2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, added a sporty flair. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge maintained a fresh exterior design, reminiscent of the Ford Fusion sedan, with angular headlights and a large grille. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging, with an unchanged layout since 2015. 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 Edge offered a range of trims, each with varying features, from the basic SE to the performance-oriented ST, which added a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis, providing a balanced and dynamic driving experience. The ST trim featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for smooth and addictive power delivery, with impressive handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower, and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacities varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

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, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities. A Sport mode further enhanced the driving dynamics, making the Edge ST a fun and sporty option.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers, even in the third row. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a first-class experience. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Ford Edge provided a spacious cabin with a commanding view of the road. The second row offered plenty of head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. Cargo space was impressive, with 1,110 litres behind the rear seats and 2,078 litres with the seats folded. The Edge's layout was practical, with numerous cubbies and compartments for storage, making it ideal for commuting or road trips.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Keyless entry, remote start, and 3-zone climate control were standard, along with a keyless entry keypad. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system felt unfinished, with limited customization options and wasted screen space.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system as standard across all trims. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with easy navigation and a helpful home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to utilize their preferred navigation apps. The Edge also featured two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera, with a semi-digital instrument panel available on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Edge came 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, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added 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.