2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a mid-sized SUV that balanced between the sleekness of the Evoque and the boxiness of the traditional Range Rover. Its design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to its more upright siblings. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion platform, offering a car-like ride with ample cabin space. The second-generation Edge, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with a design reminiscent of the Fusion, featuring angular headlights and a large grille. The interior, though showing signs of age, provided a practical layout with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish. The Edge was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from the basic SE to the performance-oriented ST, which included sportier styling and a more powerful engine.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available in two power outputs. The Velar retained its off-road capabilities with features like Terrain Response and All-Terrain Progress Control.

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, suitable for city driving, but was less powerful at higher speeds. The Edge ST, the performance variant, featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, offering a more engaging driving experience with standard all-wheel drive. The ST's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, while the available ST Performance Brake Package improved handling. The Edge's suspension was designed to absorb road imperfections, providing a comfortable yet engaging ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering competitive cargo space with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. However, its avant-garde styling compromised interior space, with limited headroom and a claustrophobic feel due to the chopped roof and tall hood. The Velar's cockpit-like front seating area was cramped, and visibility was hindered despite the 360-degree camera system. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen managed smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen handled vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to glare.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive navigation and a home button for easy menu access. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to utilize their preferred navigation apps. The Titanium trim offered a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates. The Edge also provided two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated compared to competitors, offering only basic lane-keep assist.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, 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.