2021 Audi Q5 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 2015, the second generation arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite its fresh look, Ford lagged behind competitors like Honda and Toyota, who frequently redesigned their vehicles. The Edge's exterior featured angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with minor updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the extensive use of hard plastics detracted from its appeal. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features, from the basic SYNC 3 infotainment system to the performance-oriented ST with a powerful engine and sporty styling.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights. The Q5's modern appearance was complemented by exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a well-organized layout and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered standard leather upholstery. The Q5 PHEV variant included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, along with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a balance between comfort and engagement. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities. A Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, while an available ST Performance Brake Package included unique wheels, summer performance tires, and upgraded brakes.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV improved upon the standard gasoline model by adding an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, with impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was characterized by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a sporty yet comfortable ride with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second row provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. While it lacked a third row, the two rows were spacious and comfortable. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,078 litres with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats. This cargo capacity surpassed the Jeep Grand Cherokee but was slightly less than the Nissan Murano and Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV benefited from smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), ample headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front row featured Audi's comfortable and supportive sport seats with adjustable heating and ventilation options. The interior included cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin, all designed for functionality and convenience.

The 2020 Ford Edge boasted an impressive array of standard technology, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with icons for audio, phone, navigation, apps, and settings, along with a home button for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to utilize their preferred maps app without additional costs. The Edge also featured two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. A semi-digital instrument panel with dual screens was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 also included colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior lights. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier was standard, providing excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, ensuring seamless connectivity.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a child seat anchoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard across all trims, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and active lane centring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars, with expectations for the PHEV to match these ratings. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, an anti-theft alarm, LED daytime running lights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and Audi active lane assist.