Well-reviewed and growing in popularity, the Ford Edge midsize crossover continues to score points with critics and owners alike, thanks to its smooth ride, fluid handling, ample cargo space, and overall good looks.

Currently in its second generation, the Edge receives minimal updates for 2018. Ford again offers the Edge in SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport trim levels. The SEL trim gets a new Sport Appearance Package for 2018, and buyers can add a new optional Safe and Smart Package to the SEL, Titanium, and Sport trims.

The new Sport Appearance Package dresses up the SEL trim both inside and out, giving it an edgier, stylish appearance. The headlights get a blacked-out treatment, while dark gray Magnetic Metallic paint enhances the exterior look on the mirror caps, skid plates, rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the sport package adds Mayan Gray cloth seats with Miko suede perforated inserts, as well as embroidered floor mats and a Copper Dune textured applique on the dash.

The newly available Safe and Smart Package adds all the latest driver-assistance features to the Edge, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. A reversing camera continues to come standard on all trims, along with features such as front knee airbags and a post-crash alert system.

Outside, the Edge displays a fluid look with wraparound headlights, straight sidelines, subtle wheel wells, and a short rear overhang. Vibrant exterior colors like Ruby Red, Burgundy Velvet, and Lightning Blue help emphasize the aerodynamic design on the SEL, Titanium, and Sport trims.

The base SE comes equipped with such standard features as automatic on/off halogen headlights, configurable daytime running lights, LED taillights, and a rear spoiler, while the SEL and Titanium add heated side mirrors and LED signature lighting on the lower front fascia.

The Sport gets a number of unique exterior features, including a Piano Black grille with a Magnetic Metallic frame, an exclusive headlight treatment, and unique front and rear lower fascia. Options for the Titanium and Sport trims include HID headlights. The SE and SEL come standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, while the Titanium gets 19-inch wheels and the Sport upgrades to 20-inch wheels.

The Edge's ride and handling are among its strongest attributes, with quick, smooth acceleration from all three of its available power sources. In its standard configuration, the Edge rides on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, although buyers can add the automaker's optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system on the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. The Sport trim comes standard with AWD and gets an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, which makes it more agile on the road. Electric power-assisted steering, antilock brakes, and Ford's stability control system with roll control are among the standard features on all trims.

A twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine with direct injection, designed for both efficiency and performance, provides base power for the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. It delivers a potent 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, although those numbers were achieved with premium high-octane fuel.

As part of all trims, the engine links to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which allows drivers to shift gears manually without using a clutch. Fuel-economy numbers check in at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined for FWD trims and 17, 27, 23 on AWD trims. FWD trims with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine get automatic start/stop as a standard feature, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

SEL and Titanium buyers who would like a slight boost in performance can upgrade to an available 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT). It hikes horsepower to 280 while torque slides to 250 lb-ft. Fuel-economy numbers drop as well, to 17, 26, 20 with FWD and 17, 23, 19 with AWD.

At the top of the line, the Sport lives up to its name with an exclusive twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 rated at 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, again with premium fuel. The 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters remains standard, while fuel-economy numbers clock in at 17, 24, 20 for both FWD and AWD trims.

The Edge seats five passengers in its spacious cabin, with well-bolstered front seats, a roomy second-row bench seat, and plenty of legroom and headroom in both rows for taller adults. The 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat reclines for added passenger comfort and features a fold-down center armrest. Cargo space is equally generous, offering 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row, which expands to 73.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The Titanium and Sport trims both come equipped with a hands-free rear liftgate, making it easy to access the cargo space. SEL buyers can choose the hands-free rear liftgate as an option.

The Edge's cabin has a modernistic, upscale feel, thanks to its curvy dash, prominent center stack, soft-touch surfaces, and quality materials throughout. Key standard features for the entry-level SE trim include push-button start, cruise control, single-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and Ford's Sync infotainment system with an AM/FM/CD audio system.

The SEL adds dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, an EasyFold second-row seat, and satellite radio, as well as a wide range of optional features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 9-speaker audio system.

The Titanium trim gets leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats with driver's-side memory, and an upgraded Sync 3 system with a 12-speaker Sony audio system, while the Sport trim receives unique leather upholstery with suede inserts. Voice-activated navigation remains an option on the higher-end trims.

In addition to the new Safe and Smart Package, optional safety features include enhanced park assist and a front 180-degree camera on the two higher-end trims.