2021 Honda CR-V 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 spacious cabin. By 2015, the second generation arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite the update, the Edge's design felt slightly outdated compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota, who frequently refreshed their models. The Edge's exterior featured angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by the use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from infotainment systems to driver assistance technologies.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while not a standout in exterior design, offered a functional and practical approach. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with minor differentiators like grille design and chrome accents. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials in higher trims. While competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, the CR-V focused on comfort and practicality, appealing to those prioritizing function over form.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive with an available all-wheel-drive option, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, absorbing potholes while maintaining a refined and engaging drive. The performance-oriented Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque with standard AWD. The ST offered a sportier driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-speed thrills but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It achieved 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, comparable to its competitors. All trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience, though less engaging than the conventional transmissions found in rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Its suspension setup, common in the segment, provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The spacious second row provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. While it lacked a third row, the Edge's two rows were designed for comfort. It offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five passengers with ample cargo space. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating various loads. Accessing the cargo area varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free tailgate options available. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting roof storage options for lower trims. Overall, the CR-V's design focused on practicality and versatility, appealing to families and those needing ample storage.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered impressive standard technology, featuring the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with easy navigation and a helpful home button. Optional features included voice-activated navigation and a semi-digital instrument panel. The Edge also provided smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing its appeal for tech-savvy consumers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. From the EX trim upwards, the CR-V included Sirius XM and HD radio, with satellite navigation available only on the Touring. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and the Touring added a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system was standard, offering advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an optional 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 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. While it didn't achieve the highest IIHS rating due to headlight and side crash test scores, it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features through the Honda Sensing system. This included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind-spot monitoring, available from the EX trim upwards.