The 2020 Ford Edge and Subaru Crosstrek are crowd-pleasing crossovers, supplying everything from kid-friendly tech features to sporty performance gear. Which should you drive home? Our comparison guide looks into this conundrum.
Style and Comfort: 2020 Ford Edge
With its incredibly spacious seating and luxurious comfort options, the Edge is our first-place pick for on-road comfort. Sink into the seats and you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of plush cushioning and lasting support. And, as a midsize crossover, the Edge gives you more elbow- and legroom than the Crosstrek, which is a smaller, subcompact model.
Though the Subaru Crosstrek is a tighter fit, we have to give it points for its smooth ride and excellent seating. When you really get going, the front-seat bolstering will keep you nice and snug. The seat cushions are on the firm side, so you should make sure they’re something you can live with.
Sporty Performance: 2020 Ford Edge
Looking for a crossover that can both transport your family in comfort and haul a boat around? Put the Edge at the top of your list. Properly equipped, Ford’s midsize crossover can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek isn’t quite as capable, with a tow rating that max out at 1,500 pounds.
Although their towing capabilities differ, both crossovers offer sporty all-wheel drive. This traction-boosting performance gear is optional for the Edge and standard on every Crosstrek.
Thrifty Commuting: 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
As a subcompact crossover, the Crosstrek is better on gas than the midsize Edge. Depending on configuration, the Crosstrek earns up to 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway mpg). Still, the 2020 Ford Edge does a good job of balancing its bigger size, more powerful engines, and sporty utility with on-road efficiency. Depending on equipment, the Edge earns up to 24 mpg combined (21/29 mpg).
Tech and Safety: 2020 Ford Edge
The Edge is our pick for tech features. All four trim models come standard with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, a setup that includes an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. There’s even a Wi-Fi hotspot in the Edge cabin, so your kids can happily use their devices during long trips. Every Edge is fully loaded with savvy safety aids, including lane keeping assist and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The entry-level Subaru Crosstrek is almost as loaded with tech features. Standard equipment includes an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the coveted Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone technology. However, the Subaru EyeSight suite of safety aids isn’t quite standard equipment. You need to add the automatic transmission in order to enjoy the extra vigilance these systems bring. The Crosstrek also lacks a Wi-Fi hotspot, putting a damper on connectivity.
In the end, the new Subaru Crosstrek can’t beat the 2020 Ford Escape. To check out Ford’s midsize crossover in person, visit us at Jones Ford in North Charleston. We think you’ll agree that the 2020 Edge lives up to the hype.