2019 Ford Edge vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a noticeable facelift, featuring a new grille, headlights, and lower front fascia, which gave it a sportier look. The rear was updated with new taillights and a larger black panel replacing the red connector, enhancing its athletic appeal across all trims. Despite these exterior updates, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, retaining a dated feel reminiscent of the 2010 version. The cabin, while functional with a new rotary shifter, was criticized for its heavy use of plastics, particularly around the touchscreen, which detracted from its modern aspirations. The Edge offered a range of trims, from the base SE with standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry, to the performance-oriented ST with unique styling cues and enhanced features. The ST trim, with its leather seating and optional luxury additions, pushed the price significantly higher, making the SEL trim a more balanced choice for most buyers.

The 2020 Audi Q7, on the other hand, presented a more refined and luxurious appearance, aligning with the design themes of the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, featured updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and advanced lighting elements. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, adorned with Okapi Brown leather and natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, further enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting. The Q7's interior was both comfortable and technologically advanced, offering a sophisticated driving experience.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a range of powertrains, with non-ST trims equipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable performance with optional all-wheel drive on the SEL trim and standard on others. 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, also mated to an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. The ST's performance was impressive, offering swift acceleration and precise handling, especially in Sport Mode. Fuel economy varied, with the base FWD model achieving 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 on the highway, while the ST consumed 12.6 L/100 km city and 9.2 highway.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD, offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Audi Drive Select provided various driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Allroad, allowing for tailored performance. The Q7 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 12.0 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing an average of 11.2 L/100 km. The Q7's adaptive air suspension and available all-wheel steering contributed to its agility and comfort on various terrains.

The 2019 Ford Edge, despite its dated interior, offered practical storage solutions with a deep centre console bin, USB ports, and large in-door pockets. The front seats were comfortable, with the ST trim featuring performance-oriented bucket seats, though these were not ideal for taller individuals. The rear seats provided ample space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Cargo capacity was generous, 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.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seating, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and further to 1,970 litres with both rear rows down. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins providing minimal space for personal items. The panoramic sunroof and four-zone climate control added to the Q7's comfort and appeal.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system was basic, featuring a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen with essential functions like Bluetooth and a WiFi hotspot. The available 8-inch Sync 3 system, standard on higher trims, offered a more user-friendly experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, despite its average graphics.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower screen for comprehensive control of the SUV's features. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused responsiveness issues. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the overall technological experience.

The 2019 Ford Edge came equipped with a rear-view camera, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, standard across all trims, included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Edge received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, despite mediocre headlight scores.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured advanced safety systems, including HD Matrix LED headlights, which provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. The Driver Assistance Package offered features like Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist, though the latter's traffic-sign recognition system was problematic. The Q7 received top ratings from the IIHS, with the headlight assessment being the only drawback.