Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2018 Ford Edge SEL, an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) SUV that has been making waves. If you're in the market for a reliable, comfortable, and tech-savvy vehicle, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL might just be what you're looking for. This review will cover everything from its performance and features to its overall value, helping you make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2018 Ford Edge SEL

The 2018 Ford Edge SEL is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of practicality and style. It's designed to cater to families and individuals who need ample space, decent fuel economy, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The SEL trim sits in the middle of the Edge lineup, offering a sweet spot of features that provide excellent value for money. Under the hood, you typically find a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which balances power and efficiency quite nicely.

The exterior of the 2018 Edge SEL is modern and sleek, with a distinctive grille and aerodynamic lines. The interior is well-appointed, featuring comfortable seating, a user-friendly infotainment system, and plenty of cargo space. Safety features are also a strong point, with standard equipment including a rearview camera, parking sensors, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Overall, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is a compelling option in the crowded mid-size SUV market. This model year brought several enhancements over previous years, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle. The AWD system ensures confident handling in various weather conditions, adding to its appeal for drivers in regions with unpredictable climates. The Edge SEL also boasts a reputation for a smooth and quiet ride, enhancing the overall driving experience for both the driver and passengers. With its combination of features, performance, and value, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL remains a strong contender in its class, offering a well-rounded package that meets the needs of many modern drivers and families.

Performance and Engine

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL doesn't disappoint, especially with its 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This engine is designed to provide a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for both city driving and long highway trips. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine typically delivers around 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for most driving situations. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, which further enhances the driving experience. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system ensures that the power is distributed effectively to all four wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow.

The AWD system is particularly beneficial for those living in areas with challenging road conditions, as it provides added confidence and control. The Edge SEL's suspension is tuned to offer a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, making the vehicle easy to maneuver in tight spaces and providing a confident feel on the open road. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine delivering competitive numbers for its class. On average, you can expect to get around 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which is quite respectable for a mid-size SUV with AWD. Overall, the performance of the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is well-rounded, offering a good blend of power, handling, and fuel efficiency. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a road trip, the Edge SEL is up to the task.

Interior and Features

The interior of the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the interior a premium feel. One of the standout features of the SEL trim is the infotainment system. It typically includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with Ford's SYNC 3 system, which is user-friendly and responsive. SYNC 3 offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system. This means you can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen display.

Other notable interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently. The SEL trim also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin. In terms of storage, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL offers ample space. There's plenty of room in the rear cargo area for luggage, groceries, or other gear. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more space, making it easy to transport larger items. Additionally, there are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and a glove compartment. Safety features are also well-represented in the 2018 Ford Edge SEL. Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The SEL trim also comes with advanced driver-assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is well-designed and equipped with a range of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety.

Technology and Safety

When it comes to technology, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern drivers. The centerpiece of the tech suite is the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is both intuitive and responsive. The 8-inch touchscreen display provides easy access to a variety of features, including navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. As mentioned earlier, SYNC 3 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. In addition to the infotainment system, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL also offers a range of other tech features. These may include a premium audio system, which provides excellent sound quality for your music and podcasts. The SEL trim may also come with features such as a panoramic sunroof, which adds a touch of luxury to the cabin and provides an open and airy feel.

On the safety front, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, which helps to improve visibility when backing up. The SEL trim also comes with a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Rear cross-traffic alert helps to detect vehicles approaching from the sides when you're backing out of a parking space. Lane-keeping assist helps to keep you in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift. Other available safety features may include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Forward collision warning alerts you to potential collisions and can even apply the brakes automatically in certain situations. Overall, the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Ford Edge SEL. This will help you weigh the benefits against any potential drawbacks before making a decision.

Pros:

• Comfortable Ride: The Edge SEL offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long commutes and road trips.
• Spacious Interior: The cabin is roomy, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
• User-Friendly Technology: The SYNC 3 infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Available All-Wheel Drive: The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
• Good Fuel Economy: The 2.0L EcoBoost engine delivers competitive fuel economy for its class.

Cons:

• Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: While the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is adequate, some drivers may find it lacking in power, especially when fully loaded.
• Some Interior Materials Could Be Better: While the interior is generally well-appointed, some materials could be of higher quality.
• Limited Third-Row Seating: The Edge is a two-row SUV, so it may not be suitable for larger families who need a third row.

Is the 2018 Ford Edge SEL Right for You?

Deciding whether the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is the right vehicle for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a comfortable, spacious, and tech-savvy SUV with available All-Wheel Drive, the Edge SEL is definitely worth considering. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and value, making it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV market. However, if you need a third row of seating or require a more powerful engine, you may want to explore other options. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the 2018 Ford Edge SEL is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels on the road. Pay attention to the ride quality, handling, and overall comfort. Also, be sure to check out the infotainment system and other tech features to see if they meet your needs. By doing your research and taking a test drive, you can make an informed decision and choose the vehicle that's best for you.