2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced initially in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2015, the second generation of the Edge had arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge's layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with minor updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by the extensive 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 Toyota Venza, slightly shorter and lower than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in appearance, with a design reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Venza offered a variety of paint colors and a long list of standard features, including LED lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies. The Venza's interior was unique, with premium appointments and a focus on comfort, especially in the Limited trim. The model's practicality was evident in its spacious seating and cargo arrangements, though it offered less cargo space than some competitors.

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 setup provided solid low-end acceleration, though it 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 all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities, enhanced by a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system, coupled with an electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined. Its handling was confident and typical of Toyota, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered a spacious cabin with a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, and the cargo space was impressive, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was distinct, with premium materials and a unique design. The center stack featured capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, and the console included various amenities like a wireless charging pad and heated seat buttons. The Venza's seating was comfortable for both rows, and while its cargo space was less than some competitors, it offered a maximum of 55.1 cubic feet. The quick-flip releases on the rear seatbacks made arranging the cargo space easy.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and optional voice-activated navigation. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE and XLE trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. While the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was not the easiest to use. The Venza also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and various connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2020 Ford Edge included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system added advanced driver assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering features like a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also included blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera. Its safety features were effective and non-intrusive, providing a secure driving experience.