2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and aggressive design, a product of its off-road capabilities. Its stubby front and rear ends provided steep approach and departure angles, while large tires and flared fenders added to its trail-ready look. The 4Runner's trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each offering a mix of functional and aesthetic features. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was dated, with a simple 6.1-inch touchscreen and basic amenities, but it provided ample space and practical features like a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2020 Ford Edge, on the other hand, had a more modern and refined appearance, with styling updates that made it resemble a crossover version of the Ford Fusion sedan. The interior layout was practical and user-friendly, with a rotary shifter and plenty of soft-touch materials, though it was marred by the use of hard plastics. The Edge offered a range of trims, from the base SE to the performance-oriented ST, each with a comprehensive suite of standard features and driver assistance technologies. The cabin was spacious, with ample head- and legroom in both rows, and a generous cargo area.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup, though dated, was reliable and capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control, making it a formidable trail vehicle. However, its fuel economy was poor, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 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 through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration and decent highway performance. The Edge ST trim offered a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD and sportier handling. The Edge's suspension was well-tuned for American roads, offering a comfortable yet engaging driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner excelled in interior space, with ample head- and legroom for front and rear passengers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided significant advantages over competitors like the Jeep Wrangler, offering nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The interior, though dated, was practical, with large knobs and a simple layout that catered to outdoor activities.

The 2020 Ford Edge boasted a well-designed cabin with a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it more spacious than several competitors, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. Higher trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lagged in technology, lacking modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its infotainment system was basic but straightforward, with the SR5 Premium trim offering an upgraded Entune system with navigation and Siri Eyes Free. The lack of advanced connectivity options might have been a drawback for tech-savvy consumers.

The 2020 Ford Edge, in contrast, came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. This system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and a helpful home button. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a dual rear-seat entertainment system. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and smart-charging USB ports, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features, including a full array of airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. However, it lacked modern driver-assistance technologies, which were standard on many newer vehicles. The 4Runner received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in safety, with standard features like front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. This included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, making it a safer choice for families.