2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car featured SL trim, front-drive, the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior revealed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces, though the padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006 and updated in 2019, maintained a fresh look with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging with an unchanged layout since 2015, awkwardly arranged small climate and radio controls, and a contemporary rotary shifter. 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 a range of features from power-adjustable seats and premium audio systems to sportier styling and performance enhancements in the ST variant.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate, and while the CVT made the most of the available power, the vehicle struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive due to lifeless steering, lack of suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

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, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was well-tuned for American roads, offering a smooth yet engaging ride. The performance-oriented Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, standard AWD, and sportier handling. The ST's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, making it a more engaging drive.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with undersized Zero Gravity seats and limited adjustability for seat height and legroom. The back seat, however, offered excellent comfort with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage compartments, along with a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, providing a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom without compromising front seat comfort. The Edge provided 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 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration as standard. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and a helpful home button. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a semi-digital instrument panel. The Edge also offered a dual rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing the tech experience for passengers.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and subpar ratings from the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Edge included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offered automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added 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.