2021 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, first introduced in 2006, continued to evolve its design ethos. When it debuted, automakers were still deciphering the optimal crossover SUV design. Based on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, the Edge offered a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, launching in 2015 and receiving a styling update in 2019, attempted to keep the design fresh. Yet, this refresh arrived slightly behind schedule, especially when compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota, who typically revamped their vehicles every six years with a mid-cycle refresh every three.

The 2019 update carried over to 2020, giving the Edge a crossover mimicking the Fusion’s angular headlights and large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge’s age was apparent with an unchanged layout from 2015, modified subtly in 2019. Despite the awkwardly arranged small climate and radio controls, and the contemporary rotary shifter aiding in space issues, the cabin had a mix of soft-touch materials and heavy plastics, particularly on the center console and stack.

The Edge was available in multiple trims—SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST—each offering various features. The base SE featured numerous modern conveniences like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with comprehensive smartphone integration. The SEL trim augmented these with LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and synthetic leather upholstery, while the Titanium added 19-inch wheels, genuine leather upholstery, and advanced sound systems. The performance variant, ST, offered most Titanium features with a more powerful engine, standard AWD, and sportier aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano had experienced a cutting-edge design that initially seemed ahead of its time. By 2021, its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end had become more conventional. Its interior design was conservative yet functional, making it a comfortable SUV optimized for commutes and road trips. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that all controls were intuitively placed, minimizing learning curves.

The Murano was offered in four trims—S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S came with practical features like dual-zone climate control, four USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim added power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, and remote start. The SL trim enhanced comfort with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated seats, and a Bose premium stereo system. The top-tier Platinum trim elevated luxury with a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, semi-aniline leather, and ventilated front seats.

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 combination provided solid low-end acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The suspension, designed with American roads in mind, balanced comfort and engagement, smoothing road imperfections without becoming overly cushy.

For those seeking more power, the Edge ST offered a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine generating 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with standard AWD, provided significant power at higher revs, though it exhibited slight turbo lag at low speeds. The ST’s sport-tuned suspension and heavy steering enhanced the driving experience, along with a Sport mode that refined throttle response and transmission mapping.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano featured a single-engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered robust low-speed acceleration, making it excellent for around-town driving. However, the CVT dulled the power at higher speeds, making overtaking on highways less immediate.

The Murano prioritized a comfortable ride, adeptly soaking up road bumps and maintaining refined driving characteristics. While its 1,500-pound towing capacity was among the lowest for midsize SUVs, its ride quality made it an excellent choice for commuting or road trips.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout and spaciousness. Its commanding road view and adequately placed cubbies and compartments catered to road trips and daily commutes. Second-row passengers enjoyed plentiful head- and legroom without compromising front seat comfort. Despite lacking a third row, it ensured the existing two rows were exceptionally spacious.

Cargo capacity in the Edge was a strong point, offering 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row and expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was competitive, surpassing models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. Higher trims like SEL and Titanium also featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. This was less than what the Edge offered and lagged behind competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport. However, the Murano compensated with a user-friendly design, featuring ample trays and cubbies to accommodate everyday items. The SUV’s focus on two-row seating provided abundant headroom and legroom, with reclining functionality for rear passengers enhancing comfort.

The 2020 Ford Edge packed impressive standard technology across all trims. The SYNC 3 infotainment system, standard on all trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive icons and a home button for easy navigation. SYNC 3’s smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, was a standout. Higher trims offered an optional voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates via SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, pre-paid for five years.

The Edge included two smart-charging USB ports as standard and offered a semi-digital instrument panel on the SEL and ST trims. Optional rear-seat entertainment systems with headrest-mounted screens were available on all trims, enhancing its appeal for families.

The 2021 Nissan Murano also featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sensible menus and hard buttons for easy access. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration ensured seamless smartphone connectivity. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

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. Standard across all trims was the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, comprising automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The SEL trim provided an optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. These enhancements enabled semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, affirming its robust safety credentials.

The 2021 Nissan Murano also boasted an extensive suite of standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. Notable inclusions were reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring were standard as well. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors were available as options.