Updated Ford Edge L Is The Sharper Explorer Alternative We Can’t Have

This particular Ford is designed for the Chinese market

Ford might have discontinued the Edge in North America as of 2024, but there is a larger and more advanced Edge L sold in China. The three-row SUV from the Changan Ford joint venture was originally introduced in 2023, and has now received a subtle mid-lifecycle update aiming to keep it fresh against the competition. As with most facelifts, visual updates are focused on the front and rear ends. 

The squared-off grille looks slightly wider than before thanks to revised LED headlights which are better integrated into the chrome mesh. The bumper has also been redesigned with cleaner surfacing and vertical slits. The profile is carried over from the pre-facelifted Edge L, but Ford added new alloy wheel designs measuring 19, 20, and 21 inches in diameter. At the back, the dark-tinted LED taillights are smaller than before, joined by a new tailgate and a tweaked rear bumper. 

In terms of size, the Chinese Edge L is significantly larger than the discontinued Edge. It measures 5,011 mm (197 in) long and has a 2,950 mm (116 in) wheelbase. For context, the U.S.-spec Explorer is only 39 mm (1.5 in) longer with 75 mm (3 in) more space between the axles. The big difference between the two is that the Edge L utilizes a FWD platform, whereas the Explorer rides on a RWD longitudinal layout.

Three-row cabin and hybrid option

Inside, the Ford Edge L retains its three-row sever-seater layout, 27-inch 4K touchscreen, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, the infotainment gains an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip running the Chinese-specific Ford SYNC Max software with AI integration.

The entry-level Fashion trim comes standard with the digital cockpit, panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, active noise cancellation, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Level 2 driver assistance. The Supreme trim adds more premium features such as a head-up display, a B&O audio system, a 540-degree surround-view camera, as well as heated and ventilated second-row captain chairs with power leg rests and reclining function.

The powertrain lineup of the Edge L remains unchanged, with ICE and hybrid options. The turbo 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is good for 249 horsepower (185 kW/252 PS) and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. The hybrid 2.0-liter version has a combined output of 275 hp (205 kW/275 PS) and is mated to an eCVT, offering a range of up to 1,188 km (738 miles) on a single tank. Both engines are available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Prices for the refreshed Ford Edge L in China start at ¥229,800 ($34,500) and top out at ¥299,800 ($45,000). By comparison, the similarly-sized Ford Explorer, starts at $40,475 in the U.S. Besides the local market, the Chinese-built Ford Edge L is also offered in select export markets like Mexico.

Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.