2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also appeared outdated, resembling parts from Toyota's 2010 lineup. However, this simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna was available in multiple trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each offering various features like 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006 and updated in 2019, shared its platform with the Ford Fusion sedan, providing a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The 2019 styling update gave the Edge a fresh look, but it still showed signs of age inside. The center console had small, awkwardly arranged controls, and the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the otherwise good cabin quality. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and was available with AWD on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, but its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

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. It provided solid low-end acceleration but struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST, the performance variant, featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, standard AWD, and sportier styling. The ST had a bit of turbo lag at low speeds but plenty of power at higher revs. It handled like a smaller car, with heavy steering and fantastic cornering. The Edge's suspension smoothed out road imperfections while remaining engaging to drive.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for families needing these capabilities.

The 2020 Ford Edge had a well-designed cabin with a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom without needing to move 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 competitors like 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 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims offered additional features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard on all trims. SYNC 3 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making navigation optional. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons at the bottom and a home button for easy navigation. The Edge also offered a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates, standard on the Titanium trim. All trims had two smart-charging USB ports, and higher trims featured a semi-digital instrument panel and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores in many IIHS crash tests, with its driver-assistance features earning a Superior rating.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding 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.