Why is the Ford Edge ST Considered a Midsize SUV?
The automotive industry classifies vehicles into various categories based on size, functionality, and features. Among these classifications, the midsize SUV segment has gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a perfect balance between compact maneuverability and full-size utility. The Ford Edge ST, a high-performance variant of the standard Edge, firmly establishes itself as a midsize … Continued
The automotive industry classifies vehicles into various categories based on size, functionality, and features. Among these classifications, the midsize SUV segment has gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a perfect balance between compact maneuverability and full-size utility. The Ford Edge ST, a high-performance variant of the standard Edge, firmly establishes itself as a midsize SUV, blending sporty characteristics with practical dimensions.

The Midsize SUV Segment
Before we examine the Ford Edge ST specifically, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a midsize SUV. Regarding dimensions, passenger space, and cargo capacity, midsize SUVs typically fall between compact and full-size SUVs. They offer a balance of interior room, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability that appeals to many consumers, from families to adventure enthusiasts.
Key characteristics of midsize SUVs include:
- Length typically between 180 to 195 inches
- Seating for five to seven passengers
- Cargo space ranging from 30 to 50 cubic feet behind the second row
- A balance between power and fuel efficiency
- Versatile interior configurations
The Ford Edge ST Dimensions
The dimensions are crucial in classifying as a midsize SUV. Let’s break down its key measurements:
- Length: 188.8 inches (4,795 mm)
- Width: 75.9 inches (1,928 mm) without mirrors, 85.8 inches (2,179 mm) with mirrors
- Height: 68.3 inches (1,735 mm)
- Wheelbase: 112.2 inches (2,850 mm)
These dimensions place the Edge ST squarely in the midsize SUV category. Its length of 188.8 inches is well within the typical range for midsize SUVs, offering enough interior space without becoming unwieldy in urban environments. The width and height contribute to a spacious interior while maintaining a profile that’s neither too imposing nor too compact.
Seating Capacity and Interior Space
A key feature of midsize SUVs is their ability to accommodate five passengers comfortably, and the Ford Edge ST delivers on this front. The interior dimensions of the contribute to its midsize classification:
- Seating capacity: 5 passengers
- Passenger volume: 113.9 cubic feet (3,225 liters)
- Front headroom: 40.2 inches (1,021 mm)
- Rear headroom: 40.3 inches (1,024 mm)
- Front legroom: 42.6 inches (1,082 mm)
- Rear legroom: 40.6 inches (1,031 mm)
- Front shoulder room: 60.3 inches (1,532 mm)
- Rear shoulder room: 60.5 inches (1,537 mm)
These measurements ensure that front and rear passengers have ample space, a hallmark of the midsize SUV category. The generous legroom in both rows allows for comfortable seating on long journeys, while the headroom accommodates taller passengers without compromise.
Cargo Capacity: A Midsize Marvel
Cargo space is another critical factor in defining a midsize SUV, and the Ford Edge ST doesn’t disappoint. Its cargo capabilities further cement its position in the midsize segment:
- Cargo volume behind the first row (maximum): 73.4 cubic feet (2,078 liters)
- Cargo volume behind the second row: 39.2 cubic feet (1,110 liters)
This cargo capacity places the Edge ST firmly in the midsize category. With all seats in use, there’s still plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. When more cargo room is needed, the rear seats can fold to create a substantial storage area, rivalling some larger SUVs in utility.
Performance: Midsize with Muscle
While dimensions and cargo space are crucial in classifying an SUV, performance characteristics also play a role. The Ford Edge ST stands out in the midsize segment with its powerful engine and performance-oriented features:
- Engine: 2.7L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbocharged
- Horsepower: 335 hp @ 5,550 rpm (using 93-octane fuel)
- Torque: 380 lb-ft (515 Nm)
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic with SelectShift capability
- Drive type: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (standard)
This level of performance is impressive for a midsize SUV. It offers power that rivals some larger SUVs while maintaining the efficiency and maneuverability expected in the midsize category. The Edge ST performance capabilities make it a unique offering in the midsize SUV segment, appealing to drivers who want utility and sporty driving dynamics.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy
Despite its high-performance nature, the Ford Edge ST maintains fuel efficiency that’s competitive within the midsize SUV segment:
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
These figures are respectable for a performance-oriented midsize SUV, which strikes a balance between power and efficiency characteristic of the segment.
Positioning in the Ford SUV Lineup
To further understand why the Ford Edge ST is classified as a midsize SUV, examining its position within the Ford SUV lineup is helpful. Ford offers a range of SUVs, each catering to different size categories and consumer needs:
- Ford EcoSport (Subcompact)
- Ford Escape (Compact)
- Ford Bronco Sport (Compact)
- Ford Edge (Midsize)
- Ford Bronco (Midsize)
- Ford Explorer (Large Midsize/Full-size)
- Ford Expedition (Full-size)
The Edge, including its ST variant, sits comfortably in the middle of this lineup. It’s larger than the compact offerings like the Escape and Bronco Sport but more manageable than the three-row Explorer or the full-size Expedition. This positioning reinforces its classification as a midsize SUV.
Let’s compare the Edge ST dimensions to its smaller and larger siblings:
Ford Escape (Compact SUV):
- Length: 180.5 inches
- Width: 74.1 inches
- Height: 66.1 inches
- Cargo space behind second row: 34 cubic feet
Ford Explorer (Large Midsize/Full-size SUV):
- Length: 198.8 inches
- Width: 78.9 inches
- Height: 70.7 inches
- Cargo space behind second row: 47.9 cubic feet
With its 188.8-inch length and 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the Edge ST clearly falls between these two models, further solidifying its midsize classification.
The ST Difference: Performance in a Midsize Package
Its focus on performance sets this midsize SUV apart from many of its midsize SUV peers. The ST badge, “Sport Technologies,” signifies a vehicle that offers enhanced performance capabilities without sacrificing the practicality that defines the midsize SUV segment.
The Edge ST features several performance enhancements over the standard variant:
- More powerful engine (335 hp vs. 250 hp in the standard Edge)
- Sport-tuned suspension for improved handling
- Larger brakes for better stopping power
- Available performance brake package with 21-inch wheels
- Unique styling elements that emphasize its sportier nature
These features make the Edge ST a unique offering in the midsize SUV market. It appeals to drivers who want the space and versatility of a midsize SUV but crave a more engaging driving experience.
The Ford Edge ST – A Midsize SUV with an Edge
The Ford Edge ST classification as a midsize SUV is well-justified by its dimensions, seating capacity, cargo volume, and position within the Ford SUV lineup. Its length of 188.8 inches, five-passenger seating, and cargo capacity of 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row all align perfectly with the midsize SUV segment’s characteristics.
What makes this SUV special is how it combines these midsize SUV attributes with high-performance capabilities. It offers the space and practicality expected of a midsize SUV while delivering a driving experience more akin to a sports sedan. This unique blend of attributes allows the Edge ST to carve out a niche within the midsize SUV segment, appealing to buyers who want utility and performance.
The Ford Edge ST demonstrates that midsize SUVs can be more than practical family haulers. This segment can accommodate vehicles that offer excitement and driving pleasure without compromising on the core attributes that define a midsize SUV. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, vehicles like the Edge ST showcase the potential for innovation and diversity within established vehicle categories.
In essence, the Ford Edge ST is not just a midsize SUV – it’s a midsize SUV that pushes the boundaries of what vehicles in this segment can offer. It respects the dimensional and functional criteria that define midsize SUVs while injecting a dose of performance that sets it apart from its peers. This balance of adherence to category norms and innovative performance makes the Ford Edge ST a quintessential example of how diverse and exciting the midsize SUV segment can be.