What’s the Best 2021 Ford Edge Trim? Here’s Our Guide

The ford edge is the middle child of the Blue Oval’s lineup of SUVs; it’s positioned above the pint-sized EcoSport and compact Escape but beneath the three-row Explorer and behemoth Expedition. But even if you’ve decided the Edge is the best Ford SUV for your lifestyle, you still have some decisions to make.

Ford offers five trim levels of the Edge, ranging from the base-model Edge SE to the sporty Edge ST and its twin-turbo V-6. Over $10,000 separates these two, and there are loads of feature differences in between that create the midsize SUV’s model range. Stick with us as we walk through the exterior, interior, and safety features of each ford edge trim level.

2021 ford edge SE

The SE is the friendly entry point to the Edge range, and with front-wheel drive, it’ll set you back around $33,500. (Adding all-wheel-drive costs about $2,000.) Mechanically, the Edge sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This base model rolls on five-spoke 18-inch wheels and features standard LED daytime running lights and taillights and a manual liftgate.

Inside, buyers will find cloth-upholstered seating for five with a four-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a two-way manual front passenger’s seat. New for 2021, even on the base Edge, is a large 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. There’s also a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster. A Wi-Fi hotspot and a six-speaker audio system are also standard.

Ford also includes its Co-Pilot360 collection of active safety features as standard, even on the base Edge. That means automatic high-beams, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all included at no extra cost.

2021 ford edge SEL

Stepping up to the Edge SEL will cost buyers close to $36,000, or around $38,000 with optional AWD. In addition to the standard feature content of the Edge SE, the SEL adds new exterior touches and an improved interior.

Outside, buyers will notice a chrome beltline molding in place of the base SE’s black detail. The SEL also adds LED fog lamps and LED signature daytime running lights, plus it swaps in split five-spoke 18-inch wheels. This is also the lowest trim that includes Ford’s signature entry keypad.

Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice leatherette seating upholstery instead of the cloth in the base model. Folks up front are also treated to a 10-way power driver’s seat and four-way power passenger seat, both of which are heated. You also get an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated side mirrors. Lastly, the SEL features a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Not to go unnoticed, the SEL is the lowest trim to offer a few highly desirable options, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

2021 ford edge ST-Line

The Edge ST-Line adds some of the aesthetic touches of the top-spec ST without that model’s powerful, but admittedly more thirsty, twin-turbo V-6. Pricing starts just shy of $40,000. Looking at the exterior, it rocks a black beltline molding, body-color lower cladding, signature lighting with dark bezels, more aggressive front and rear fascias in gloss black, and black 20-inch wheels. The ST-Line also gains a standard power liftgate and, of course, ST-Line badging.

Buyers will also notice the ST-Line’s sporty interior touches. Front door-sill plates elevate the experience as soon as you open the door, and the ST-Line sports leatherette seats with faux-suede inserts and red contrast stitching. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also adds red stitching, as do the armrests, floor mats, and center console lid. For an extra touch of convenience, the ST-Line gains a remote start system, a universal garage door opener, and a wireless charging pad.

2021 ford edge Titanium

If you’re prioritizing luxury and convenience features over a sporty driving experience, the Edge Titanium will be your best bet. Pricing is the same as that of the ST-Line. It includes all the features standard on the SEL, plus some premium touches.

Approaching the vehicle from the outside, buyers will notice chrome door handle inserts, bright-tipped exhaust outlets, and 19-inch wheels. From a functionality standpoint, the Titanium also features a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and front parking sensors.

More notable additions become apparent once you step inside. The seats now feature real leather trim, and both front seats are heated, 10-way power-adjustable sport buckets. You also get ambient interior lighting and a heated steering wheel, plus the door sill scuff plates. The Titanium model adds memory mirror settings with approach lights and LED turn signal indicators, too. Not to mention, it swaps the base six-speaker audio setup for a 12-speaker B&O premium sound system and adds a wireless charging pad.

Some editors point out the Titanium doesn’t feel premium enough to top the Edge lineup. Yes, there’s plenty of feature content, but we also noticed far too much hard plastic in the cabin. That said, at least the peppy turbo-four delivers decent acceleration.

2021 ford edge ST

For those after maximum performance, sporty aesthetics, and most of the Titanium model’s convenience features, look no further than the Edge ST. You’ll have to part with a little over $44,000 to drive one off the lot.

We’ll start with the mechanical changes; the Edge ST is powered by a 335-hp twin-turbo V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic and features standard AWD. You also get a suspension setup tuned by Ford Performance. Visual differences include the same touches as the ST-Line (black 20-inch wheels, body-color cladding, distinct front and rear lower fascias) plus dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, a black mesh grille with the ST logo, and a special black headlight treatment.

There are more changes once you take a seat inside. The ST sports model-specific leather-trimmed sport seats with faux-suede inserts and embossed ST logos. Both front seats are heated and offer 10-way power adjustment. You’ll also notice a perforated leather steering wheel with silver stitching and the ST logo, plus metallic pedals, Ford Performance scuff plates front and rear, and a unique instrument cluster with dual 4.2-inch displays.

Oh, and you don’t miss out on the key features from the Titanium: The memory mirrors with puddle lamps, rain-sensing wipers, and 12-speaker B&O audio system are all included on the ST.

We like the way it drives, too. The Edge ST delivers buttoned-down body control, a snarling engine note, and plenty of grip, even if it’s not as playful as the old Focus and Fiesta ST models.

Which ford edge Trim Is Best?

If it were our money, we’d probably go for an Edge SEL with the optional adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, and power liftgate. Avoiding the base model means you’ll score the leatherette seats with heated front buckets, the better LED headlights, and a power driver’s seat. Plus, you can reallocate the money you might spend on a higher trim to fatigue-minimizing adaptive cruise with lane centering and a panoramic sunroof that’s perfect for staring up at the stars.

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