2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Ford Edge

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a significant 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. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, with a dated feel that relied heavily on plastics. Despite the addition of a new rotary shifter, the cabin struggled to keep up with modern design trends. 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, which included unique styling elements and performance upgrades.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Escape boasted a sleek and modern exterior, drawing inspiration from the Ford GT supercar with its large grille and stylish headlights. The interior was equally impressive, offering a contemporary design with a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The Escape was available in four trims, starting with the base S, which included essential features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and driver-assistance systems. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, added an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a great value. The top-tier Titanium trim featured premium touches like a dual-panel moonroof and a B&O audio system.

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 was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Edge ST, however, featured 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 for the Edge varied, with the most efficient version achieving 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 on the highway.

The 2020 Ford Escape stood out with its diverse engine lineup, including a new three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower, available in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard on the Titanium trim, offered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup producing 198 horsepower. The Escape's driving dynamics were commendable, with direct steering and responsive brakes, offering a sporty feel. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the hybrid model achieving 5.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.3 on the highway.

The 2019 Ford Edge's interior, though dated, was practical, with ample storage options, including a deep cargo bin and in-door pockets. The Edge ST featured performance-oriented bucket seats, which were not ideal for taller drivers due to limited adjustability. The rear seats offered generous space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Cargo capacity was a strong point, 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 Ford Escape prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the seats folded. While it fell short compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V, the Escape provided ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The front seats offered a commanding view, enhancing visibility. The Escape also featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments, catering to real-world needs.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system was basic, with a small 4.2-inch screen and button controls. However, the SEL trim and above offered an 8-inch Sync 3 system, which was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite its intuitive interface, the graphics were average.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Escape's base model also featured a small 4.2-inch screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen, praised for its functionality and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, although its design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers.

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

The 2020 Ford Escape also offered a full array of airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. It came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, providing advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. While not tested by the NHTSA, the Escape received a Good rating from the IIHS in all testing phases.