2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, launched in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, featuring 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 basic to luxurious, with the ST trim focusing on performance.

The 2021 Dodge Durango, part of the third generation introduced in 2011, maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's Charger and Challenger models. The 2021 model year saw a revision in styling, especially evident in the new SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a different front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. The cabin featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became increasingly premium with higher trims, offering various upholstery options and contrast stitching.

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, suitable for city driving, but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, offering a smooth and refined ride. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST trim offered a more engaging driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6, standard in the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured the 5.7-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The SRT 392 trim had a 392 HEMI V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier SRT Hellcat trim boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, producing 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that passed bumps to the cabin. The SRT models offered SRT Performance Pages for track days, providing detailed performance information.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided plenty of head- and legroom 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 rear seats folded. This was more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano but slightly less than the Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler with comfortable seating, good storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five in two rows, expandable to seven with an optional third row. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with the third row providing more room than many competitors. The Durango had 21 seat options, allowing for extensive customization. Cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. Dodge's improved fit and finish in the Durango stood out compared to earlier models.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons at the bottom and a home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a voice-activated navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and a dual rear-seat entertainment system. The Edge also offered two smart-charging USB ports and a semi-digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than its predecessor, offering user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. SRT models had unique appearance features, including a "smoke show" start-up animation.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard on all trims, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, 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.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features included a rearview camera, airbags, and electronic stability control. Optional safety features, depending on the trim level, included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. Front crash testing ratings were not yet available.