2021 Lexus NX Hybrid 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 spacious cabin. By 2015, the second generation arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite its fresh look, the Edge's design lagged behind competitors like Honda and Toyota, who frequently updated their models. The Edge's exterior featured angular headlights and a trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with awkwardly arranged controls and a contemporary rotary shifter. While the cabin quality was decent, the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from its appeal.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's design had become familiar over time. Sharing a platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, the NX lagged behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model boasted a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, with a striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the design was once radical but now felt dated, with plastic switchgear and trim. The F Sport package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but overall, the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST offered a sporty driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The drivetrain struggled with power delivery, especially under heavy acceleration. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid's focus on efficiency made it less engaging to drive compared to its gasoline counterpart.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view and ample storage. The spacious second row provided generous head- and legroom, with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet. This surpassed competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. The front seats offered good support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Ford Edge featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button and optional voice-activated navigation. Standard smart-charging USB ports and an available dual rear-seat entertainment system added to its tech appeal.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Despite Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, the system felt dated, with difficult-to-read menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Edge included standard front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offered automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.