2019 Ford Edge vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Ford Edge underwent a notable 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 plastics. Despite the addition of a new rotary shifter and useful cabin features, the interior struggled to keep up with modern design standards. 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 and enhanced features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of the fifth generation, maintained its familiar and fun design, with curvy, car-like lines and a resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup. The interior, however, was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather clashing with lower-quality plastics. The CR-V offered a straightforward lineup with five trims, starting with the base LX and moving up to the Black Edition. Each trim came with a standard three-year or 36,000-mile warranty, and all-wheel drive was available on all but the base model. The CR-V's design focused on practicality and family-friendly features, with a range of wheel sizes and seating options to suit different preferences.

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, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional on the SEL and standard on other trims in Canada. The ST trim, however, boasted a 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 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 Honda CR-V came standard with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, the CR-V's transmission was well-tuned, providing a responsive and smooth driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like handling and low curb weight contributed to its nimble performance and excellent fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved a combined rating of 7.7 L/100 km, while AWD models managed 8.1, making the CR-V one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a practical and spacious interior, despite its dated design. It featured a deep cargo bin in the centre console, USB ports, and available wireless charging. The Edge ST's bucket seats, designed for performance, were not ideal for taller drivers due to limited adjustability. However, the rear seats provided ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded, making it competitive with other midsize crossovers.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, with a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V's excellent seating position and visibility enhanced driver comfort, while clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console and two-position load floor, added to its versatility. The CR-V offered 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition trims, and 1,110 litres in other grades, with a flat floor option for added convenience. The CR-V's thoughtful design made it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo alike.

The 2019 Ford Edge's base infotainment system featured a small 4.2-inch non-touchscreen, operated by buttons, with basic functionality like a USB port, WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth. 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 Honda CR-V's infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, felt outdated compared to competitors. It lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was not seamless. However, the CR-V offered ample USB ports and a wireless phone charger on higher trims, enhancing its tech appeal.

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

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, with better headlights on higher trims. A recall affected a small number of vehicles for rear subframe issues.