2019 Ford Edge vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

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 between the taillights. Despite these exterior changes, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, feeling dated and heavily reliant on plastics. The cabin, while useful with features like a new rotary shifter, struggled to feel modern.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained its timeless, utilitarian design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs. The flared wheel wells and hood scoop added to its rugged look, although the scoop was non-functional. The 4Runner's trim lineup included various options, from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the comfort-oriented Limited. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, but the seating position was very tall, making entry and exit challenging without the power-retractable running boards.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine across all non-ST trims, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, could be configured with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The ST trim, however, featured a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. The ST provided impressive acceleration and handling, especially in Sport Mode, while maintaining a smooth ride over rough roads. Fuel economy for the base engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the ST achieved 19/26/21.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road performance was less impressive, with significant body roll and vague steering. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2019 Ford Edge's cabin, though dated, was practical with deep storage bins, USB ports, and available wireless charging. The front seats were comfortable, but the ST's bucket seats were not ideal for taller drivers. The rear seats offered ample head- and legroom, and the cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner provided excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius. The interior featured large, easy-to-use controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position offered a commanding view but could be tiring for shorter drivers. The 4Runner also offered an optional third row, though it was best suited for short and occasional use due to its limited legroom and comfort. The cargo space was versatile, with the third-row seats folding to create more room.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system was basic, with a 4.2-inch non-touchscreen and limited functionality. 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 Toyota 4Runner finally received an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While Toyota's proprietary system was functional, it struggled with navigation accuracy compared to smartphone apps. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and various subscription services. Higher trims included a JBL stereo and onboard navigation, though the overall technology still lagged behind competitors.

The 2019 Ford Edge came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, and multiple airbags. It also included Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring 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 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags. The 4Runner received four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA but only three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it good ratings in most crash tests, except for a marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test.