2020 Honda Pilot vs 2019 Ford Edge

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 2010 version. The cabin, while functional with features like a new rotary shifter, was criticized for its heavy use of plastics, particularly around the touchscreen area, which detracted from its modern appeal. The Edge offered a range of trims, from the base SE with standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry, to the performance-oriented ST with unique styling and enhanced features. The SEL trim was highlighted as a well-rounded option, offering a balance of features and affordability.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of Honda's lineup, with thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a sleeker appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, though it was noted for using hard plastics in some areas. The Pilot offered a range of trims, from the base LX with standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry, to the luxurious Black Edition with unique styling elements. The EX trim was recommended for its added features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the EX-L introduced leather upholstery and additional conveniences. The Touring and Elite trims further enhanced the Pilot's appeal with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for its non-ST trims, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the latter adding $1,995 to the cost. The ST trim, however, featured 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 was praised for its impressive acceleration and handling, particularly on winding roads, while maintaining a comfortable ride. Fuel economy for the Edge varied, with the base engine achieving 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the ST returned 19/26/21 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The Pilot's V6 provided strong acceleration for everyday driving, though it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2019 Ford Edge's interior, though dated, was practical with ample storage options, including a deep center console bin and in-door pockets. The ST trim featured performance-oriented bucket seats, which were not ideal for taller drivers due to limited adjustability. The rear seats offered generous space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Edge provided 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it competitive with similar crossovers.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with higher trims featuring second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and above included one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. The Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, comparable to its rivals. The Pilot's interior was designed for family use, with numerous storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system featured a small 4.2-inch screen with basic functionality, while the SEL trim and above offered an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Sync 3 system was praised for its intuitive layout, despite average graphics.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim included a 5-inch color LCD screen, while other trims featured an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was criticized for its lack of a tuning knob and confusing layout. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system.

The 2019 Ford Edge came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering features.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured the HondaSensing suite, offering forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.