2020 Lexus RX 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 revamped 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 reminiscent of the 2010 version, despite the addition of a new infotainment system. The cabin was practical, with a new rotary shifter and plenty of standard features, but the heavy use of plastics detracted from its modernity.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received a comprehensive refresh, both inside and out, maintaining its stylish edge over competitors. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with an optional triple-beam LED headlamp. The grille was redesigned to align with Lexus cars, and a new paint colour, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. Inside, the RX boasted a well-appointed cabin with standard heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a variety of interior colour and material options. The F Sport packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal.

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 front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive on the SEL trim, and standard on other trims in Canada. The Edge ST, however, was equipped with 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 transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered impressive acceleration and handling, with a Sport Mode for enhanced performance, while maintaining a smooth ride over rough roads. Fuel economy for the Edge varied, with the most efficient version 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 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The RX 350 L variant offered slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total output of 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, using a CVT. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it provided a smooth and connected driving experience. Fuel efficiency was a strong point for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility, with multiple drive modes available, including an EV mode for hybrid models.

The 2019 Ford Edge offered a practical interior with ample storage options, including a deep cargo bin in the centre console and large in-door pockets. The front seats were comfortable, but the ST trim's bucket seats were not ideal for taller individuals due to limited adjustability. The rear seats provided generous space, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Edge boasted 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded, offering more space than competitors like the Nissan Murano and Chevy Blazer, but slightly less than the Honda Passport.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist as its German rivals, but it was functional and comfortable for four adults in the two-row model. The three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The RX's cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on most models, standard on the 450h L.

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 SEL trim and above offered an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, which was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, despite average graphics.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020, including moving the display closer to the driver. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen was still challenging to navigate, but standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity helped mitigate issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app integrations. The touchpad system on the centre console was improved, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2019 Ford Edge came with a rear-view camera, traction control, and a full set of airbags as standard. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and lane-centreing. 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 2020 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect, though connectivity issues were noted during testing. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, comparable to other vehicles in its class.