2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The cabin design prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before luxury. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each featuring standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim included 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, providing a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. The interior layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with small climate and radio controls and a rotary shifter. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features like synthetic leather upholstery, a nine-speaker premium audio system, and a B&O by Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker premium sound system.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride with a low center of gravity but lacked adequate torque for strong acceleration. The Forester came standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), designed for efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth and refined ride. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST trim offered a more engaging driving experience with heavy steering, excellent cornering, and a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. Fuel economy for the standard engine was 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a slightly larger and wider body than the 2018 model, with a tailgate opening 5 inches wider. The base trim provided a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance was ideal for dirt and snow. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, with a tall greenhouse providing excellent rearward visibility. The driving position offered plenty of legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for older buyers.

The 2020 Ford Edge boasted a well-designed cabin with a commanding view of the road. The seats were surrounded by ample cubbies and compartments, making it ideal for commuting or road trips. The second-row head- and legroom were generous, ensuring comfort without needing to move the front seats. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats. This cargo space was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano but slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch screen in the base and Premium trims or an 8-inch screen in the Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, which provided an audible beep and graphic alert if the vehicle ahead moved and the driver hadn't noticed.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with icons for audio, phone, navigation, apps, and settings, and a home button for easy navigation. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with optional voice-activated navigation on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured a full array of front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control with Roll Stability Control and 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 with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.