2020 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated, especially compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shared the same platform but had more significant interior updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected to arrive with the 2021 model year.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006 and updated for its second generation in 2015, received a styling update in 2019. This update gave the Edge a fresh look, resembling a crossover version of the Fusion sedan with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge showed signs of its age with an awkwardly arranged center console and heavy use of hard plastics. However, the cabin quality was solid, with plenty of soft-touch materials and good fit-and-finish.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive depending on the trim.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 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 sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode that improved throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin offered plenty of space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped, best suited for children. The Durango also had a towing capacity ranging from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of cubbies and compartments. The second-row head- and legroom were ample, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust 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 rear seats folded. This was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. Both screens used Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation and a premium audio system. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims featured an Alpine premium audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard across all trims. SYNC 3 was user-friendly, with a row of icons for easy navigation and a helpful home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional voice-activated navigation on the SEL and ST trims, and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Optional driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard on all trims, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with 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.