2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each with varying features from basic 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen in the SXT to the luxury-minded Citadel with premium leather upholstery and a power moonroof. The SRT trim stood out with its unique aggressive styling and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Ford Edge maintained its styling from a 2019 refresh, which successfully integrated Ford's current design language with the existing Edge body. The Edge presented a cleaner look compared to competitors like the Chevy Blazer. The Titanium trim featured chrome accents, while the ST trim boasted a blacked-out grille and 20-inch wheels. The interior, however, began to show its age, with design tweaks to accommodate new features like a larger touchscreen. The Edge offered leather upholstery in the Titanium and sporty seats in the ST. Despite its aging platform, the Edge remained a refined choice among two-row midsize crossovers.

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 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The top-tier SRT was equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 provided decent power for family hauling, while the 5.7-liter V8 offered confident acceleration. The SRT, with its performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, delivered impressive car-like handling and acceleration, enhanced by Dodge's SRT performance pages for detailed drive mode customization.

The 2021 Ford Edge primarily used a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The Edge ST performance model featured a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive and model-specific suspension tuning. The Edge ST offered an optional package with upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels. While the Edge ST aimed to compete with performance SUVs, it was more refined than its competitors, though the non-ST models' turbo-four engine felt sluggish. The Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base model to 4,525 pounds for the ST, respectable but not class-leading.

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. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The cabin offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice between a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango featured multiple storage options, though the power rear hatch button's placement was less intuitive.

The 2021 Ford Edge remained competitive in interior space, offering the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers. Legroom was generous, second only to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Cargo space measured 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, trailing only the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Edge's rotary shift knob freed up console space, though the narrow console limited its utility. A storage nook below the console was difficult to access, making it easy to forget items placed there.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and tablet-inspired design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with seamless transitions between systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was user-friendly, though smaller than some competitors. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Ford Edge was equipped with Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST boasted a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Edge included four USB ports, with two rear ports added for 2021. Sync 4 was praised for its simple graphics and menu layouts, and the Edge stood out for offering wireless connectivity, which some competitors lacked.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on other trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT included front- and rear parking sensors. High-tech driver-assistance features were optional, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star NHTSA rating, with five stars in side crash tests. The IIHS rated it Moderate for driver’s side small-front overlap testing and Good in other tests, with optional crash-prevention technology rated Superior.

The 2021 Ford Edge was an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” scoring Good in all crash tests and Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. It received an Advanced rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention and Acceptable for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The Edge included standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360, such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base trim.