2021 Ford Edge First Look: A Big New Screen for a Dulling Edge

Don’t judge the 2021 Ford Edge by its cover, because underneath its generally carry-over, low-flash exterior design rests a reworked cabin that welcomes the Blue Oval’s latest infotainment system—Sync 4. Already earmarked for a handful of other 2021 Ford vehicles, including the Bronco, F-150, and Mustang Mach-E, Sync 4 improves on its forebear by offering features such as available over-the-air software updates, more natural voice command functions, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and more.

Making the most of the infotainment setup’s functionality is a new, gigantic 12.0-inch touchscreen mounted to the 2021 Edge’s dashboard. The large portrait-style display comes standard across the 2021 Edge model line and replaces the 8.0-inch unit of the 2020 Edge. It also trades physical climate controls for on-screen ones. A poor move, if you ask us, but one perhaps made up for (by those who care less about intuitive climate controls) by the wow-inducing screen size.

Plus, we’ll need to spend time with the 2021 Edge and its massive infotainment screen before making any dyed-in-the-wool judgments. With the ability to virtually split the screen into various larger and smaller windows, Sync 4’s ergonomic functionality might overcome the fact most—if not almost all—of the Edge’s climate control functions live on its touchscreen.

Infotainment functions aside, the Edge offers few other changes for 2021. Save for the addition of two USB ports for rear-seat passengers (one of which is a newfangled USB-C port), and some small alterations to the crossover’s trim and features list, the 2021 Edge maintains much of the same kit as its 2020 counterpart. This includes its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and available twin-turbo V-6 for the more performance-oriented Edge ST (the ST-Line carries over, as well, for consumers who want the Edge ST’s looks sans its six-cylinder engine). 

Pricing for the 2021 Ford Edge remains under wraps, however, we expect it to largely mirror that of the 2020 model, which starts at $32,345.

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