2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced initially in 2006, was built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, 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. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge's 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, though marred by the use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from the SYNC 3 infotainment system to a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, on the other hand, boasted a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant was distinguished by a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 was designed to accommodate both gasoline and electric powertrains. Inside, the XC40 featured a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The interior design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending into a pleasing whole.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, ideal for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a refined and engaging drive. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST offered a more dynamic driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities. A Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, and an ST Performance Brake Package was available for those seeking even more performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 offered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle for a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model also offered one-pedal driving, using regenerative braking for most deceleration.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided plenty of head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This was more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee but slightly less than a Nissan Murano or Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The centre console included a removable trash bin, and a bag hook was built into the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options. The XC40's frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain hardware.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system as standard across all trims. This system included an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. A semi-digital instrument panel was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, with the car starting automatically when the driver shifted out of park. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was expected to be available for the XC40 in a future update.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system. The Co-Pilot360 system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a long list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future updates to driver aids.