Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 180, car review: SUV is big, comfortable and refined

Ford’s range-topping new Edge is eyeing up Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Kia’s Sorento

The Edge is ready to get to work on-tarmac and off the beaten track

It’s big, it’s comfortable and it’s refined – and it’s ready to get to work on-tarmac and off the beaten track. Ford’s range-topping new Edge is eyeing up Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Kia’s Sorento, and as the largest SUV in the blue oval’s line-up, it promises plenty of kit, accomplished handling and an impressive ride.

We tried the Edge in 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel guise with a six-speed manual gearbox; the same powerplant is also available in 207bhp form with a dual-clutch auto. Both models come with four-wheel drive and, interestingly, both are claimed to produce a company car tax-friendly 48.7mpg and 149g/km of CO2.

The cabin of the mid-spec Titanium, as tested here, is big and comfortable, and the dash and detailing bear more than a passing resemblance to those of the S-MAX and Mondeo. Five passengers and their luggage travel in spacious accommodation, and as befits a large SUV there is plenty of additional stowage for oddments. However, the Edge does not come with a seven-seat option, which places it at a disadvantage to its Korean rivals.

Ford Edge

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
• Price: £29,995
• Power: 177bhp
• Torque: 295lb ft
• 0-62mph: 9.9sec
• Top speed: 124mph
• Fuel economy: 48.7mpg
• CO2: 149g/km

On the road, the new Ford makes a good case for itself. It’s equally accomplished in town and on the motorway, aided by hi-tech noise-cancelling software that goes some way towards disguising the thrumming diesel engine and whistling roofbars. Aided by the fast, slick box, even this less powerful variant was an adequate performer, although it needed plenty of revs.

For a family of up to five, the roomy Edge with its confident dynamics is a good choice. Kicking off at £29,995, it is in the same ballpark as the Kia and Hyundai, although our tweaked Titanium model as seen was £32,245. However, if you need to carry more passengers and extra versatility, its seven-seater rivals may be more suitable.