2020 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements, particularly in utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to the 2019 model, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine for more power. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $30,695, with features like heated front seats, keyless entry, and a suite of safety features.

The 2020 Ford Edge, based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offered a car-like ride with ample cabin space. Despite a styling update in 2019, the Edge's design felt slightly outdated compared to rivals. The interior layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some awkwardly arranged controls. However, 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 advanced driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner. The Edge's trims provided various levels of luxury and performance, with the ST trim offering a sportier experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the previous year, and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in XT trims producing 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, with a low centre of gravity reducing wear on components. The Outback's off-road capabilities were notable, with 22.1 cm of ground clearance and features like hill-descent control in the Outdoor XT trim.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST trim offered a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, providing a smooth yet engaging driving experience. The ST trim enhanced performance with a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered significant interior space, with 920 litres of cargo space expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in width between the rear wheels contributed to the spaciousness. The Outback provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and maintained good visibility, although the rear quarters had a notable blind spot.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded, surpassing some competitors in total cargo capacity. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag across various functions. The system's layout was generally intuitive, though some controls were buried within menus. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the need for additional navigation costs. The Edge also offered smart-charging USB ports and a semi-digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with standard AWD and features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be disrupted by environmental factors.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with a full array of airbags and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centring. The Edge received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.