2021 Volvo XC90 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, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, giving it a crossover version of the Fusion look. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with small, awkwardly arranged climate and radio controls. The cabin quality was decent, with 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 various features from power-adjustable seats and infotainment systems to sportier styling and performance enhancements in the ST variant.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, debuting its current generation in 2016, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with a blend of traditional and modern design elements. It retained Volvo's boxy profile and rectangular grille but added softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, providing a cohesive design language across the lineup. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options, including wool and Nappa leather, complemented by high-end touches like an Orrefors crystal shifter.

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 balance between comfort and engagement. The performance-oriented Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST variant excelled in handling and cornering, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping for a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added supercharging, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, achieving a total output of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility, particularly in the plug-in hybrid model, which had difficulty accelerating on electric power alone. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin, but its handling was not particularly sporty.

The 2020 Ford Edge's cabin layout was one of its strongest suits, 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, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support, but the optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. Standard four-zone climate control could be enhanced with a filtration system for improved air quality. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment.

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 for navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to utilize their preferred maps app. The Titanium trim included a voice-activated navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, offering real-time traffic updates. The Edge also featured two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system with screens in the front headrests.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, allowing for tablet-like swiping across menus. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. However, the amount of text and typeface used made reading some menus difficult while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones. The XC90 also had second-row USB-C ports, which might be inconvenient for drivers with newer phones.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive array 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 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles, although it struggled with highway curves.