2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering 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, giving it a crossover version of the Fusion look. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging with a layout unchanged since 2015, despite subtle updates. The cabin quality was decent with soft-touch materials, 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 from power-adjustable seats to premium audio systems and advanced driver assistance features.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared dynamic styling with the rest of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its modern cabin included a semi-digital instrument panel and a spacious, comfortable interior, though it also used hard plastics in many areas. The Pilot was available in LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. Each trim added features like remote start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather upholstery, and advanced audio systems. The Pilot's cabin was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and a user-friendly layout.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered solid low-end acceleration but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience with heavy steering and excellent cornering. The ST also included a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response and performance information.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission depending on the trim. The V6 provided strong acceleration for real-world driving, though it wasn't the segment leader. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered a spacious cabin with a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom, and the cargo space measured 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, or 7-passenger capacity with second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims. The third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trims and higher included one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. The Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, competitive with other 3-row SUVs. Higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice-activated navigation system on higher trims. The system was user-friendly with a helpful home button and smart-charging USB ports. Optional features included a dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim included a 5-inch color LCD screen, while higher trims featured the Display Audio 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had a confusing layout and lacked a tuning knob, making it less user-friendly. Higher trims also included HD Radio, SiriusXM, Cabin Control Remote Capability, and an upgraded 590-watt audio system with mobile hotspot capability.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, which included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda Pilot included the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, featuring forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard safety features also included airbags, child-seat anchors, and traction control. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS.