2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. While the interior was noted for its luxurious feel above the midpoint, the exterior was marred by excessive gray plastic cladding that detracted from its overall styling. This design choice made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the vehicle a lifted appearance, as if it were perpetually on a service center lift. Despite this, the interior was appreciated for its upscale look, with soft materials in the upper cabin, though hard plastics were prevalent below. The pricing started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades, such as the Premium AWD model, which included a navigation system and other enhancements, totaling $32,120.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge, which had been around since 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. Inside, the Edge showed its age with an unchanged layout since 2015, though it included modern touches like a rotary shifter. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials, but was offset by the use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in several trims, each offering a range of features, from the basic SE with SYNC 3 infotainment to the performance-oriented ST with a powerful engine and sporty styling.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its efficiency, and the optional AWD system included an off-road traction assist. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading. While its driving dynamics were less sharp compared to the Mazda3, it ranked well among small SUVs for its handling and steering. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, and a smaller gas tank reduced its driving range.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth ride while remaining engaging to drive. The Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode and an available Performance Brake Package. The Edge ST was noted for its excellent handling and cornering, making it a standout in the lineup.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin was elegant and upscale, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was comfortable, with large analog gauges for easy reference. Seating options ranged from cloth to genuine leather, with power-adjustable and heated front seats available in higher trims. However, the rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited to 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, placing it closer to the subcompact segment.

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. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free power liftgate, adding convenience to its spacious design.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered essential technology, though its infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring use of console, steering wheel, and voice controls, which were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, with higher trims offering a Bose sound system and head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen that was user-friendly. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation on higher trims. The system was praised for its ease of use, with clear icons and a home button for easy navigation. The Edge also offered smart-charging USB ports and an optional rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received high crash-test ratings, with a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS for Premium trim. The CX-30's safety systems operated seamlessly, with customizable settings for driver preferences.

The 2020 Ford Edge included standard safety features such as airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite added advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an upgraded Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The Edge received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.