2021 BMW X5 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. The second generation, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with styling reminiscent of the Fusion, featuring angular headlights and a large grille. Inside, the Edge showed its age with a layout unchanged since 2015, despite some updates. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from infotainment systems to driver assistance technologies.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's craftsmanship, maintaining the brand's signature design with its kidney grille and body shape. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights and varied styling options, including the sporty M Sport package. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its sameness across models. Despite this, the cabin was well-appointed with leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, enhancing the sporty feel. The X5's design was both familiar and upscale, though it risked blending in with other BMW models.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST provided a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M reached 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds and a Lincoln-like ride quality.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view and ample storage. The second-row provided generous head- and legroom, with no need to adjust the front seats for comfort. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This was more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee but slightly less than a Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. Seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, with power functionality and vehicle height adjustment for easier loading. The cargo area was spacious without the third row, though accessing the second row was challenging due to narrow door openings.

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

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had connectivity quirks, with CarPlay taking over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, 10-speaker sound system, and various climate control options. Buyers could upgrade with a head-up display, premium audio systems, and additional comfort features. The iDrive system required acclimation but was ultimately user-friendly.

The 2020 Ford Edge included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system offered advanced driver assistance, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an optional 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 safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS but had several recalls. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating.