2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Ford Edge

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and materials, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 Ford Edge's styling remained largely unchanged since its 2019 refresh, which successfully integrated the current Ford look with the existing Edge body shell. The Edge Titanium models featured extra chrome, while the ST trim had a blacked-out grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and a body kit. The interior, however, was beginning to show its age, with a design that had been awkwardly tweaked over the years to accommodate new features like a larger touchscreen. Titanium models came with leather upholstery, and ST models had sporty front seats with added bolstering and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD boasted 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for enhanced agility. The RX's drive modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and for hybrids, EV mode. The F Sport package added Sport S+ mode for a firmer suspension setting. The RX 350 F Sport delivered a smooth drive experience with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Ford Edge primarily used a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST performance model featured an EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, with standard AWD and model-specific suspension tuning. The Edge ST could tow up to 4,525 pounds, while the base FWD four-cylinder Edge had a maximum towing capacity of 3,958 pounds. The Edge ST was noted for its sporty drive, though it didn't quite match the performance of high-end competitors like the Porsche Macan. The turbo-four engine in non-ST models was found to be somewhat sluggish.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered competitive interior space, with the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers and ample legroom in both rows. The cargo space was substantial, with 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, trailing only the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Edge's rotary shift knob freed up space on the center console, though the narrow console width limited the available space. The raised console provided a storage nook below, but its location made it difficult to reach and easy to forget items placed there.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model year. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a more responsive touchpad.

The 2021 Ford Edge featured the latest Sync 4 infotainment system with a standard 12-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST models came with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Edge also had four USB ports, including two rear USB ports added for the 2021 model year. Sync 4's simple graphics and straightforward menu layouts were user-friendly, and not all competitors offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Ford Edge was an IIHS "Top Safety Pick," scoring top ratings in most crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use, and headlights. The NHTSA gave the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base SE trim.