If you are in the market for a new sub compact or midsize SUV you have come to the right place. Let’s compare two popular SUVs - the 2020 Ford Edge and the 2020 Toyota C-HR. Both vehicles can seat up to five people, however, with the Edge being classified as a midsize SUV and C-HR being classified as a subcompact SUV there are quite a few differences when comparing these vehicles side by side. Here is a breakdown of some of those differences.
Price
First and foremost, the starting prices of these vehicles vary greatly. The smaller C-HR starts at a reasonable $21,445 whereas the larger Edge starts at a much higher price point of $31,100.
Fuel Efficiency
Although the C-HR and Edge share the same 29 mpg highway fuel efficiency number, the city numbers are much different. The C-HR comes in at an impressive 27 mpg compared to the 21 mpg of the Edge, making the C-HR the more efficient option when commuting around town.
Power
Due to the difference in size, it’s not surprising that the Edge includes additional power and towing capacity. The Edge offers two engines whereas the C-HR only comes equipped with one across the board. The C-HR has a maximum towing capacity of 1,020 lbs. compared to the impressive 3,500 lbs. of maximum towing capacity the Edge has.
Here is a breakdown of the engine options for each vehicle and the corresponding power output ratings.
Edge Engine Options:
- Standard Engine: Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine
- 250 Horsepower
- 275 lb. ft. Torque
- Available Engine: 2.7L V6 Turbocharged EcoBoost® Engine
- 335 Horsepower
- 380 lb. ft. Torque
C-HR Engine
- Only Engine: 2.0L V4 Engine
- 144 Horsepower
- 139 lb. ft. Torque
Both engine options for the Edge are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the C-HR’s engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission.
Another significant difference between the Edge and the C-HR is that the Edge has optional All-Wheel Drive whereas the C-HR is only equipped with Front-Wheel Drive across the board.
Space
When it comes to packing your belongings for a road trip or chauffeuring some friends around town, the Edge is the more suitable option for both these scenarios.
Due to its more compact size, the C-HR only comes with 86 cubic feet of passenger volume and a maximum of 37 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seat in its upright position there is only 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space left in the rear of the vehicle, not to mention cramped space for any passengers stuck in the back seat.
On the other hand, the Edge has an impressive 113.9 cubic feet of passenger volume making any seat in the vehicle a comfortable one for any size occupant. The 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space the Edge provides behind its rear seat is almost two cubic feet more space than the maximum amount of cargo space available in the C-HR. If that impresses you, then you will be even more shocked to know that with the rear seat folded down, the Edge has an astounding 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room to offer.
Safety
Traction Control, Post-Collision Braking, Hill Start Assist, Lane-Keeping System, Rear View Camera, and Automatic High Beam Headlamps are all standard safety features found in both vehicles. The CH-R also comes standard with Stability Control, however, the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and Curve Control which comes standard on the Edge far outdoes the basic system in the CH-R. The CH-R has an available Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, whereas this feature is standard for the Edge. Adaptive Cruise Control is one feature which is standard on the CH-R whereas it’s an upgrade in the Edge. However, this feature in the Edge also comes with Stop-and-Go, aiding in fuel efficiency.
The Edge takes safety even further by adding Auto Start-Stop Technology, a Reverse Sensing System, Rain-Sensing Wipers, and an SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ to its standard list of features. The Edge also offers available features like Evasive Steering, Enhanced Active Park Assist System with Parallel Parking, Park Out Assist, Reverse Perpendicular Parking, Forward and Side Sensing Systems, and Front 180-Degree Camera with Split View and Washer.
One thing to note is that consumers have noticed that simple things such as driving on winding canyon roads sometimes become more complicated due to the overly sensitive Lane-Keeping System.
Technology
Both vehicles share some basic features such as a Wi-Fi Hotspot, SiriusXM Radio, and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility. Although, when it comes to connectivity, ease of use, and captivating media features, the Edge is clearly the way to go.
The Edge’s capacitive pinch-to-zoom touch screen display equipped with an impressive SYNC® 3 interface takes things to a whole new level. The Edge also offers a Dual-Headrest DVD Entertainment System, along with an upgraded B&O Sound System. The simple six-speaker sound system that is offered in the C-HR doesn’t begin to compare with the available twelve-speaker sound experience you can get in the Edge.
The Edge also pushes out the C-HR when it comes to powerpoint options. With four standard 12-V power points, two standard smart charging USB ports and an available 110V/150W AC Power Outlet, it blows the single USB port and single 12V power point in the C-HR out of the water.
Interior Comfort
Not only does the Edge excel in keeping more outside noise from penetrating your peaceful drive in the vehicle, it also offers several more advanced interior features to enjoy as well. Both the Edge and C-HR have available features such as Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheels, Heated Leather Trimmed Seating, and power front seats. The Edge steps up its game again by adding available Cooled Front Seats, and an available Panoramic Vista Roof®. The Edge also has a standard 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and available 10-way power front passenger seat compared to the available 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and available 6-way adjustable passenger seat offered in the C-HR.
Conclusion
There isn’t much of a question who the winner of this battle is. The Edge comes out of the competition ahead of the C-HR with more power output, increased towing capacity, additional space for passengers and cargo, a larger number of advanced safety features, more cutting-edge technology features, and increased comfort.