2019 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space. The trunk provided 31.4 cubic feet of space behind modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite the increased cargo space, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, although the panoramic sunroof made headroom a bit tight. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system. The cabin was exceptionally quiet, thanks to a noise-canceling system, making highway conversations easy and enjoyable.

The QX50 started at $36,550 for the base “Pure” trim, which included LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone auto climate controls, power front seats, and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. The “Luxe” trim added LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot monitoring system for $39,400. The top-tier “Essential” trim, priced at $43,350, included navigation, 3-zone climate controls, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and leather seats. Additional packages like the $7,500 Sensory package and various safety and convenience options could push the price to $55,285.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second-generation Edge, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with a fresh styling that resembled a crossover version of the Fusion, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge showed its age with an unchanged layout since 2015, small and awkwardly arranged climate and radio controls, and a rotary shifter. Despite these drawbacks, the cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by heavy use of hard plastics.

The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims. The SE trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, two USB ports, and remote keyless entry, along with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa. The SEL trim added LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Titanium trim featured 19-inch nickel-plated aluminum wheels, genuine leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory presets, and a B&O by Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker premium sound system. The ST trim, the performance variant, included a more powerful engine, standard AWD, and sportier styling.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine, capable of varying compression between 8:1 and 14:1 for power or efficiency. Despite the innovative engine, its 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque were underwhelming, resulting in a 6.4-second 0-60 time, slower than the outgoing V6. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was problematic, causing bogging, surging, and wheelspin from a stop, and making unpleasant noises. The QX50’s EPA-estimated 24 city and 31 highway mpg were not impressive, with a combined rating of 27 mpg, and real-world figures barely reaching 24 mpg. The ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system was inconsistent and difficult to get used to.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge’s suspension was designed for American roads, absorbing potholes and road imperfections while remaining refined and engaging to drive. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, with standard AWD. The ST’s acceleration was strong at higher revs, and its heavy steering and excellent cornering made it feel like a smaller car. A Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, and an ST Performance Brake Package was available.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality, with pleasing materials and ample space. However, the abundance of tech made the cabin cluttered and confusing, with a mix of buttons, dials, and touchscreens. The infotainment system had input delays, causing frustration, especially with the navigation system. The shifter’s “PARK” button placement behind the shifter was a safety concern, as it could easily be mistaken for Reverse.

The 2020 Ford Edge’s cabin layout was one of its strongest suits, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row head- and legroom were generous, and the two rows provided were spacious and comfortable. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo space was more than that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced safety tech in the $2,000 ProActive package, including intelligent cruise, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning and intervention, and ProPilot assist. However, these features were only available on the top-tier Essential trim, making the starting price for these systems $45,900. The base QX50 was well-equipped with technology, but the infotainment system’s frustrations detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons at the bottom and a home button for easy navigation. Optional voice-activated navigation with pinch-to-zoom map control was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also included two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety tech was limited to higher trims, with features like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base Pure trim. The QX50 had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, Roll Stability Control, Curve Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a child seat anchoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.