2020 Ford Edge vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Ford Edge had a solid decade and a half of experience on the market by the time it reached the 2020 model year. First introduced in 2006, the Edge was Ford's attempt at figuring out the crossover SUV market. Built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, the Edge provided a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2019, the second-generation Edge, which arrived in 2015, received a mid-cycle facelift. Though stylish, it was climbing uphill against competitors like the redesigned Toyota Venza.

The Edge 2020 model sported angular headlights and a large, trapezoidal grille reminiscent of the Fusion sedan. Inside, the design echoed its 2015 origins with minor updates from 2019. The cabin featured soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, although hard plastics were still prominent. The rotary shifter added a contemporary touch but did little to alleviate space issues in the awkwardly arranged center console.

The 2020 Edge was offered in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims. The SE included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, SYNC 3 infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and Co-Pilot360 driver aids. The SEL stepped up with LED fog lights, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Titanium added even more luxury with 19-inch wheels, genuine leather, a 12-speaker B&O sound system, and an optional package for even more premium features. The ST distinguished itself with a performance focus, packing a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport debuted as the much-anticipated younger sibling of the resurrected Ford Bronco. This compact SUV combined rugged aesthetics with urban utility, capturing retro vibes while looking fresh. Designed with trail driving in mind, it featured minimal front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body. Bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate gave it an unmistakable identity, with the "SPORT" tag subtly acknowledging its distinction from its bigger sibling. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch Sparkle Silver on the Base model to 18-inch alloy on the Outer Banks, with varying off-road tire sizes available.

The Bronco Sport's interior was ruggedly elegant, featuring well-placed storage cubbies and an 8-inch infotainment screen in the center stack. A rotary gear selector paired with the smart storage design made for a practical layout. It offered a range of seating materials from cloth to leather-trimmed sport-contour buckets in higher trims. Cargo features included a high roof to fit mountain bikes and an optional cargo management package.

The 2020 Ford Edge provided decent power and smooth rides with its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, it excelled in low-end acceleration but found higher speeds more challenging. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, making it suitable for American road conditions.

The Edge ST was the go-to for performance enthusiasts, boasting a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that churned out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST came standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured slight turbo lag at low speeds but delivered exhilarating acceleration once revs built up. Its sport mode and heavy steering enhanced the driving experience significantly.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices depending on the trim. Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims equipped a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition featured a more robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the Bronco Sport’s adventurous character, especially in off-road scenarios.

The Bronco Sport excelled on rough terrains, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and substantial ground clearance. Its terrain management system offered up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, significantly enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Ford Edge showcased an American-focused cabin layout. It delivered a commanding road view without compromising comfort. The Edge featured numerous large and deep cubbies intended for daily commuting and road trips. The second-row seats offered ample head- and legroom without needing to adjust the front seats.

The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 73.4 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-fold seats folded down. While it outperformed the Jeep Grand Cherokee (68.3 cubic feet) and Nissan Murano (67 cubic feet) in cargo space, it fell slightly short of the Honda Passport (77.9 cubic feet). Higher trims like the SEL and Titanium included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its diverse cargo-carrying capabilities. Designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, the Bronco Sport also featured a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof was rated to hold up to 150 pounds (100 pounds with a moonroof), and the 2.0-liter engine variant could tow up 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter variant managed up to 2,000 pounds.

The Bronco Sport’s intelligent cargo hold included a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and optional liftgate floodlamps. However, visibility issues for taller drivers and seating position quirks were minor drawbacks.

The 2020 Ford Edge boasted extensive standard technology features. Every trim came with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included an 8-inch touchscreen interface. SYNC 3 was user-friendly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, featuring a straightforward layout with readily accessible icons and buttons. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, with five years of pre-paid SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link services. The Edge offered a semi-digital instrument panel on the SEL and ST trims, standard on the Titanium.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport also impressed with its tech offerings. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featured SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and SiriusXM capability. The standard FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot provided ample connectivity. Higher trims offered a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera with off-road functionality. The Bronco Sport’s terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes adapted to various terrains, though suspension settings were not adjustable. Intelligent access with push-button start, heated leather-wrapped steering wheels, and a digital instrument panel added to the tech sophistication in higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured a comprehensive safety suite. Standard equipment included front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, Roll Stability Control, Curve Control, and tire pressure monitoring systems. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite added automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package included adaptive cruise control and active lane centering for a semi-autonomous highway driving experience.

The 2020 Edge earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its stellar crash safety credentials.

All 2021 Ford Bronco Sport trims came with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane centering, voice-activated navigation, and road-sign recognition. AWD and a terrain management system with traction and stability control enhanced the Bronco Sport's safety profile. As of the time of writing, the Bronco Sport had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.