2021 Chrysler Pacifica 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 Fusion look. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with small, awkwardly arranged climate and radio controls. The cabin quality was decent, featuring soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but was marred by heavy use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features from power-adjustable seats to premium audio systems and driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received a mid-generation refresh with a revised exterior, including new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which offered premium materials like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the cabin was designed for family use, with features like power-sliding rear doors, Stow 'n Go seats, and ample storage. The Pacifica also boasted sound-deadening technology for a quieter ride.

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 suspension was designed for American roads, providing a smooth yet engaging ride. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST had heavy steering and excellent cornering, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, the hybrid powertrain combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower and an all-electric range of over 30 miles. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model delivered 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined, while the traditional V6 achieved 22 mpg combined, dropping to 20 mpg with AWD.

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

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, with spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with ample storage between the driver and front passenger. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats. The second- and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle provided best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

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 and a dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface. The system was responsive and easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games for 2021. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

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 with adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.