2021 Kia Telluride 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, launched in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge showed its age with a layout unchanged since 2015, despite subtle updates. 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 and amenities, from basic comforts to near-luxury options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, offered a stylish and contemporary design both inside and out. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed the Telluride into a near-luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Telluride's interior was a model of contemporary design and quality execution, with thoughtful touches like a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a well-designed cabin layout. The only drawbacks were the limited interior color options and some inexpensive-looking plastic.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, making it great 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 trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque with standard AWD. The ST's performance was impressive, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode that improved throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at lower speeds and a compliant, smooth ride at higher speeds. The SUV handled well on twisty roads, thanks to brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology. The AWD Telluride achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano but slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Kia Telluride impressed with its comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with a forward view reminiscent of a Range Rover. The second-row captain’s chairs, included in the Prestige package, also featured heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, with thoughtful touches like smartphone storage pouches and airline-style USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons and a home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and a semi-digital instrument panel. All trims offered an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding 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 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.