2019 Ford Edge vs Honda CR-V

Crossover SUVs are among the hottest items in America. When shopping for a new crossover, don’t hesitate to put the 2019 Ford Edge on your list of models to test drive. It’s a great family vehicle that offers style, performance, and luxury. You should also consider the 2019 Honda CR-V as your next vehicle. For good reason, this SUV is a best seller. Let’s find out how these two SUVs match up.

Performance

Although the 2019 Ford Edge only has two available engines, they are both quite powerful. Most trims feature a 2.0-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. A turbocharger helps it to produce a solid 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The sporty Edge ST comes equipped with a turbocharged V6, which pounds out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offers a pair of four-cylinder engines. Honda rates the standard engine to develop 184 ponies and 180 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, total output increases to 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque with the available turbocharged engine. An automatic CVT puts the CR-V in motion.

While the Ford Edge is obviously the more powerful machine, a lighter design enables the Honda CR-V to feel nearly just as responsive. However, the high-performance Edge ST is especially quick. It clocks a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.

Automatic CVTs have a reputation for having an artificial feel. However, the CR-V’s automatic CVT delivers a seamless performance. It quickly responds when accelerating. Drivers will also find the Edge’s eight-speed automatic gearbox to be smooth. Nevertheless, its responsiveness could be just a bit quicker.

Drivers who need an SUV that can tow a load will prefer the Ford Edge. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is plenty of muscle for pulling recreational campers and boats. By comparison, the Honda CR-V’s towing capacity tops out at less than 1,500 pounds.

When it comes to venturing off-road, neither crossover has a clear advantage. While all-wheel-drive is available, these vehicles don’t offer many rugged upgrades. They are more suitable for street use as opposed to traveling on rough terrain.

The 2019 Honda CR-V will conserve the most gas. Turbocharged models are rated to return a combined 30 mpg. This is excellent fuel efficiency for a family vehicle. While the 2019 Ford Edge will guzzle fuel at a faster rate, it is decent on gas. Expect it to deliver a combined 25 mpg. Of course, stepping up to the powerful Edge ST lowers efficiency to a combined 21 mpg. Fortunately, you can feed this beast regular unleaded.

Drivers will especially appreciate the Honda CR-V’s well-designed braking system. They’ll be able to stop quickly without experiencing any nose-diving. Although the Ford Edge has a slightly longer stopping distance, it still provides a good amount of braking power.

Honda tends to build reliable vehicles. According to J.D. Power’s Dependability Study, the CR-V should not give owners any big problems. While the Edge has a slightly lower dependability rating, it is still considered to be a reliable automobile.

Both of these SUVs are backed a powertrain warranty that lasts for 60,000 miles. This is about the average warranty length for most new vehicles.

Drivability

In contrast to a truck-based SUV, the 2019 Ford Edge drivers more like a sedan. This means drivability is very good. Because of the 2019 Honda CR-V’s smaller stature, it’s even easier to drive. A shorter wheelbase helps the CR-V to slip into small areas without any hassle.

An athletic chassis helps the Honda CR-V to rank among the best-handling small crossovers. It feels remarkably nimble for an SUV. Precise steering enables drivers to confidently maneuver around obstacles. The Ford Edge also offers respectable handling. Performance goodies, like a sports-tuned suspension and variable-ratio steering, make the Edge ST fun to drive on curvy roads.

Every family will enjoy the CR-V’s outstanding ride quality. The SUV’s suspension system does an admirable job of smoothing out bumps in the road. Aside from big potholes, very little upsets the CR-V’s great balance. Although the Edge does not have a rough ride, it’s not as smooth as the CR-V. When driving over rough pavement, there are more vibrations from the road felt inside the Edge. However, the Edge ST rides very well for a sports-tuned SUV. To experience optimum ride comfort, Edge buyers should avoid models equipped with 19-inch tires.

Both SUVs have a quiet cabin. However, the 2019 Ford Edge’s cabin is especially muted. It feels like you’re inside a genuine luxury vehicle. A smooth engine and well-insulated interior help keep everything quiet. Interior materials are of high quality, especially for the price.

Like the Ford Edge, the Honda CR-V provides a good driving position. People of all sizes can comfortably fit behind the wheel. Excellent seat comfort is another thing these crossovers have in common. Drivers will have no issues taking them on a lengthy road trip. However, expect the Honda CR-V to offer better forward visibility. This is primarily a result of the Edge’s thick window pillars.

Interior room is always a big concern for families. Fortunately, both SUVs are spacious and accommodating. Tall drivers will enjoy the Edge’s extra 1.3 inches of legroom in the front. While there’s a similar amount of legroom in the backseat, the Ford Edge’s extra width gives it an advantage. When traveling with five passengers, everyone will have more hip and shoulder room. Cargo space is roughly the same.

Simple, straightforward controls make these SUVs easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. However, the Edge has a better infotainment system. Pinch-and-zoom functionality helps make Ford’s Sync 3 touchscreen a joy to use. Drivers will also appreciate the interface’s excellent voice controls. With the arrival of more buttons, Honda’s Display Audio interface has improved as well. Unfortunately, its voice controls are still not up to par.

Safety

When searching for a new family vehicle, many car shoppers will be seeking a model that provides great impact protection. These SUVs garnered an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating, which equates to superb crash scores. While both the 2019 Ford Edge and the 2019 Honda CR-V received a perfect rating in several crash categories, only the Edge scored a perfect rating for front passenger-side protection. There’s one black eye for the new Edge. It received a poor rating from the IIHS for its under-performing standard headlights.

A similar number of accident-avoidance technologies are available. Some of the key features include automated emergency braking, lane keeping, smart cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Remember, only the Ford Edge comes standard with these helpful driving aids. To get the CR-V with a Honda Sensing safety package, buyers must skip the base LX model.

Be aware of the CR-V’s sensitive forward collision mitigation system. It can surprise drivers with false warnings. In some instances, the system can become a bit annoying.

Some exclusive safety innovations are available on the Ford Edge. When traveling on rural roads, the Edge’s adaptive LED headlights make nighttime driving safer. Folks living in a metropolitan area will especially enjoy the Ford’s optional Active Park Assist system. After shifting into reverse, the system will steer you into a parallel parking space. It’s a big stress reliever for folks who hate the chore of parking.

Ford also offers the Edge with Evasive Steering assist, which is a feature often only found on high-end luxury vehicles. By providing steering support during emergencies, the system helps drivers to dodge unexpected vehicles.

When tested in the snow, both the Edge and the CR-V performed well. They managed to maintain good traction on slippery surfaces. This is a big plus for drivers who need to travel in wintry weather.

Which Has the Best Value?

The 2019 Honda CR-V is priced just right for budget-minded car shoppers. Expect to shell out around $24,450 for a base CR-V LX. This is a very good price for a high-quality SUV. Prices for the 2019 Ford Edge are a bit higher. Ford lists the base Edge SE with an MSRP of $29,995.

Despite costing more money, the Ford Edge does reward buyers with more performance and greater luxury. While the Honda CR-V doesn’t even offer a Wi-Fi hotspot, one comes standard on the new Edge. An advanced safety package is also standard on the Edge.

To experience an especially luxurious ride, check out the CR-V Touring and Edge Titanium. These models come loaded with an additional number of niceties. While the CR-V Touring's eight-speaker stereo system sounds decent, it’s a step below the Edge Titanium’s 12-speaker B&O premium sound system. Furthermore, only the Edge offers upgrades like ventilated seats and a rear-seat entertainment system for the kids. While the CR-V Touring will cost you $23,850, the Edge Titanium demands $38,760.

When calculating the expected cost of ownership, Edmunds factors in things like maintenance and cost of repairs over a five-year period. The Honda CR-V was actually more expensive to maintain in the long run. Its estimated cost of repairs was also slightly higher. On the bright side, CR-V owners can look forward to spending less money on fuel.

In terms of resale value, the CR-V outshines the Edge. Even after three years of ownership, buyers can expect the CR-V to hold its value. When looking to trade-in their Ford Edge, owners can anticipate getting a smaller return on their investment.

Which Is Better?

Let’s look back at the pros and cons of both vehicles. The stronger 2019 Ford Edge narrowly defeats the Honda CR-V in the performance department. However, no version of the Honda CR-V can rival the excitement of the powerful Edge ST. Aside from packing more muscle under the hood, it also benefits from enhanced steering and a sports-tuned suspension. Don’t forget about the Edge’s more rewarding towing capabilities.

Drivers who’re looking to save gas will be better off with the Honda CR-V. However, the Ford Edge is relatively efficient for a midsize crossover SUV. Folks interested in the fun-to-drive Edge will have to sacrifice some gas mileage.

Whether families choose the Edge or the CR-V, they’ll be able to relax. Both models are spacious and quiet. However, a few more creature comforts are available for the Edge. Some of the highlights include ventilated seat functions and an automated parking system.

In regard to exterior styling, the Ford Edge will win over many people with its smooth appearance. Racier exterior treatments and 20-inch performance wheels help the Edge ST to make a serious statement. On the other hand, some car shoppers will like the CR-V’s clean design.

Neither crossover has a big advantage over the other. They are both outstanding family haulers. However, the Ford Edge’s great comfort and superior performance give it just a small advantage. A higher towing rating also makes the Edge more versatile. There are also plenty of reasons why someone would want the Honda CR-V.