Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.
Pros Smooth and controlled ride, cargo friendly interior design, comfortable front seats.
Cons Third row space is tight, plasticky interior bits, most desirable models are pricey.
The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Good looks Great active safety tech Available hybrid Quiet interio
Cons Hybrid isn’t refined Not a great value Cramped third row Clunky second row
New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.
Pros Strong engines for quick acceleration Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Roomy cargo area
Cons Too much wind noise at highway speeds The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Lackluster interior material quality
The entire Edge lineup receives new wheel designs, and two new gray colors join the palette. All models also receive acoustic-laminated glass on the front side windows for extra sound deadening as well as standard rear parking sensors. The infotainment system gets upgraded to the Sync 4 interface and gains a 12-inch display. The top-level ST model adds a six-way power-adjustable passenger's seat and a heated steering wheel as standard.
Pros Accommodating interior, smooth and quiet ride, well-equipped even at the base level.
Cons Cabin fit-and-finish needs polish, nondescript handling, rival SUVs look and feel fresher.
For 2021 New 12-inch touchscreen replaces previous 8-inch screen.Ford's upgraded Sync 4 infotainment system now standard,Reverse parking sensors added to all trims.New seven-speed transmission for Edge ST.
Pros Plush, well-padded seats Plenty of space for passengers and luggage Fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engines Quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons Interior design and control layout are dated and bland Visibility hampered by thick roof pillars and blind spots Transmission responses are a little slow Rides uncomfortably over small bumps and dips
The 2021 Ford Edge's #11 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. It is a finalist for our 2021 Best 2-Row SUV for Families award. Currently the Ford Edge has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 46 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Energetic turbocharged engine choices Many standard safety features Spacious interior
Cons Subpar cabin materials Poor rear and side visibility
