2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Acura MDX was a stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern look. Inside, the MDX offered a simple yet contemporary interior with twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials, providing a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge had a more updated design, thanks to a 2019 styling refresh. It shared design elements with the Ford Fusion sedan, such as angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. The interior layout, however, showed signs of aging, with awkwardly arranged controls and a heavy use of hard plastics. Despite this, the Edge offered a spacious cabin with plenty of soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish. The Edge was available in multiple trims, each offering various features, from basic amenities to more luxurious options in the higher trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard model featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid variant combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which enhanced cornering through torque vectoring.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. The Edge ST trim offered a more powerful 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The Edge provided a comfortable ride with its well-tuned suspension, while the ST variant delivered a sportier driving experience with enhanced acceleration and handling.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and versatility, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,574 litres with the second row down. The MDX featured numerous storage compartments, including a flexible centre console and door panel pockets, along with tri-zone climate control for added comfort.

The 2020 Ford Edge provided a spacious two-row cabin with ample head- and legroom in the second row. It offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The Edge's cabin layout was designed for convenience, with plenty of storage compartments and a commanding view of the road. Higher trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, including standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors, while the A-Spec and Technology Plus packages offered additional tech upgrades. The Elite Package included advanced features like a surround-view camera and a rear entertainment system.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The system was user-friendly, with easy navigation and a helpful home button. The Edge also included smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera, with a semi-digital instrument panel available on higher trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with adaptive cruise control and active lane centring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.