2021 BMW X5 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, first introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, arriving in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a fresh look with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, resembling a crossover version of the Fusion. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, featuring soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel.

The 2021 BMW X5, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, was unmistakably a BMW with its signature kidney grille and body shape. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was well-crafted with leather and soft-touch materials. However, the abundance of black plastic could easily collect dust. The M Sport models had unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and specific interior trim strips.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided solid low-end acceleration but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST variant 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 heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode that improved throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M variant offered 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. However, the X5's steering dynamics were less impressive, especially at higher speeds, and the vehicle's handling was not as engaging as other BMW SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders positioned at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, with full power functionality and a vehicle height adjustment button for easier loading. The cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons at the bottom and a home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and a semi-digital instrument panel. All trims offered an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was easy to use once familiar.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included 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, 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.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the adaptive cruise control system had issues reacting to stopped traffic, and the lane-keeping system struggled in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.