Ford Edge SUV (2016-2019)

It may not be immediately apparent in photos, but the Ford Edge is a seriously large and imposing car when you see it in the metal. It hails from North America – the natural home of the big car – and comparatively dwarfs the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, both of which are considerably more expensive.

Its price is more closely aligned with the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, although the range-topping Vignale carries a premium price tag to match the Land Rover Discovery Sport, against which the Ford offers slightly questionable value for money. However, you should be able to score huge discounts on in-stock Edges at your local dealer. The Edge received a series of updates early in 2018, including the arrival of an attractive ST-Line trim fitted with a sporty bodykit.

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Given its huge size, you might expect seven seats, but the Ford Edge has no clever third row; it's a strict five-seater. It can't claim to be sporty, either – UK buyers are denied the larger petrol engines offered to US customers and must make do with a choice of two 2.0-litre diesels. There's a 148bhp version with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, or a 235bhp twin-turbocharged version with a standard dual-clutch Powershift automatic gearbox and 'intelligent' all-wheel drive. No Edge variant can manage 0-62mph in any less than 9.6 seconds, though.

Speed isn't currently an Edge speciality, then, but standing out from the crowd certainly is – and it doesn't rely on its sheer bulk to cut a dash. It's a distinctively styled machine, with a bold front grille and sharp angular haunches that live up to its name, and the mid-2018 update brought integrated LED daytime running lights. In fact, in particular colours, such as Ruby Red, White Platinum or Shadow Black, an Edge on optional 20-inch alloys really doesn't look out of place in the company of its premium rivals.

Specification levels are generous across the range, with the most attainable Titanium model having a big list of equipment that boasts a reversing camera, a powered driver’s seat, automatic LED headlights, lane-keeping assistance, keyless go, Ford's Quickclear heated windscreen, a navigation system, heated front seats and ambient interior lighting. The range-topping Vignale will continue to justify its steeper price tag with adaptive Matrix LED headlamps, special quilted leather seats and extra chrome detailing.

There's an ST-Line model, too, supplanting the previous Sport trim, which lends the Edge a more athletic look. It brings 20-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and active steering, but it doesn't do much to transform the Edge's driving experience. We reckon the softer setup of the Titanium feels far better suited to the car's laid-back character.

It's a shame that even the Vignale's premium aspirations are let down by the quality of its interior appointments. In fairness, there's little wrong with the way it's put together, but the design is rather plain-looking and can't match the visual exuberance of how the Edge looks on the road. A lot of parts are shared with the Ford Mondeo and the company's large MPVs, while the Edge shares its SYNC 3 infotainment system with all of Ford’s range - including the Ford Fiesta. There's no shortage of space, though: five occupants can stretch out in comfort and a huge boot means there's no need to travel light.

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Ford Edge safety is excellent thanks to a five-star Euro NCAP rating and Ford fits several protective systems (including autonomous emergency braking) to the car as standard. It’s a shame the brand doesn’t have a better reputation for customer satisfaction, though, with a less-than-ideal 23th-place finish out of 30 manufacturers covered in our 2019 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.

If you're immune to the allure of premium badges, you might enjoy the Edge for its attention-grabbing looks, spacious interior and spirit that somehow captures the American taste for adventure. However, it's hard to ignore that key rivals offer seven seats for a similar price, and the ST-Line's sporty looks don't translate to an invigorating driving experience. However, less expensive Edge models make an intriguing alternative to flagship SUVs from Kia and Hyundai.