2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability. The Adventure trim improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring AWD system and multiple driving modes. The TRD Off-Road trim further elevated this with specialized wheels, tires, and a TRD suspension setup, offering a robust ride across various terrains. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique features, though it maintained the Adventure's overall look. Inside, it featured TRD logos, rubber mats, and a mix of quality materials, contrasting with some cheaper plastics. The RAV4 lineup ranged from the LE to the Limited, with the TRD Off-Road near the top. The XLE trim offered a good balance of equipment and value, while the test vehicle, fully equipped, was priced at $42,902.

The 2020 Ford Edge, based on the Ford Fusion platform, offered a car-like ride with ample cabin space. The second-generation Edge, updated in 2019, retained its angular headlights and trapezoidal grille. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials, though offset by hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features. The SE included a power-adjustable driver's seat and SYNC 3 infotainment, while the SEL added LED fog lights and a premium audio system. The Titanium featured leather upholstery and a B&O sound system, with an optional package for additional luxury features. The ST, the performance variant, included a more powerful engine and sportier styling.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable at higher altitudes. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with various driving modes and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 was practical for daily use, with a comfortable ride and useful features like a 360-degree camera system. Fuel economy averaged 23.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was well-suited for American roads, offering a smooth yet engaging ride. The Edge ST, the performance variant, featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired with standard AWD. The ST offered impressive acceleration and handling, with a Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. The ST Performance Brake Package further improved performance with unique wheels and upgraded brakes.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat offered generous legroom, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passengers. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced utility.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort 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 seats folded. This was more than some competitors, though slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power liftgate.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured user-friendly technology, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, though glare was an issue. The TRD Off-Road trim included an 8-inch system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available with a free trial. The infotainment system was easy to use, with shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Upgrades included navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, and the optional Technology Package added wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, allowing users to use their preferred maps app. Optional navigation with real-time traffic updates was available on higher trims. The Edge included two smart-charging USB ports and a semi-digital instrument panel on select trims. An optional dual rear-seat entertainment system was also available.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring advanced safety features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. A free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services was included. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only with specific headlights. It received top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an upgraded Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package with 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.