2019 Ford Edge vs 2019 Toyota RAV4

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a noticeable exterior update, featuring a new grille, headlights, and a redesigned lower front fascia. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes, with new taillights and a larger black panel replacing the previous red connector, giving the Edge a sportier look across all trims. Despite these exterior enhancements, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, with a dated feel that relied heavily on plastic materials. The cabin, however, was functional, offering a new rotary shifter and a range of standard and available features across its trims, from the base SE to the performance-oriented ST.

In contrast, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 showcased a bold, chunky design inspired by the Toyota Tacoma, with sharp edges and a futuristic appearance. The aggressive styling extended to the side profile and rear, where Lexus-inspired taillights added a touch of luxury. Inside, the RAV4's cabin was simple yet elegant, with a floating touchscreen and a well-organized control pod. The interior was practical, offering ample cargo space and a variety of storage solutions. The RAV4's trims, from the base LE to the upscale Limited, provided a range of features, with the Trail trim emphasizing ruggedness and the Limited focusing on luxury.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine for its non-ST trims, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on the SEL trim, and standard on other trims in Canada. The Edge ST, however, boasted a 2.7-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The ST provided impressive acceleration and handling, with a Sport Mode for enhanced performance. Fuel economy for the Edge varied, with the most efficient FWD model consuming 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 on the highway, while the ST averaged 11.8 L/100 km in spirited driving.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 offered two AWD options: a base system for lower trims and a more advanced torque-vectoring AWD for the Trail and Limited trims. The XLE test model featured the base AWD, providing various drive modes for different terrains. While the engine performed adequately on highways, it lacked low-end power, resulting in sluggish acceleration in stop-and-go traffic. The RAV4's ride quality was generally good, though it exhibited some body roll and twitchy steering. Fuel consumption for the FWD RAV4 was 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 on the highway, with the AWD model averaging 8.0 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2019 Ford Edge's cabin, though dated, was practical with ample storage options, including a deep centre console bin and in-door pockets with bottle holders. The Edge ST featured performance-oriented bucket seats with pronounced side bolsters, though they were not ideal for taller individuals due to limited adjustability. The rear seats offered generous space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Cargo capacity was substantial, with 1,110 litres behind the rear seats and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevy Blazer, but slightly less than the Honda Passport.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4's interior was clean and upscale, with a well-organized centre stack and practical storage solutions, including a deep centre console bin and a tray above the glove box. The RAV4 provided 1,064 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,976 litres with the seats folded. While slightly less than the previous model, it still outperformed rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee, though the Honda CR-V offered more cargo space. The RAV4's front row featured ample storage, and the rear included a fold-out armrest with cupholders.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system featured a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen, operated by buttons, offering basic functionality like a USB port, WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth. Higher trims, such as the SEL, Titanium, and ST, came with an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, providing a more user-friendly experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, despite average graphics.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running Entune 3.0, offering Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The XLE trim added multiple USB ports, while the Trail and Limited trims featured larger screens and optional premium audio systems. The infotainment system was praised for its simple layout, with real dials for volume and tuning, blending traditional controls with touchscreen functionality.

The 2019 Ford Edge included standard safety features such as a rear-view camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite added driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, available on higher trims, offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The Edge received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though its headlights received lower scores.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including airbags, a backup camera, and traction control. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 added advanced technologies like forward-collision warning, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 also included Lane-Tracing Assist, keeping the vehicle centred in its lane. Toyota's commitment to standard safety features set it apart from some competitors.