Ford Makes the Safest Non-Luxury SUV of 2023
Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, Ford has become one of the largest automakers in the world, with operations in more than 100 countries. Since its inception, Ford has been among the top car manufacturers regarding safety. Several cars, trucks, and SUVs from the Ford lineup earned 5-Star Overall Safety Ratings from the NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.
Everyone has priorities when choosing their vehicle. For those that will be hauling around precious cargo, such as a family, safety will be a top priority. Another concern is affordability. In a troubled economy, more and more consumers are choosing vehicles based on what they can afford. Let’s look at one Ford model trailing only behind luxury SUVs in its class on a list compiled by TrueCar.
Ford has the safest non-luxury SUV
The 2023 Ford Edge is No. 4 among SUVs in a study conducted by TrueCar. That may not sound like such a big deal. However, this is quite a feat because it was beaten out only by luxury SUVs that cost tens of thousands of dollars more. The Edge also has several trim levels to choose from.
Some notable features of the Edge are the standard all-wheel drive and ample cargo space. The Ford Edge is a five-seater vehicle that comes in five trim levels, including the SE model starting at $37,945, the SEL model starting at $39,345, the ST-Line model starting at $43,100, the Titanium model starting at $43,100, and the ST model starting at $46,485.Â
This affordable little SUV beat out other more expensive models, such as the Audi Q8, coming in at No. 7 on the list, and the Cadillac XT6. In fact, the only SUVs that beat it for the top three positions were all luxury SUVs.
The top three spots on the list were luxury SUVs
Coming in at No. 1 was the Lincoln Navigator. With a starting price of $81,620, this SUV is one of the more expensive on the list. Coming in at No. 2 was the Audi Q5. This model is slightly more affordable but solidly in the luxury SUV range.
The No. 3 spot belongs to another Lincoln, the Nautilus. The base trim is surprisingly reasonable for the segment while still providing an authentic luxury experience, even though the top Black Label has a premium price.
The Ford Edge’s safety features and crash test scores
The Ford Edge includes several unique safety features, such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go. These features provide an extra layer of protection when driving on busy roads or highways.
Furthermore, the vehicle also offers Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System (LKS), and Enhanced Active Park Assist to help you safely maneuver around tight spaces.
In NHTSA crash tests, the Edge scored five stars across the board, with the only exception being the overall rollover rating. On the IIHS crash tests, the Edge received a ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention: vehicle to vehicle. It also received top marks in areas such as roof strength, head restraints, and seats.
The Edge proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep you and your family safe on the roads. It has stood toe to toe with some of the biggest luxury vehicles in its class and come out ahead. This surprisingly affordable SUV is not only easy on the wallet but is also a smart buy for consumers who are interested in safety above other features.
