2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge delivered a familiar yet slightly updated aesthetic since its original introduction in 2006. With its second generation arriving in 2015 and undergoing a notable styling update in 2019, the Edge's design remained somewhat fresh but was overshadowed by more frequent redesigns from competitors. Ford’s distinctive angular headlights and large, trapezoidal grille gave the Edge an assertive, crossover version of the Fusion sedan.

Inside, though, was where the wear began to show. The layout, largely unchanged since 2015 with minor 2019 updates, included a rotary shifter and small, awkwardly arranged controls for the climate and radio. Despite the rich use of soft-touch materials and a solid fit and finish, the presence of hard plastics, especially on the center console and stack, detracted from the overall cabin quality.

Available in four trims—SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST—the Edge offered various features to cater to different preferences. The SE trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. The SEL trim featured enhancements like LED fog lights, synthetic leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The upscale Titanium trim added genuine leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, a Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system, and additional luxury options. The ST trim focused on performance with sportier styling and a more powerful engine.

Comparatively, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged, SUV-like exterior design. With boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, the RAV4 stood out among compact crossovers. Toyota’s intent to give the RAV4 a more aggressive aesthetic succeeded, although beneath its adventurous exterior, the vehicle shared the well-engineered TNGA platform with other Toyota models like the Camry.

Inside, the RAV4 featured functional rubberized knobs and door handles, which complemented its outdoorsy vibe. While material quality among lower trims was acceptable, upper-tier trims didn’t elevate the materials accordingly. The TRD Off-Road variant offered SofTex upholstery, suitable for its intended rugged use, but even the top Limited trim didn’t offer real leather upholstery.

The 2020 Ford Edge's standard powertrain was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup, available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), provided decent low-end acceleration for city driving, though it struggled slightly at higher speeds. The suspension catered well to American roads, absorbing potholes effectively while maintaining a refined, engaging drive.

For those desiring more power, the Edge ST variant delivered with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, churning out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST, featuring standard AWD, offered an engaging driving experience with robust mid-range power, a heavy performance-oriented steering feel, and exceptional cornering capabilities. A Sport mode further enhanced driving dynamics, altering throttle response and transmission mapping.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 housed a “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission, was available with FWD or optional AWD. The engine's performance was solid for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, boasting 40% thermal efficiency and a high rev threshold.

On the road, however, the RAV4's transmission sometimes hesitated and lacked responsiveness. Though the steering responded quickly, it lacked feel, making for a less engaging driving experience. Sport mode added steering weight without significantly improving performance. While the Dynamic Force engine excelled in efficiency and output, it felt mismatched to the vehicle's otherwise ordinary dynamics. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime provided better power, refinement, and fuel economy.

Off-road, the RAV4 offered respectable capabilities, especially with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured torque-vectoring rear axles, elevated ground clearance, and specialized suspension. These models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, far more than the standard 1,500 pounds for other RAV4 models.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled with its spacious and practical interior. It offered a commanding driving position, ample cubbies, and deeply recessed compartments, catering well to commuting and road trips. Second-row passengers enjoyed abundant headroom and legroom without compromising the front-row’s comfort.

Regarding cargo space, the Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats down. This was competitive within its segment, surpassing the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though slightly trailing the Honda Passport.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roofline, offering good headroom and outward visibility. However, its rear legroom lagged behind some competitors. While the front seats were form-fitting and comfortable, the rear seats were less so, with flat and hard bottom cushions, making long drives less attractive.

The RAV4’s 60/40 split-folding rear bench didn't slide fore and aft, limiting flexibility. At 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, the RAV4 provided good cargo space but fell short of the Honda CR-V. Its wide loading aperture eased cargo handling, although the higher lip compared to the Honda posed a minor inconvenience.

Ford equipped the 2020 Edge with robust standard technology. The SYNC 3 infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly interface. Navigation, voice-activated with pinch-to-zoom control, was optional on lower trims and standard on Titanium. The Edge also offered two smart-charging USB ports, dual screens in the semi-digital instrument panel, and a dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, while having less tech flair, included essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with the Limited trim upgrading to an 8-inch screen and the Prime variant offering a 9-inch screen. Five USB ports were available, alongside a JBL premium audio system. The RAV4’s interface was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons for key functions, but lacked advanced features such as a head-up display, which was only available in the RAV4 Prime.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, tire pressure monitoring, and a child seat anchoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, standard across all trims, offered features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL trim could be upgraded with Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which added adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge was rated as a “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS and received five-star ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 also earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and an optional 360-degree camera system.