2020 Lexus RX vs 2019 Ford Edge

The 2019 Ford Edge received a facelift that included a new grille, headlights, and lower front fascia, giving it a sportier appearance. The rear also saw updates with new taillights and a larger black panel replacing the red connector, enhancing its athletic look. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, feeling dated and heavily reliant on plastics. Despite the new rotary shifter, the cabin struggled to keep up with modern design standards.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX underwent significant upgrades both inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to align with Lexus cars, and new paint colors were introduced. Inside, the RX offered a variety of interior colors and materials, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added unique touches like a special steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2019 Ford Edge came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in non-ST trims, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost. The ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic but with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered impressive acceleration and cornering abilities, making it a fun drive. Fuel economy for the base engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the ST achieved 19/26/21.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L variant had slightly lower power figures. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total of 308 horsepower. The RX 450hL had a similar setup but with reduced power. The hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and achieved excellent fuel economy, with the RX 450h getting 30 mpg combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including an EV mode for short-distance emissions-free driving.

The 2019 Ford Edge's cabin, though dated, was practical with deep storage bins, USB ports, and a wireless charger. The front seats were comfortable, but the ST's bucket seats were not ideal for taller drivers. The rear seats were spacious, providing ample head- and legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it competitive with other midsize SUVs.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, though not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The split-folding rear seat was easy to use, and a hands-free liftgate was available on the RX 350 and 450h models, standard on the RX-L.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system featured a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen with basic functionality, including a USB port, WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, providing a more user-friendly experience despite average graphics.

The 2020 Lexus RX improved its infotainment system by moving the display closer to the driver and offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system, and six USB ports.

The 2019 Ford Edge came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full set of airbags. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims could be upgraded with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, adding adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and lane-centering.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also came with a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.