2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, originally introduced in 2006, has remained a solid choice for consumers who value functionality and a car-like ride in an SUV. Designed on the Ford Fusion platform, it offers a spacious cabin with a smooth driving experience. The second generation, which debuted in 2015, saw a significant styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. This refresh gave the Edge a striking appearance with angular headlights and a large, trapezoidal grille similar to the Fusion. However, the interior, despite its soft-touch materials and robust fit-and-finish, was somewhat dated with an awkward button arrangement on the center console.

The Ford Edge came in four trims: SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. The SE featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system. The SEL trim added amenities such as heated side mirrors, synthetic leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker audio system. The Titanium trim offered genuine leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system. The performance ST trim included all the luxurious features along with a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

In contrast, Mazda took a different approach with the 2020 CX-5, striving to offer a premium feel even in the mainstream segment. The CX-5’s design reflected Mazda’s “Kodo” styling themes, resulting in a captivating and upscale exterior. Inside, the CX-5, particularly in the Signature trim, featured premium materials like Nappa leather and real wood, giving it a luxurious ambiance.

Available in five trims - Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature - the CX-5 aimed to impress with its upscale cabin and comprehensive feature list. The Sport trim included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and internet radio apps. Moving up, the Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control and Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. The Grand Touring introduced an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a Bose sound system, while the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature included a turbocharged engine, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature further elevated the interior with Nappa leather and genuine wood trim.

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. This combination provided solid low-end acceleration for city driving, though it was less responsive at higher speeds.

The Edge ST trim offered a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque with standard all-wheel drive. The ST’s performance-focused engine provided thrilling acceleration, especially at higher speeds, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping for a more engaging drive. The handling was impressive, and the ST Performance Brake Package further boosted its sporty credentials.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5’s base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided sufficient power for everyday driving, with smooth and efficient operation. Higher trims, like the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, featured a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine. With premium fuel, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque; with regular, these figures were 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

Despite its higher curb weight of 3,825 pounds, the turbocharged CX-5 delivered strong acceleration and a dynamic driving experience thanks to Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology. However, the CX-5 was criticized for its excessive body motions during aggressive driving, and its high center of gravity resulted in less confidence-inspiring handling compared to other Mazda models.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin space and practicality. Offering a commanding view and numerous handy storage compartments, it was well-suited for both commuting and road trips. Rear passengers enjoyed ample headroom and legroom without requiring adjustments to the front seats. Though it lacked a third row, the two-row arrangement was spacious and comfortable.

In terms of cargo space, the Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo capacity surpassed that of competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though it was slightly less than the Honda Passport’s 77.9 cubic feet.

Conversely, the Mazda CX-5 aimed to attract buyers seeking luxury and style, though at the expense of interior space. While stylish and well-crafted, the CX-5’s interior was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Touring trims and above included features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and rear air vents, with higher trims offering ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.

The CX-5’s cargo space was less generous, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was significantly less than the Edge, highlighting the practicality trade-off for a more upscale feel.

The Ford Edge came equipped with the user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-navigate menus and Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto integration standard across all trims. Navigation, optional on lower trims and standard on the Titanium and ST, included real-time traffic updates via SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. Additionally, the Edge offered smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

Mazda’s CX-5 utilized the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The base Sport trim included a 7-inch touchscreen, but it responded to touch only when the vehicle was stationary. The system incorporated features like Bluetooth, HD Radio, and internet radio apps. Higher trims added Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose premium sound system, and navigation. However, the Mazda Connect system required an acclimation period due to its complex controls, which were not as intuitive as those in the Edge.

The 2020 Ford Edge was well-equipped with safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control with Roll Stability Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a child seat anchoring system. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 system included driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Similarly, the Mazda CX-5 delivered an impressive array of safety features with its standard i-Activsense package, encompassing adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Additional standard features included LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, with adaptive headlights available on higher trims. These safety measures, combined with strong structural engineering, garnered the CX-5 a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.