2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 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 2019, the Edge received a styling update, which carried over to 2020, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the Edge showed its age with a layout unchanged since 2015, despite subtle updates. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but marred by heavy 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a new addition to the Mercedes SUV lineup, positioned between the GLA and GLC. It featured a distinctive design with a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, giving it an athletic stance. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips, providing a luxurious feel.

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, suitable for city driving, but struggled at higher speeds. The 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 provided a more engaging driving experience with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, generating 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The GLB's FWD platform, with optional 4MATIC AWD, provided better handling and agility. The AWD version included the Off-Road Engineering Package, enhancing its capability on various terrains.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. It provided generous second-row head- and legroom, with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a third-row option, affecting second-row and cargo space. The five-passenger GLB provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 62.0 cubic feet. The seven-passenger version offered 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet behind the first row. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. It offered optional voice-activated navigation and a semi-digital instrument panel. All trims had optional dual rear-seat entertainment systems.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and included a Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package offered augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist, with additional options like adaptive damping and a head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Edge included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 system with automatic emergency braking 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 safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technologies like active brake assist and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.