Does the Ford Edge Come With 4WD?
The Ford Edge is one of the most popular crossovers in the US, having sold more than 100,000 units in all but one of its production years. So, chances are that, if you’re in the market for an SUV, you’ve considered the Edge and, one of the first questions you might have is whether it comes with 4WD or not. Let’s find out.
Does the Ford Edge Come with 4WD?
No, the Ford Edge comes with AWD and FWD options. The entry-level SE, mid-range SEL, and top of the line Titanium models come with front-wheel drive, and All-Wheel drive is optional for $1995. The Ford Edge ST has AWD as standard.
All of the Edge’s powerplants are available with the AWD option. The smallest engine you can choose is the 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost Turbo, mated with an 8-speed automatic. You can opt for the 2.7 V6 EcoBoost if you want more power.
But, you might be wondering: isn’t AWD and 4WD the same thing? While many believe this is the case, there are subtle differences between the two systems. Understanding these differences will help us answer why the Ford Edge comes with AWD and not 4WD.
The most common configurations are front-wheel (FWD), rear-wheel (RWD), all-wheel (AWD), and four-wheel drive (4WD).
In FWD cars, the engine and transmission send power to the front wheels only. This configuration is cheaper and easier to produce because the engine, transmission, and powered wheels are all in a small front area. RWD cars transmit the engine’s power to the rear wheels, making for improved weight distribution and traction.
AWD cars are configured so that power reaches all the wheels, all the time. And herein lies the difference between AWD and 4WD. A 4WD configuration allows the driver to choose when to send traction to the four wheels. In some more advanced 4WD transmissions, the driver can also decide how much power to transmit.
Generally speaking, 4WD transmissions are more robust and cater more to off-road vehicles designed for rough terrain.
On the other hand, the Ford Edge is part of the crossover sector. Crossovers are becoming one of the most popular vehicles to buy.
Due to ease of use and comfort, it’s common for most SUV users to go for AWD instead of FWD or even 4WD, for that matter.
Which is better: the AWD or FWD Ford Edge?
Now that we’ve seen what the options are for the Ford Edge, the question might come up: which model is better? In reality, where you drive can play a vital part in whether an AWD Ford Edge is better than an FWD one.
If you do mostly urban driving and live in an area with little to no snow during the year, you can opt for the FWD version, in all trim levels: SE, SEL, and Titanium. For $1995 more, you can have the AWD.
The Ford Edge comes with Ford’s Intelligent AWD. The car continuously reads information about the terrain, speed, steering, and accelerator pedal position. With this data, the vehicle’s computer chooses to send power to the front wheels for fuel economy or equal power to all four wheels for more traction.
For those who live in regions where snow is expected, the best option will be the AWD, as it provides that needed extra traction and handling.
Has the Ford Edge Always had the AWD Option?
Since its launch in 2007, the Ford Edge has always come with an AWD option. The first Edge was one of many Ford models to use the CD3 platform, designed by Mazda.
Since the eighties, both companies share platforms such as the CD3, used in many Ford vehicles, besides the Edge. Some of the models include the Lincoln Zephyr and MKX, the Ford Fusion, and the Mercury Milan.
The Edge’s latest generation uses the CD4 platform, part of the One Ford strategy. This plan allows the company to create several models with the same platform, saving time and reducing costs. This platform is designed for either front, all-wheel-drive cars, or hybrids.
This last aspect, hybrid technologies, is one of Ford’s most substantial bets for the future. As we have said in past blog posts, Ford is making a significant effort to introduce greener vehicles in the shortest time possible.
Not only has the company created smaller engines that provide quite a punch, but these powerplants turn out excellent fuel economy. One of their most popuLar units is the 4-cylinder 2.0 L Ecoboost, which you can find in the Ford Edge. We’ve spoken about Ford engines and how advanced they are. We’ll talk a bit more about the Edge’s particular engine further in the article.
Some models that use the CD4 platform include the latest Ford Mondeo, the Ford Fusion, and the Edge.
Does the Ford Edge have good performance numbers?
Ford’s Ecoboost engine is renowned for combining power and economy, and the Edge is a good example. In this previous article, we covered Ford’s value and how the powerplant comes into play. With newer Ford models, you don’t have to buy the most expensive trim levels to get a decent amount of power.
With 255 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque in the entry-level version, the Ford Edge packs a decent punch but will not outshine others in its class. On the other hand, the Edge ST comes with a very respectable 335 hp and 350 lb-ft.
The good thing is that, even from the cheapest versions, you are likely to feel the aggressive acceleration. It’s important to highlight that the AWD version will take off smoother than the FWD version.
While the Edge’s performance numbers are above average, it isn’t a sports SUV, and other models will better fill this role. Instead, it’s a well-balanced crossover with more than enough to get the job done. Some reviews have found that the steering feels crisp and has reasonable body control. But drivers won’t find the Edge sporty. It offers a stable drive, instead.
According to EPA estimates, the Ford Edge FWD has scored very respectable fuel economy numbers, with 21 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. While small, there is a difference in consumption between the FWD and AWD models, with expected performance numbers being about 1 mpg less in the AWD version.
When it comes to towing, the Ford Edge doesn’t stand out. The basic, entry-level version with FWD has a standard 1,500 lb. towing capacity.
You can order the Class II Trailer Tow Package to have the full towing capacity. Here’s where AWD’s added value comes in, as the Trailer Tow Package requires that your car is AWD.
The numbers improve considerably. The AWD’s 2.0L Ecoboost engine has up to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity. Interestingly enough, the 2.7L V6, AWD Edge ST also has 3,500 lb of towing capacity. So, for anyone looking to tow stuff in areas where there’s snow, the AWD Edge is the way to go.
Is the Ford Edge expensive?
The Ford Edge is an excellent mid-price option. The crossover market is jam-packed with options, and the Ford Edge stands out for being right in the middle when it comes to price. The Edge starts at $31,100 and goes up to $43,500 for the ST version.
Some competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, which starts at $26,275, and the Toyota Highlander, which starts at $34,810, both of which come with FWD and AWD options.
When it comes to reliability, the Ford Edge has ranked similarly to these competitors in several reviews, even placing ahead of direct competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer and the GMC Acadia.
Knowing that Edge literally stands in the middle when it comes to reliability and price, we can say that it’s not an expensive option for crossover SUVs.
Thanks to its performance, AWD option, and handling, the Ford Edge can set itself apart from some of its competitors without breaking your wallet.
Closing Thoughts
In this article, we aimed to answer the question: does the Ford Edge come with 4WD? Hopefully, you’ve learned that the Ford Edge comes with either FWD or AWD options, as well as understand the differences between these configurations.
Also, we looked at the numbers and saw that the Edge rests right in the middle of the crossover SUV market, a sector that’s booming in popularity. And yes, as more and more people buy these models, it’s becoming increasingly harder to pick outstanding models.
So, what makes the Ford Edge stand out? You know that you will get 250+ hp in the base model for starters and that you can have AWD as a cheap option.
Plus, the Edge’s aesthetics, more than adequate performance, comfortable interior makes it a viable option. And, if you want to have more punch at your command, you can have the Edge ST, with AWD, a sportier ride, and 335 hp that outdoes most in its class.