2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2021 Ford Edge maintained a consistent styling since its 2019 refresh, which successfully aligned its exterior with Ford's contemporary design language. This refresh gave the Edge a cleaner look compared to the more elaborate designs of competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Edge Titanium models featured additional chrome accents, while the ST trim boasted a blacked-out grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and a body kit. The ST-Line offered similar styling without the performance enhancements. Inside, the Edge's interior began to show its age, with a design that struggled to keep up with new features like a larger touchscreen. The Titanium models offered leather upholstery, and the ST models included sporty front seats with contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale, luxury-oriented image. The XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, showcased a poised stance and sleek profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive snub nose. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was a testament to luxury, with exquisite details and a focus on quality.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It came with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Edge ST model featured a more powerful EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive and model-specific suspension tuning. The Edge ST's performance was respectable, though not quite on par with performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan. Towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered Edge ST.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. The XC90's engines required Premium gasoline, with fuel economy ratings ranging from 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8. The T8 also offered an 18-mile EV range, with an extended range variant providing up to 36 miles. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive.

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. Cargo space was generous, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The center console featured a rotary shift knob to free up space, though the narrow console width limited its effectiveness. A storage nook below the console provided additional space, albeit in a somewhat inconvenient location.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. Cargo capacity was 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during test drives in high heat and humidity, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Ford Edge featured Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST models included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The system's graphics and menu layouts were user-friendly, and the inclusion of wireless connectivity was a notable advantage over some competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned for easy access, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were included, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation, with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention and headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.