-row space is generous and 39.2 cu ft of cargo room behind the rear seats swallows family luggage without folding anything down, but the rear bench is flat and thinly cushioned versus rivals, and there's no way to add capacity for a 6th/7th passenger.

Daily driving ease58
#17 of 23 in classCompare all →

A quiet, well-isolated cabin and the availability of a lighter, cheaper FWD configuration on SE/SEL/Titanium keep the Edge relaxed and easy around town, though the 6-speed automatic (shared across all four trims for 2017) can feel less refined than newer rivals' transmissions, and ride quality turns bouncy over smaller bumps.

Commuting cost efficiency51
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

The volume 2.0L EcoBoost FWD trims are EPA-rated 20/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined, giving commuters a reasonably efficient configuration, but fuel economy drops to 17/26/20 mpg with the 3.5L V6 and to 17/24/19 mpg on the AWD-only 2.7L Sport, leaving average-for-class per-mile costs once buyers move past the base engine.

Parking & maneuverability60
#10 of 23 in classCompare all →

At roughly 188 inches long the Edge is more compact than 3-row mid-size SUVs and offers a reasonable turning circle, though a 180-degree front camera and active park assist are optional rather than broadly available, leaving lower-trim buyers with just a standard rearview camera for tight parking.

Work capability32
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

The 2.0L and 3.5L trims can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the optional Class II Trailer Tow Package, but Ford capped the Sport's 2.7L twin-turbo V6 at just 2,000 lbs since it was not eligible for the tow package, and there's no factory payload/bed capability, so the Edge can handle only a small utility trailer at best regardless of engine.

Durability for work duty50
#5 of 23 in classCompare all →

By 2017 the 2.0L EcoBoost/6-speed and 3.5L V6 powertrains had a few years of in-market service history on this generation, and the 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (introduced for the 2015 Edge Sport) was similarly established, but this generation would go on to accumulate multiple NHTSA recalls over its production run and lacks any fleet-oriented reputation for hard-use durability.

Jobsite & upfit practicality30
#13 of 23 in classCompare all →

Standard roof-rail side rails accept aftermarket crossbars and racks and a Class II hitch is available on 2.0L/3.5L trims, but there's no onboard power outlet for tools, no washable cargo liner ecosystem, and essentially no upfit market built around this platform.

Long-distance comfort & range59
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

A quiet cabin and supportive front seats make the Edge a competent highway cruiser, and optional adaptive cruise control reduces fatigue on longer drives, with the FWD 2.0L's 29 mpg highway rating and 18.5-gallon tank yielding roughly 535 miles of highway range, though the thinly cushioned rear seat limits multi-hour comfort for all occupants and adaptive cruise/lane-keeping remain options rather than standard equipment.

Outdoor & adventure capability47
#20 of 23 in classCompare all →

AWD is only optional on SE/SEL/Titanium for 2017 (standard only on Sport), so many buyers get a FWD-only crossover with no all-weather traction for gravel roads or campground access, and roughly 8 in of ground clearance with no low-range gearing or off-road-tuned suspension keeps even AWD-equipped Edges pavement-and-light-trail machines rather than true adventure vehicles.

Gear & luggage flexibility57
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

A 60/40 split-fold rear seat, 39.2 cu ft of space behind the second row expanding to 73.4 cu ft with seats down, standard roof-rail side rails, and an available factory hitch make the Edge reasonably adaptable for gear, though there's no underfloor storage well or particularly clever packaging tricks versus segment leaders.

9Driving ExperienceOne of the Edge's strongest categories.2.19C
Handling & agility72
#7 of 23 in classCompare all →

The second-generation Edge (2015–2018, unchanged for 2017) delivers taut, composed handling for a mid-size crossover — flat cornering and a planted, well-controlled feel that reviewers praised as class-competitive, though it stops short of genuinely engaging.

Steering feel65
#5 of 23 in classCompare all →

The electric power steering is well-weighted with natural effort buildup and tracks confidently on the highway, but front-tire road feedback is largely absent; Sport's standard adaptive steering eases parking effort without adding genuine feel.

Braking confidence71
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Instrumented 60-0 mph testing of the unchanged second-generation platform lands in the high-110s of feet, solidly competitive for the class, with reviewers noting a firm, confidence-inspiring pedal aside from mild initial touchiness.

Powertrain smoothness & response60
#14 of 23 in classCompare all →

The volume 2.0L EcoBoost four pairs adequately with the carryover 6-speed automatic for smooth low-speed drivability, but the transmission's fewer ratios and occasional hunting on light throttle keep response from feeling fully polished versus rivals with 8- and 9-speed units.

Drivetrain noise & vibration65
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Owners and reviewers describe a quiet, well-isolated cabin on the highway with the 2.0L EcoBoost four audible but inoffensive under hard acceleration; occasional turbo/engine drone under load is the main demerit.

Turning circle
~39.2 ft curb-to-curb turning diameter (from ~19.6 ft turning radius, unchanged across the 2015–2018 generation)
35/100
#16 of 23 in classCompare all →

Spec-data sources converge on roughly a 19.6 ft turning radius for the second-generation Edge (unchanged for 2017), yielding an approximate 39.2 ft curb-to-curb diameter — toward the wide end of the mid-size SUV norm given the Edge's footprint.

Driving position & ergonomics58
#19 of 23 in classCompare all →

Low doorsills and wide door openings make ingress/egress easy, and supportive front seats (with optional cooling on higher trims) suit long trips, but a driver's footrest positioned uncomfortably close and thick roof pillars with modest glass area hurt outward visibility.

Fun-to-drive factor54
#11 of 23 in classCompare all →

The volume 2.0L EcoBoost Edge is competent and composed but not exciting — pleasant rather than engaging; numb steering feel and the 6-speed automatic keep it from any 'take the long way home' appeal, an experience mostly reserved for the pricier, twin-turbo V6 Sport trim.

10Value & Market PositionThe Edge's best-graded category.2.26C
Standard equipment generosity60
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Base SE FWD ($28,950) includes SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, cloth seats, and 18-inch wheels — reasonable but not class-leading; power liftgate, leather, and driver-assist tech require stepping up to SEL/Titanium.

Feature value per dollar62
#9 of 23 in classCompare all →

Sport trim's 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (315 hp) delivers near-performance-SUV feel for well under luxury-badge pricing, and the lineup's quiet cabin and ride quality punch above mainstream-price expectations, though top Titanium/Sport trims approach $40K.

Trim & configuration breadth65
#15 of 23 in classCompare all →

Four well-spaced trims (SE, SEL, Titanium, Sport) each offered in FWD or AWD, spanning $28,950–$40,900 — a solid budget-to-loaded spread, though no true entry-luxury or off-road variant exists.

Sales popularity & market acceptance78
#11 of 23 in classCompare all →

2017 was the Edge's best-ever US sales year at 142,603 units, up 6% from 2016 (134,588) — a clear rising performer within the mid-size two-row SUV field.

Brand desirability & image58
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Ford carries solid mainstream credibility built on trucks and SUVs, but the Edge nameplate itself lacks a strong aspirational halo compared to Explorer or Escape; perception is neutral-to-positive rather than beloved.

Deals & incentive availability62
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As a high-volume mainstream Ford crossover, the Edge typically carried moderate factory-to-dealer and consumer cash incentives through 2017, especially late in the model year, without steep desperation pricing given strong sales.

Model freshness55
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The second-generation Edge launched for MY2015; 2017 is its third model year — a mid-cycle point with no major redesign for 2017 (Sport trim/2.7L EcoBoost had already arrived in 2016), ahead of the 2019 refresh.

Critical reception & awards66
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The 2017 Edge won U.S. News' Best 2-Row SUV for Families and was a finalist for Best 2-Row SUV for the Money, with reviewers praising its quiet cabin and ride, though it wasn't a frequent outright comparison-test winner against segment leaders.