To combine family-friendly comfort, around-town efficiency, and sporty capabilities, both the 2020 Ford Edge and Honda CR-V will do. These modern crossovers are popular competitors, which is why it’s so hard to choose between them. But our comparison guide is here to help.
Day-to-Day Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Both the 2020 Ford Edge and Honda CR-V provide roomy, comfortable accommodations for driver and passengers. You can even turn up the luxury quotient, with options like leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated seats. Families should note, however, that the Edge is a midsize crossover, which makes it a little roomier than the CR-V by default.
Athletic Performance: 2020 Ford Edge
To get ahead, you’re going to need the Ford Edge, which supplies both more power and greater towing capabilities. On the pavement, this midsize crossover feels smooth and capable, and it gives you plenty of power straight off the line. Shoppers can choose from two engines, base 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the 335-horsepower twin-turbo V6 — in other words, fast and faster. Properly equipped, the 2020 Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Every Honda CR-V comes standard with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s not quite as powerful as anything the Edge has to offer, but this engine will get you around town with ease. Properly equipped, the CR-V will tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Max Efficiency: 2020 Honda CR-V
As the smaller, less powerful crossover, the CR-V has the edge in the efficiency department. With front-wheel drive, this little Honda earns 30 mpg combined (28 city/34 highway mpg).
The 2020 Ford Edge isn’t as thrifty, but it does balance sporty power with fuel economy. With the base engine and front-wheel drive, the Edge is at its most efficient, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg combined (21/29 mpg).
Tech and Safety: 2020 Ford Edge
This was a close competition, because both the Edge and the CR-V offer all the latest infotainment features and driving aids. However, thanks to its more robust standard lineup, the Edge pulls ahead.
Every Edge includes Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, with its 8-inch touches screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone capabilities. You can even charge two devices at once, via its standard dual USB ports. Also, the Edge helps you navigate dangerous roadways with standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The Honda CR-V also offers an impressive list of infotainment features, but the touch-screen interface and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone features don’t come standard on the base model. The base CR-V does include the Honda Sensing suite of safety aids, though, including forward collision mitigation. To enjoy blind-spot monitoring, however, you need to upgrade from the base LX to the mid-grade EX.
The Verdict
The 2020 Honda CR-V might be a thrifty little people hauler, but it’s the 2020 Ford Edge that really wins you over. Ford’s midsize crossover never misses a beat, with smooth power, sporty capabilities, and a treasure trove of modern comfort and convenience features.