2019 Ford Edge vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a noticeable exterior update, featuring a new grille, headlights, and a redesigned lower front fascia. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes with new taillights and a larger black panel replacing the previous red connector, giving the Edge a sportier look across all trims. Despite these exterior enhancements, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, retaining a dated feel reminiscent of the 2014 Edge. The cabin, while functional with a new rotary shifter, was criticized for its heavy use of plastics and outdated design elements, which detracted from its modern appeal. However, the Edge offered a range of standard and available features across its trims, from the base SE with 18-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry to the performance-oriented ST with unique styling and performance upgrades.

In contrast, the 2020 GMC Acadia presented itself as a premium SUV option, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in terms of luxury. The Acadia featured a refreshed front design with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, aligning with GMC's upscale aspirations. The Denali trim, in particular, showcased brightwork and open-pore wood trim, enhancing its premium feel. Interior changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and a redesigned center console. The Acadia's cabin offered a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastics, with logical control layouts. However, despite its premium positioning, the Acadia's interior lacked distinctive features to set it apart as a truly upscale choice.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a standard 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine across non-ST trims, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable performance with the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for an additional cost. The ST trim, however, boasted a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, exclusively paired with all-wheel drive. The ST's performance was impressive, offering excellent acceleration and handling, particularly in Sport Mode. Despite its sporty nature, the ST maintained a comfortable ride over rough roads. Fuel economy for the Edge varied, with the base engine achieving 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the ST averaged 19.9 mpg in spirited driving.

The 2020 GMC Acadia provided three engine options, starting with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for lower trims. The SLT trim introduced a new 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the AT4 and Denali trims featured a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available, except for the AT4, which had a standard dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine offered smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were well-tuned, providing a comfortable driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character. Fuel economy for the V6-powered Acadia was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an average of 20.1 mpg in testing.

The 2019 Ford Edge's interior, though dated, was practical with ample storage options, including a deep center console bin and in-door pockets with bottle holders. The front seats were comfortable, but the ST trim's bucket seats, designed for performance, were not ideal for taller individuals due to limited adjustability. The rear seats offered generous space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Cargo space was competitive, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevy Blazer.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered flexible seating configurations, accommodating five to seven passengers depending on the trim. The Denali trim featured comfortable 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, ideal for long trips. The second-row captain's chairs provided similar comfort, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. Despite being smaller than previous models, the Acadia's third-row seat was surprisingly roomy, though cargo space was limited with all seats in use. With the third-row seats folded, the Acadia offered 41.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 79 cubic feet with the second row down, providing ample room for family trips.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system was basic, featuring a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen with essential connectivity options like Bluetooth and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, praised for its intuitive interface and features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, despite average graphics.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with desirable infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered improved resolution and user experience, with voice recognition technology that generally performed well. Additional tech upgrades included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The rear camera mirror provided a wide-angle view, enhancing visibility when the cargo area was full.

The 2019 Ford Edge came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and a comprehensive set of airbags. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features was also standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims could be upgraded with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, adding adaptive cruise control and other advanced features.

The 2020 GMC Acadia's safety features included a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings were available, but more advanced features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking required higher trims and additional packages. The Acadia received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, though IIHS testing was incomplete.