2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges and scalloping. This change contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, giving the vehicle a handsome, albeit unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test car's price included various options like black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, and fragrance system, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and numerous other luxury add-ons. Despite the extensive list of options, some features like heated and ventilated seats, power and memory for the passenger seat, and heated rear seats required additional costs. The total price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006 and based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offered a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, arriving in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. The Edge's design gave the impression of a crossover version of the Fusion, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with small climate and radio controls arranged awkwardly. The rotary shifter was a contemporary design cue that solved some space issues.

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. The SE trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The SEL trim added LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The Titanium trim featured 19-inch wheels, genuine leather upholstery, and a B&O by Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker premium sound system. The ST trim, the performance variant, included a more powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and sportier styling.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided sufficient power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price of $56,200 was competitive, but the X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 offered more power and better performance. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

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, making it suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth and refined ride. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST's acceleration was strong at higher speeds, and it handled corners well, with a Sport mode enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase added extra space, especially in the second row. The GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the lumbar support was tricky to adjust. The steering wheel felt great but often blocked part of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, though there was some vibration through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Ford Edge's cabin layout was one of its strongest suits, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage 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 seats folded. This was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano but slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was deep and daunting at first but became second nature with use. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The voice control system, while great in the A-Class, didn't work as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use icons and 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 was optional on the SEL and ST trims 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate drowsiness, and Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent cramping. However, the safety systems had issues at high speeds, with the car bouncing around the lane and getting fooled by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact 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 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 IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.