2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2020, the Edge had undergone a styling update in 2019, which gave it a fresh look, albeit a bit late compared to its competitors. The Edge's design featured angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the cabin showed signs of aging, with a layout largely unchanged since 2015, despite some updates in 2019. The use of soft-touch materials was commendable, but the heavy reliance on hard plastics detracted from the overall quality. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from SiriusXM satellite radio to a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner boasted a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, giving it a utilitarian attitude. Its design was functional, with flared wheel wells for off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including TRD Off-Road, Venture, TRD Pro, Limited, and Nightshade special edition. The Limited package, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite its chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures rather than highway cruising.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, providing a smooth yet engaging driving experience. For those seeking more power, the Edge ST featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode, which improved throttle response and transmission mapping, making it a more engaging drive.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not designed for efficiency but for durability and off-road capability, offering a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and vague steering.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered a spacious cabin with a commanding view of the road. The interior was designed for comfort, with plenty of cubbies and compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom, and the cargo space was generous, offering 1,110 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, designed for off-roading, offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for easy control of the HVAC and stereo systems. The 4Runner's tall front seat position provided a commanding view, but climbing in and out could be challenging without the power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but these were best suited for short and occasional use due to their limited legroom and comfort.

The 2020 Ford Edge was equipped with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons for easy navigation. The Edge also came standard with two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. The SEL and ST trims offered a semi-digital instrument panel with dual screens, standard on the Titanium trim.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received an update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive compared to smartphone apps. The 4Runner also featured Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port in SR5 and TRD Off-Road trims, and subscription services like Sirius XM satellite radio. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The 4Runner also featured eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crash tests, except for a "Marginal" score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.