2022 Ford Edge ST

Ford adds several enhancements to ensure the ST feels sportier than the standard Edge. These include thicker anti-roll bars for added rigidity, sportier spring rates, and a brake-based torque vectoring system. These systems work beautifully and keep the hefty body in check. Still, as with the engine, the handling is at its best when you drive at 70 percent. Any further than that, and it will respond like the hefty SUV it is.

Sporty crossovers and SUVs like this still need to be compliant and comfortable. The ST hits a nice balance between a semi-engaging driving experience and day-to-day comfort. Even with the optional 21-inch alloys, it can still iron out most imperfections.

The steering is nicely weighted, though there's not much in the way of feel - pretty much par for the course in this segment. Naturally, the ST also has bigger brakes, and they're easy to modulate. There's loads of stopping power, but it's easy to find that balance between slowing normally and doing a full-on emergency stop.

Ford's Edge ST is like every other ST product. A good amount of fun but still usable daily.

Some may look at the MSRP and wonder how a humble Edge could cost so much. We reckon it's not that bad, considering the generous amount of standard features you get. In addition to upmarket features like heated seats and a powerful sound system, you also get Ford's Co-Pilot 360, adding all of the most critical driver-assistance features.

The idea of a performance crossover won't appeal to all, but we like the dual personality. On the one hand, it's a comfortable cruiser that isn't overly aggressive in styling. You won't embarrass the kids in front of their eco-minded friends when you drop them off at school with your performance SUV. On the other hand, it offers a pleasurable driving experience if you stick within the limits of what it's capable of. The acceleration is brisk enough to be entertaining, and the exhaust note isn't half-bad.

The Ford Edge ST SUV does more right than it does wrong, making it a good performance crossover in our book.

The Escape does not have a standalone performance model in its line-up, but it does have a model that can nearly rival the Edge ST, despite the two models being siblings. The top-spec Titanium AWD only has a 250 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot, which seems insignificant compared to the Edge ST's 335 hp. However, the Escape weighs less and can therefore sprint to 60 mph in an independently-tested 5.7 seconds. Retailing at $35,490, it's considerably cheaper.

The Escape is also a more modern product, featuring items like a digital instrument cluster, a more modern interior, and better use of available space. It's smaller than the Edge, but if you don't need the extra space and want similar performance and better fuel economy, the Escape is a good alternative.

Chevrolet's Blazer is a handsome SUV, taking design cues from the famous Camaro - one of the USA's original pony cars. In RS AWD guise, it's the closest thing to a competitor you'll find in a review of the Edge ST.

Chevy uses a later 3.6-liter V6 but without a turbocharger. The result is 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Ford's Edge is the clear leader when it comes to performance. The Blazer makes up for it by offering a more modern interior. It also has a touchscreen interface mounted high on the center console, but beneath that, you'll find two beautiful air vents with body-color bezels.

Ford's offering is more practical, is faster, and has more features as standard. The latest Sync 4 infotainment system is also superior. For these reasons, we'd have the ST.