2021 Ford Edge vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge was a continuation of the second generation that debuted in 2015, with a styling update in 2019. This update gave the Edge a modern look, aligning it with the Ford Fusion sedan's design elements, such as angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge's cabin showed signs of aging, with a layout largely unchanged since 2015, despite subtle updates in 2019. The center console featured small, awkwardly arranged climate and radio controls, and a contemporary rotary shifter. While the cabin quality was generally good, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel.

The 2021 Ford Edge maintained the refreshed styling from 2019, offering a cleaner look compared to competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Titanium trim added chrome accents, while the ST trim featured a blacked-out grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Edge's design began to feel dated, despite attempts to accommodate new features like a larger touchscreen. The Titanium models boasted leather upholstery, and the ST models had sporty front seats with contrast stitching. Overall, the 2021 Edge's interior struggled to keep pace with its exterior updates.

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, offered solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving. However, it struggled to find power at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, effectively absorbing potholes while maintaining a refined and engaging driving experience. The performance-oriented Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque through standard all-wheel drive. The ST's steering was heavy, and its cornering capabilities were impressive, enhanced by a Sport mode that improved throttle response and transmission mapping.

In 2021, the Ford Edge continued to offer the 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, with the same power output and transmission options. The Edge ST retained its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel. The ST's standard all-wheel drive and model-specific suspension tuning provided a sporty driving experience. Despite some skepticism about the ST badge on an SUV, the Edge ST offered a unique performance option in its class. The 2021 Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered ST, though competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered higher towing capacities.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The spacious second-row head- and legroom ensured comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. While it lacked a third row, the two provided rows were roomy and comfortable. 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. This cargo capacity surpassed that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though it fell slightly short of the Honda Passport. Higher trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2021 Ford Edge remained competitive in interior space, offering the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers. Legroom was generous, second only to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control added to passenger comfort. Cargo space matched the 2020 model, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The rotary shift knob aimed to free up console space, but the narrow console limited its effectiveness. A storage nook below the console was difficult to access, making it easy to forget items placed there.

The 2020 Ford Edge impressed with its standard technology, featuring the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons for easy navigation and a home button for quick access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to utilize their preferred navigation apps. Optional voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic updates was available on higher trims. The Edge included two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

In 2021, the Ford Edge received the latest Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST models boasted a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The addition of two rear USB ports, including one USB-C, enhanced connectivity. Sync 4's simple graphics and straightforward menus made it user-friendly, and the wireless connectivity set it apart from some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite was standard, offering 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 2020 Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Edge also earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base SE trim.