The 2017 Ford Edge represents a significant moment in the evolution of the mid-size SUV, blending refined performance with a surprisingly versatile cargo area. While not a dedicated hauler, the Edge offers a cabin that comfortably accommodates passengers without sacrificing the practicality needed for everyday errands and weekend adventures. Understanding the nuances of its cargo capacity is essential for buyers who need a vehicle that transitions seamlessly from urban commuting to family road trips.
Behind the Seats: Maximum Volume and Configuration
The primary metric for the 2017 Ford Edge's utility lies in its rear seat folding mechanism. With the second-row bench seat folded flat, the Edge achieves an impressive maximum cargo volume of 83.3 cubic feet. This transformation turns the cargo area into a near-flat surface, allowing the transport of bulky items like large furniture pieces, wide appliances, or multiple moving boxes. The key to accessing this expansive space is the Easy Fold feature, which allows the rear seats to be folded down remotely using the key fob, eliminating the hassle of wrestling with manual levers inside the cabin.
Seating Versatility and Everyday Usability
While the full fold offers maximum capacity, the 2017 Edge excels in daily usability thanks to its available second-row split-folding seats. This design allows drivers to fold only one side of the bench while keeping the other side upright, creating a compromise between passenger space and cargo room. This is ideal for the grocery run, where you need space for a few large bags but still require room for a couple of kids in the center. The front trunk, or "frunk," provides an additional 15.5 cubic feet of concealed storage, perfect for securing valuables or storing items that should remain out of sight.
Design Philosophy: Integration Over Isolation
Ford approached the 2017 Edge’s cargo space with a philosophy of integration rather than isolation. The cargo area is designed to be a seamless extension of the cabin, with a low lift height that makes loading and unloading ergonomic. The interior dimensions are intelligently utilized, with deep pockets and tie-down hooks that help secure smaller items during transit. This focus on organization ensures that the space feels larger than it is, reducing the frustration often associated with mid-size SUV cargo areas.
Dimensions and Practical Limitations
To understand the true capabilities of the cargo area, one must consider the dimensions of the opening and the wheel well intrusions. The rear hatchback opening is wide and tall, but the wheel wells create significant pockets that reduce the usable floor space for long items. While a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood cannot be loaded flat due to these intrusions, the depth of the cargo bed is substantial, allowing for the transport of long skis, snowboards, or wide planters without requiring them to tilt vertically excessively.
Maximum Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 83.3 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (50/50 Fold): 33.2 cu. ft.
Front Trunk (Frunk) Volume: 15.5 cu. ft.
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
Rear Seat Fold Mechanism: Remote Key Fob Operation
Real-World Application: Who Is the 2017 Edge For?
The 2017 Ford Edge targets the active professional or small family who values a clean interior and a refined driving experience. It is the type of driver who needs to transport a medium-sized dog in a crate in the back, a set of golf clubs in the trunk, and perhaps a few grocery bags on the floor all in the same week. The cargo space is not a cavernous pit, but it is intelligent and flexible enough to handle the diverse needs of a modern lifestyle without requiring a full-size truck.
