Skip to content

2019 Edge Titanium

2019 Edge Titanium | R.G. Beltzner
2019 Edge Titanium | R.G. Beltzner

Oakville is the home of Ford Canada where my 2019 Edge Titanium was assembled. It’s no surprise that we see lots of them on our local roads.

The latest version of this vehicle that was last redesigned in 2015. This version introduces some new design, safety and performance features, as well as the launch of the sportier ST trim.

New for 2019 are some subtle changes including a wider grill and dual tailpipes. More important is the move to now include front and rear LED lighting as standard equipment.

Performance has been enhanced with a small 5hp increase now matched to an 8 speed automatic transmission with the annoying, but cancellable, start-stop function.

The interior is basically the same as last year except for a new centre console with a rotary shift knob, dispensing with the lever type shifter of last year’s models.

FordPass Connect (the new name for SYNC Connect) is now standard. It provides enhanced device connectivity, the capability to lock/unlock, as well as remotely locates the Edge using the FordPass app.

What’s it like to drive the 2019 Edge Titanium?

The Edge is  a comfortable SUV regardless of the trim level.

Entry into and exiting the Edge is at a good height for most ages – reducing the need to struggle back out of a low seat. Front seats are a good size and comfortable in the leather trim version.

2019 Edge Titanium |  2019 Edge Titanium, Lakeshore Rd East, Oakville, Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner
2019 Edge Titanium | 2019 Edge Titanium, Lakeshore Rd East, Oakville, Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner

For the most part driver controls are sensible and well placed. The introduction of the rotary shift knob is a departure from the normal shift lever. It definitely takes some getting used to.

The change to an 8-speed transmission from the earlier 6 was clearly done to enhance fuel economy. It allows for the stop/start feature. However, I found both hesitation and some “stumbling” with slower acceleration when the vehicle is stopped. Otherwise, transitioning through the higher gears was perfectly fine with decent acceleration.

Once on the open roads, the Edge drove smoothly and with a solid feel. Most of the “nanny” systems designed to keep you safe, on the road and in your lane were tested and worked well.

When using the adaptive cruise control feature, a lane centering system is activated to keep the Edge centered in the lane. I found the system generated steering wheel adjustment to be more of an irritant than useful. I like to use all the available lane width especially during tighter corners. However, it can be a helpful safety feature for those drivers that get fixated on the rear end of the vehicle ahead of them and not keeping their focus far in the distance.

In the event that you do lose concentration for a moment and you need to rapidly reduce your speed, the Edge has excellent responsive brakes.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 features

  1. pedestrian detection
  2. auto braking
  3. collision warning
  4. post collision
  5. braking support

Each keeps you safe if you lose that moment of concentration.

Driver visibility and related safety is something that I pay particular attention to when testing out different vehicles. Pretty well all vehicles made today have one or more visibility challenges. Many of which vary according to the driver’s height and seating position.

One of the first things I noticed backing out of my driveway was the high placement of the rear window. It made my ability to see anything up to three or four feet high behind the SUV impossible – necessitating a total reliance on the rear camera and proximity warning system.

2019 Edge Titanium |  2019 Edge Titanium pillars obstruct site lines; Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner
2019 Edge Titanium | 2019 Edge Titanium pillars obstruct site lines; Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner

Fortunately, the rear camera comes equipped with a lens washer; however, our recent bout of snow, slush and freezing rain makes clarity  a problem. The Edge also has a high hood that makes it next to impossible to see a small object/child crossing in front when stopped. Again, there is the option of a front camera as well as pedestrian warning. These make drivers increasingly reliant on the vehicle’s systems, rather than our own abilities.

Finally, the pillars on either side of the windshield are simply too wide. They significantly obstruct the driver’s view to the front left and front right of the vehicle.

2019 Ford Edge Quick Facts 

Available features and options.

Trim

SE

SEL Titanium

ST

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

All wheel Drive (AWD)

Engine

2.0L I-4 turbocharged

2.0L I-4 turbocharged 2.0L I-4 turbocharged

2.7L V6 twin turbocharged

Horsepower

250

250 250

335

Torque

280

280 280

380

Base Price (MSRP)

$35,999

$37,999 $43,399

$49,099

The 2019 Ford Edge is available in four trim levels. Other than the sportier ST trim, the other three have the identical engine, transmission, suspension and brakes. If you’re a fan of FWD, then only the SEL trim gives you that option. The other styles are only available as AWD.

The base SE trim is quite sensibly equipped but lacks a number of the “comfort” features such as power seats, etc. For the $2,000 difference, an upgrade to the SEL is worth the increase.

My “review” vehicle came with the high-end “Titanium” trim with a $5,400 price jump over the SEL. Power and handling features are the same and many of the features available in the optional Titanium equipment package for an extra $5,000 are also available as options on the SEL.

Titanium equipment package features

  1. Stop-and-go and lane centering adaptive cruise control
  2. Adaptive LED headlamps and auto-dimming driver’s side view mirror
  3. Cooled front leather trimmed seats and heated rear seats
  4. Enhanced park assist, reverse and side sensing systems
  5. Evasive steering assist
  6. Front 180-degree camera with washer
  7. Panoramic roof with power open/close
  8. Voice-activated touch screen navigation system

Things to consider

The 2019 Edge Titanium is a comfortable, versatile and handles well for a mid-size SUV. It has excellent cargo space and is capable of seating five people with acceptable comfort.

There is a good range of trims and options to choose from depending on your needs or likes. For example, my review Edge also came with the optional rear seat entertainment system ($2,100) – in case of need.

The Edge can also be equipped with a Class II trailer tow package for hauling that smaller trailer or boat. The real decision will be whether to go with the SEL or the Titanium with the available optional equipment package. I’ll be reviewing the Edge ST in a few weeks to see for myself the performance capabilities of this SUV.

2019 Edge Titanium Price Tag

Base MSRP: $43,999

Price as Tested: $54,489

Taxes, license, registration and applicable fees are extra

For more automotive insights follow me on Twitter @redy2rol