2021 Honda Odyssey 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 version of the Fusion look. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with small, awkwardly arranged climate and radio controls. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features from power-adjustable seats and infotainment systems to premium audio and sportier styling in the ST variant.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with a styling theme dating back a decade, received minor updates for the new model year, including a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights. The top three trims got new wheel designs, and the overall look was modernized by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels. The interior improvements included new seating materials and tri-color floor mats, enhancing the upscale feel of the minivan.

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. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth and refined 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 all-wheel drive. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode, heavy steering, and excellent cornering capabilities, making it engaging to drive.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Ford Edge's cabin layout offered a commanding view of the road, with plenty of cubbies and compartments for storage. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom, and the cargo space measured 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's interior featured legible instrumentation, logical controls, and abundant storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. The second-row Magic Slide seats offered various configurations, including Wide Mode, Buddy Mode, and Super Mode, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The third-row seats were spacious, and the cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice-activated navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button and easy access to various functions. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey also offered HondaLink subscription plans, providing various remote and concierge services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 system. This system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey also offered a blind-spot warning system starting with the EX trim. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for all assessments except rollover resistance, which earned a four-star score.