2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather-wrapped details, providing a blend of comfort and elegance.

The 2020 Ford Edge, refreshed in 2019, maintained a car-like ride thanks to its shared platform with the Ford Fusion sedan. The Edge's styling, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, gave it a contemporary look. Inside, the cabin layout was practical, with a center console featuring small climate and radio controls, though the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality. The Edge offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped SE to the performance-oriented ST, each providing a variety of features to suit different preferences.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft but was weighed down by its hybrid system, resulting in only a slight improvement in fuel economy. The XC90's handling was comfortable but lacked the sporty feel of some competitors.

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 solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving. The Edge ST, with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, delivered 335 hp and 380 lb-ft, offering a more engaging driving experience. The ST's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, making it feel more like a performance car. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle American roads, providing a smooth and refined ride.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was well-organized, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Ford Edge's cabin layout provided a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats offered ample 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 rear seats folded. This made it more spacious than some competitors, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard on all trims. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making navigation optional. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons and a home button for easy navigation. The Edge also offered a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating lowered it to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system. This 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 the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.