2020 Jeep Compass vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive and numerous options could reach $39,755. Despite its upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006 and updated in 2019, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The Edge's styling update gave it a modern look with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging with an awkwardly arranged center console but maintained good cabin quality with soft-touch materials. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, including a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. However, it was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and an average fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, below the EPA rating of 25 mpg. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the automatic engine stop/start system could be inconvenient. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. While it offered decent off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim, the Compass Limited's simpler AWD system was less impressive.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, absorbing potholes with ease while remaining refined and engaging to drive. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive acceleration and handling. The ST's Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, and an available ST Performance Brake Package added unique wheels, summer performance tires, and upgraded brakes.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, storage space inside the cabin was limited, and the cupholders were awkwardly positioned.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of cubbies and compartments. The second-row head- and legroom were ample, and the two rows provided were spacious and comfortable. 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 down. This was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano but slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system was intuitive and easy to use, though some features were embedded in menus that could have been more accessible. The voice recognition system worked well with natural requests, and drivers could adjust the stereo and climate controls using voice commands. Overall, Uconnect impressed for the segment.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen that was easy to use. The screen had a row of icons for audio, phone, navigation, apps, and settings, with a helpful home button. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing users to use their preferred maps app. A voice-activated navigation system with pinch-to-zoom map control was optional on the SEL and ST and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting in traffic. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but received mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.