2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Ford Edge

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a significant exterior update, featuring a new grille, headlights, and lower front fascia, which gave it a sportier look. The rear was also refreshed with new taillights and a larger black panel replacing the red connector, enhancing its athletic appeal across all trims. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, with a dated feel that relied heavily on plastic materials. Despite the addition of a new rotary shifter, the cabin struggled to keep up with modern design standards, although it offered a range of standard and available features across its trims, from the base SE to the performance-oriented ST.

The 2020 Acura RDX maintained its striking design from the previous year, with a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment. The large Acura logo on the grille was a notable styling element, and the vehicle's sharp lines contributed to its dynamic appearance. Inside, the RDX featured a red-and-black interior with eye-catching red leather upholstery, providing a luxurious and sporty feel. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features, including a panoramic moonroof and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims like the A-Spec and Platinum Elite A-Spec added premium touches such as ventilated front seats and natural wood trim.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a range of powertrains, with non-ST trims featuring a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The ST trim, however, boasted a more powerful 2.7-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. The ST provided impressive acceleration and handling, with a Sport Mode for enhanced performance. Fuel economy 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 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and came standard with the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. The RDX offered multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The RDX delivered strong acceleration and excellent handling, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. Despite requiring premium fuel, the RDX's fuel efficiency was commendable, especially given its performance capabilities.

The 2019 Ford Edge provided a practical and spacious interior, despite its dated design. It featured a deep cargo bin in the centre console, large in-door pockets, and a wireless charger. The Edge ST's bucket seats offered lateral support but were not ideal for taller drivers due to limited adjustability. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, and the cargo area offered 1,110 litres of space, expandable to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This made the Edge competitive with other midsize crossovers in terms of cargo capacity.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the boundaries of a compact SUV with its spacious and comfortable cabin. The front seats were supportive and easily adjustable, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good space, with a fold-down centre console and in-door cup holders. The RDX's cargo area provided 835 litres of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres or up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample cargo capacity.

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 and Bluetooth. Higher trims included the 8-inch Sync 3 system, which provided a more user-friendly experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, despite its average graphics.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a vivid widescreen display controlled by the True Touchpad Interface. This touchpad was less intuitive than competitors' systems, complicating tasks like selecting icons. Despite this, the RDX offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added features like the ELS premium audio system, with the A-Spec boasting the impressive ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers.

The 2019 Ford Edge came standard with a rear-view camera, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. It also included Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and driver-assistance technologies like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.