2021 Toyota 4Runner 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, arriving in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, featuring 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 a range of features from basic to near-luxury, with the ST trim focusing on performance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, maintained its rugged, utilitarian design. Despite updates over the years, the 4Runner's overall look remained consistent, with a two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The design was not particularly attractive but aged well, emphasizing utility. The 4Runner was available in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 to $50,570. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for RWD, featured black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made cooler. The interior was dominated by hard plastics, fitting the SUV's rugged mission, and featured an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons.

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 ride over potholes and road imperfections. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST trim offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were highlighted by its performance at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, where the A-Trac off-road traction control system proved beneficial. The 4Runner handled mud, hills, and ruts with ease, and higher trims offered additional off-road features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with challenging steering and braking. The SUV's age and truck-like characteristics contributed to its charm but also to its less-than-ideal on-road performance. Fuel efficiency was low, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo space was competitive, surpassing some rivals. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, posing a challenge for shorter passengers. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and ample legroom in the back. The rear seats featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, complemented by a large roof rack. The sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, was a notable feature, though it reduced cargo volume. The back bumper served as a convenient seat for various activities.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use icons and a home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to use their preferred navigation apps. The SEL and ST trims offered an optional voice-activated navigation system, standard on the Titanium, with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. The Edge also included two smart-charging USB ports and an available semi-digital instrument panel on higher trims. An optional dual rear-seat entertainment system was available across all trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition, free for the first three years. The system also included a year of Destination Assist concierge services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs, and the 8-inch screen, though small, offered effective functionality.

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

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated "Marginal" by the IIHS, and the NHTSA gave the front passenger protection a three-star rating in a frontal-impact crash.