2020 Ford Edge vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced initially in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2015, the second generation of the Edge had arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite these updates, the Edge's design was considered slightly outdated compared to competitors like Honda and Toyota, which frequently refreshed their models. The Edge's exterior 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, though it included a contemporary rotary shifter. While the cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, was designed as a unibody crossover with a focus on suburban use, yet ready for weekend adventures. Its styling echoed the ruggedness of its larger counterpart, with a modern retro feel akin to a Land Rover. The Bronco Sport featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, all designed for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The Bronco Sport offered a step-up in interior trim across models, from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, and practical storage solutions for active lifestyles.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving, though it struggled slightly at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a balance between comfort and engagement. For those seeking more power, the Edge ST featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST variant offered a sportier driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities, enhanced by a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, it offered good manners, though the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure, while the 2.0-litre engine was better suited to the vehicle's character.

The 2020 Ford Edge boasted a spacious cabin layout, providing a commanding view of the road without an overly upright seating position. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, ideal for commuting or road trips. The second-row seats offered ample head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. While it lacked a third row, the Edge's two rows were spacious and comfortable. The cargo space was generous, with 1,110 litres available behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This capacity surpassed that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee but was slightly less than the Nissan Murano and Honda Passport. Higher trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features beyond the typical compact crossover. Its cargo space was designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle could tow up to 997 kilograms with the 2.0-litre engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments for gadgets and tools. However, taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive navigation and a home button for easy access. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the need for additional navigation systems. The Edge also offered two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. Higher trims featured a semi-digital instrument panel with dual screens, standard on the Titanium trim.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road capabilities in the Badlands model. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all trims except the Base, and higher trims included heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels and a digital instrument panel.

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 was standard across all trims, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding 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 Ford Bronco Sport also featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package was available on all trims except the Base, adding adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation features. All models included AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.