Since its initial debut, the Ford Edge has been a darling of midsize crossover utility vehicle enthusiasts. In 2016, the model sold a record 134,588 vehicles, which represented an 8% increase compared to 2015 sales. To entice buyers even further, at the Dallas-Fort Worth Motor Show recently, Ford announced that it would add a Sport Appearance Package to the SEL trim of the Edge. This would give enthusiasts a great way to customize their Ford Edge. The features added by the 2018 Ford Edge SEL Sport Appearance Package make the edge look sportier both outside and inside. Angela Canales, the Edge brand manager in charge of marketing revealed that the package was a way to offer customers a sporty exterior look and advanced technology at a reasonably affordable price.
2018 Ford Edge SEL Sport Appearance Package Exterior
The most notable addition on the outside is the use of the Magnetic paint unsparingly almost all over the model. The magnetic treatment starts on the 10-spoke wheels with a 19-inch diameter which themselves are new. The treatment continues on the grille surround, mirror caps, rear spoiler and on the skid plates (both front and rear ones). In addition, the model features a blacked –out trim on the side windows and on the headlight bezels.
Interior
More additions are to be found inside. To begin with, Ford chose Dallas on purpose. In Arizona, Texas and California, temperatures can get unbearably high. To provide relief to customers in these areas, the automaker has added cloth seats in place of the standard leather seats. Leather seats heat up quite fast making them very hot for passengers. In fact, in these regions, many buyers order their vehicles with cloth seats more than anywhere else in the U.S.
The standard Ford Edge SEL is already well equipped with features such as a SYNC 3 system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear camera, a premium sound system as well as a reverse assist system. The standard model can also be had with a black roof rack, and a panoramic vista roof. Other features available include a blind spot monitoring system, a navigation system as well as hands-free power liftgate.
The Sport Appearance Package adds Mayan Gray fabric seats. The seats also feature Miko suede perforated cloth inserts. The seats are contrasted with an Umber contrast stitching. There is also a head restraint finished in an Umber-colored, suede Miko cloth.
Engine and performance
Being an appearance package, there are no mechanical changes under the hood. Therefore, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL models with the Sport Appearance Package will still use the same engine options as the regular Ford Edge SEL. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0 L, 4-cylinder EcoBoost mill that produces 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. For more power, there is an option for a 3.5 L, Ti-VCT unit that produces 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
Price and release date
To get the package, you have to part with $1,295, which is not much considering the features the package adds. Add this amount to the 2017 Ford Edge SEL’s $32,685 for a total price of $33,970. The package will go on sale this fall.