The 2020 Ford Edge is a sharp contender in two-row, mid-size SUV segment thanks for its excellent fuel economy, lively acceleration, spacious seats, and a long list of standard facilities. Sitting between the Ford Escape and the Explorer, it has adequate room for four passengers in a quiet cabin. However, the seats aren’t that cushy. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t make extensive changes in it because this crossover SUV got a mild refresh for MY19. The new Ford Edge 2020 is available in four variants, namely SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. There are two powertrain options, i.e., a 250 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 335 horsepower twin-turbo V-6. Moreover, it boasts Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistant features. These include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
What’s New in 2020
As said earlier, the 2020 Ford Edge remains mostly unaltered. However, the dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch Sync 3 touchscreen, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a reverse sensing system, now come as standard. Additionally, the automaker offers Elite Interior Package for the Titanium variant. Buyers now also have more color choices such as Atlas Blue, Dark Persian Green, Desert Gold, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, and Star White.
How Much Does it Cost and Which One to Buy?
The 2020 Ford Edge SE costs $31,100 MSRP, while the two variants in the mid – SEL and Titanium – retail for $34,355 and $38,100, respectively. All these are front-wheel-drive models powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Adding an all-wheel-drive layout will require $1,995. The top-of-the-line ST variant is obviously most expensive at $43,265, boasting all-wheel-drive and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. For a typical family looking for the best family car, I won’t recommend spending extra on SEL, Titanium or ST, mainly because, the most desired features like the 8.0-inch display, the power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the dual-zone climate control, now come standard in the base SE. The money you save skipping the expensive variants can be used to add all-wheel-drive. That being said, if you are someone who wants more facilities and option packages, I recommend SEL for its power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded upholstery.
Engine, Transmission, Performance, Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the 2020 Ford Edge carries a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine creating power of 250 horses and mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration is energetic and smooth at low torque. However, at higher speeds on the highway, it might not fare well, and that’s where the Edge ST comes on the scene with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine pumping out 335 horsepower. Expect the turbo lag when you hit the throttle hard.
Regarding the fuel economy, the base 2020 Edge delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Not bad for midsize SUV! Add the all-wheel-drive on to the SE, and you will get 1 mpg less on the highway. As evident, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is fuel-hungry, thus offers 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad either.
Ford Edge Interior and Infotainment
The 2020 Ford Edge offers ample space to accommodate four adults (apart from the driver), who can enjoy a long journey on comfortable seats, while their luggage sits conveniently behind. There is plenty of cargo space (39.2 cubic feet), and with rear seats folded, space extends to 73.4 cubic feet.
The optional features include artificial or real leather upholstery, a power-adjustable commuter seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and a leather-wrapped, heated, and power-tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The 2020 Ford Edge comes equipped with the standard Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system includes an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo. The interface is simple and not very complicated to learn. However, the display isn’t very modern and sleek with small physical buttons on the center stack.
Edge Safety Features
The 2020 Ford Edge boasts Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features. This suite has plenty of safety tech that makes the drive safe on the road. We are talking about forwarding collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Moreover, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeps assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The standard facilities also include post-collision braking, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Ford’s MyKey system. 
Those who want extra protection can opt for stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Moreover, adaptive headlights, a 180-degree parking camera system, front parking sensors, and automatic parking assist. Thanks to all these advanced safety specs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Ford Edge five out of five stars review. It got five stars in the frontal and side crash examinations and four stars in the rollover check. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also given a ‘Good’ rating in side-impact, roof strength, rear crash protection, and moderate overlap front test.
Ford Edge vs. Competition
Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-9
Both the Mazda CX-9 and the Edge come equipped with almost the same standard and optional amenities. However, the former is more fun to drive thanks to its sporty ride. The ride comfort is the same in both SUVs, but the CX-9 takes the lead in the infotainment system, which is easier to use with properly marked buttons. That said, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard in the Edge while these are optional in the CX-9. If you have a big family, the CX-9 will suit you better, as it can accommodate seven people in three rows. The Edge can only seat five.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Escape
They redesigned the Escape completely for 2020 and made it roomier than before. Although it is a compact crossover, it is almost as spacious as the Edge in the back seat. However, the Edge offers more cargo space than the Escape, i.e., 39.2 cubic feet vs. 33.5 cubic feet with seats and 73.4 cubic feet vs. 65.4 cubic feet with seats folded. When it comes to standard and optional safety tech, and engine choices, both compete closely with each other. The number of safety equipment and engine choices are almost the same. So, why spend $6,000 extra on the Edge when you can have an equally capable crossover for around $25,000.
Ford Edge vs. Honda CR-V
The Edge is physically bigger than the Honda CR-V, but the latter is more intelligently designed to deliver the same cargo room as available in the Edge. Similarly, the Edge is better in power and responsiveness, but its fuel economy figures are higher than the CR-V. Also, the Edge offers more shoulder and headroom compared to its competitor.
Final Words
The 2020 Ford Edge is a highly capable midsize SUV for its good fuel economy, roomy seats, and peppy acceleration. However, its rivals offer better handling, more beautiful interiors, and more accessible controls. You should also consider the Mazda CX-9, the GMC Acadia, the Kia Sorento, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The third-row seating adds to the practicality of the SUV and is something buyers love to have for their families these days. So consider these options when you are out for buying an SUV.
