2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid 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 angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, giving it a crossover version of the Fusion look. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features from power-adjustable seats and infotainment systems to premium audio and sportier styling in the ST variant.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced with a two-motor hybrid powertrain in 2020, retained the same styling and features for 2021. It looked similar to the standard gas-only CR-V, with "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The interior featured unique instrumentation for battery-charge status and power distribution, with paddles on the steering wheel managing the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, the CR-V Hybrid offered features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging in the higher trims. The Touring trim, in particular, provided a rich two-tone cabin with Ivory leather and a range of premium features.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth and refined ride. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid automatically selected from three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—based on the situation, with additional driver-selected modes like Econ, Sport, and EV. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and maintained the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, returning 33.7 mpg on the testing route.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row head- and legroom were generous, providing comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided excellent comfort and space for passengers and cargo. The front seats were supportive, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver and heated front seats. The rear seat room was remarkable, offering ample space for adults and a flat floor for accommodating three passengers. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 68.7 cubic feet, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons for easy navigation and a home button for quick access. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a semi-digital instrument panel. The Edge also offered an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system with screens in the front headrests.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start and had limited voice-recognition capabilities, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential for better interaction. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging, though it took up space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid also offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and integrated Pandora internet radio.

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, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an upgraded Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the CR-V's technology was not as advanced as some competitors, it provided smooth and consistent performance. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.