Ford Edge vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid distinguished itself from its conventionally powered counterparts with unique visual elements. It featured bright gray inserts along the sides and front lower bumper, as well as blue frames around the upgraded headlight clusters. The exclusive "Lagoon Blue" color added to its eye-catching appeal. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasted blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue contrast stitching, all standard. Despite its well-equipped nature, the hybrid's rear cargo space was compromised due to the battery placement, resulting in a higher cargo floor compared to the conventional Crosstrek.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge maintained a fresh styling update from 2019, giving it a crossover version of the Fusion sedan look with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. The interior, while showing signs of age, offered a solid cabin quality with soft-touch materials, though marred by hard plastics. The Edge's cabin layout was spacious, with plenty of cubbies and compartments, designed for comfort during commutes or road trips. The second-row head- and legroom were ample, and the cargo space was generous, offering more than some competitors, though slightly less than the Honda Passport.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a gas-electric powertrain with a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a CVT and two electric motors, with an 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The hybrid system allowed for a fully capable all-wheel-drive experience, unlike some competitors. The plug-in system offered a 17-mile electric-only range and a combined 35 miles per gallon on gas. However, acceleration was underwhelming, and the added weight from hybrid components affected handling.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered solid low-end acceleration, though higher speeds were less impressive. The Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience with standard AWD. The ST's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, making it a performance-oriented choice.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's interior layout was similar to the conventional model, with an electronic emergency brake replacing the handbrake. The upright seating position provided a commanding view, and rear seat space was decent even for taller passengers. However, the cargo area was reduced to 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack, compared to 55 cubic feet in the gas-powered version.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view without being overly upright. The seats were surrounded by ample storage compartments, and the second-row space was generous. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some competitors in total cargo capacity.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru's premium Starlink infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. It featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface. The multi-information display atop the dash was controlled by a steering wheel button, providing useful information without unnecessary complexity.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional voice-activated navigation system. The Edge also featured a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Subaru's EyeSight suite added advanced driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, providing semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with a comprehensive safety package, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system offered advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with some variations in headlight ratings.