2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a distinctive upper character line and a large spoiler-like appearance, adding to its sporty look. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise cabin design, highlighted by eye-catching red leather upholstery that created a striking red-and-black contrast. The RDX came well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. Various packages offered additional luxury and performance features, with the A-Spec package adding unique visual upgrades and the Advance Package providing premium amenities.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion platform, offering a car-like ride and spacious cabin. The second-generation Edge, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with a design reminiscent of the Fusion, featuring angular headlights and a large grille. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging, with an awkwardly arranged center console and heavy use of hard plastics. However, it offered a solid fit-and-finish with soft-touch materials. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features. The SE trim included essentials like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. Higher trims added luxury features, with the ST trim offering a performance-oriented experience with a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The RDX's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with premium fuel recommended. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a comfortable yet performance-oriented ride.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a balance between comfort and engagement. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping. The Edge ST handled well, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the boundaries of a compact SUV, offering a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured convenient storage options, including large door pockets and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area offered 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The load floor was easily accessible, with a hidden cargo area beneath a liftable panel.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, providing a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second row offered generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without compromising front seat space. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo capacity surpassed several competitors, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage space.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, featuring a vivid widescreen display operated via a touchpad, known as the True Touchpad Interface. This system lacked the intuitive scrolling ability found in competitors, making it cumbersome to use. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec offered the ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Advance Package included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered impressive standard technology with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with easy navigation and a helpful home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Optional features included voice-activated navigation and a dual rear-seat entertainment system. The Edge's technology offerings were comprehensive, providing convenience and entertainment for all passengers.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a range of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear-view camera. It also offered a suite of driver-assistance features, such as lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured a comprehensive safety package, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard, offering automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. 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.