The 2020 Ford Edge and 2020 Dodge Durango are two top-selling SUVs for 2020. Both have several exciting features to offer with a reasonable MSRP around $31,000. Deciding between the Edge and Durango requires the consideration of several different factors, namely, your lifestyle. Depending on how many people are in your family, which safety features you want, how much cargo room you need, and your ultimate price point, choosing the right SUV may not happen overnight.
After all, there’s a lot to think about before buying something that will have a major impact on your day-to-day life. The Durango comes in eight different trims with a wide array of options, ranging from the SXT to the SRT, while the Edge is available in your choice of four defined models, each with their own distinctive characteristics. If you’re debating between these two SUVs, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Seating and Interior Features
The Dodge Durango has seating for six people (seven if you’re willing to splurge on the plus models) boasting up to 50 possible interior configurations. While this might seem like a significant upgrade from the Ford Edge’s five-passenger seating, the Durango’s seating arrangement isn’t quite as comfy as you may be led to believe. While 6-7 adults and small children might fit perfectly in the Durango, once those kids get bigger, you’re not going to want to have everyone crammed in for a long trip.
The Ford Edge is undeniably more spacious with more legroom, shoulder room, headroom, and cargo space than the Durango. For tall drivers with long commutes, the Ford Edge is a clear winner. Unless you require the extra seat or two on a regular basis, you might be better off with a smaller, but more roomy, Ford Edge. Compared to the Durango, it’s easier to park, maneuver, and cheaper to keep full at the gas station.
Looking at comparable models in the $36-38k price point (the Edge’s SEL all-wheel drive with a 2.0-liter turbo engine and the Durango’s GT all-wheel-drive 3.6-liter V6 engine) paints a picture of what it’s like to ride in each vehicle. The Edge has a quiet cabin leatherette upholstery and optional heated seats. In this model of the Durango, cloth upholstery is included, and heated seats are not available. Sunroofs are optional in the Durango but not the Edge. The Durango feels more like a no-frills outdoorsy SUV, while the Edge provides luxury wherever it can.
Fuel Efficiency and Power
The Durango is longer and quite a bit heavier than the Ford Edge (about 1,250 lbs heavier). As a result, it requires a more powerful engine that offers sub-par fuel efficiency. You won’t find a Durango that can go 29 MPG on the highway, unlike the Edge, which offers 29 MPG in three out of its four models.
Available engine options include a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine on the Ford Edge ST that offers 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. As far as midsize SUVs go, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost is “the most powerful V6 engine in its class.” Push the “S” button, and sport mode will take your ST off running. Other engine options for the Ford Edge include the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with an 8-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel-drive, which is standard for the SE, SEL, and Titanium models.
The Durango also offers an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and the added option of rear-wheel drive. It comes with several engine options to choose from, including the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque), 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine (475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque), 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque). The best fuel efficiency available in the Durango is provided by the Pentastar V6, which can get up to 25 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive models and 26 MPG highway in rear-wheel drive.
Technology and Safety Ratings
When you spring for a new SUV, the latest technology and safety features should be a given. Parking assistance is standard on the Durango and Edge, along with keyless ignition, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher-end technology packages are available on the Ford Edge starting with the base SE model, including Ford Co-Pilot360. With this package, you take advantage of Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, automatic high-beams, Lane Keeping Assist, Cross-Traffic Alert, a rearview camera, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.
Other than brake assist and stability control, the base SXT doesn’t provide much in the way of additional sensors or safety controls. Drivers have the option to add rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring on any trim, but adaptive cruise control isn’t available unless you opt for the Citadel or higher. However, the Durango is equipped with a large touchscreen that’s considered best in its class.
The 2020 Ford Edge has excellent safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its overall rating is a 5/5 with a perfect score in various crash test ratings. The Durango comes in slightly lower at four stars, getting a 5/5 in its side crash ratings but only a 3 out of 5 for the front crash driver rating. Both SUVs come with standard airbags and ABS brakes.
Finding the Right SUV
Both the Dodge Durango and Ford Edge offer their own desirable packages; however, it can be tough to discern where you really get the most bang for your buck. Despite their comparable starting prices, on average, Dodge Durango buyers end up spending over $40k to opt for the Durango’s bigger Hemi engines. In comparison, most 2020 Ford Edge buyers are satisfied with the SEL all-wheel drive for just $36,350. A lot of the decision may boil down to your preference for a 2-row versus a 3-row SUV, desire for fuel-efficiency, and towing needs.
Granted, the higher price tag on the Durango’s high-end models versus the Edge’s starting models comes with significantly greater towing ability, and higher horsepower output. If you’re looking for an SUV with truck-like strength, the Durango boasts of being able to tow an 8,700 lb load. However, Ford offers the Class II Trailer Tow Package, which will give you 3,500 lbs of towing capacity for a fraction of the price. This package is available on the SEL and Titanium models and comes standard on the ST.
Because the Ford Edge starts out with an efficient standard engine, good safety ratings, and technology packages on basic models, you won’t feel pressured to upgrade your way to an additional $10,000 bill. Ford has four straightforward models to choose from while picking out the right Durango might take a little extra thought and analysis because of its higher price.
Overall, the Ford Edge is a reliable SUV with generous technology features available at a reasonable price. With comfortable seating for five, plenty of cargo space, and efficient EcoBoost engine options, the Edge meets the needs of most SUV buyers on the market. For those looking for a truck-like SUV with rear-wheel drive and strong towing capacity, the higher-priced Durango may be worth the additional cost to serve double duty as a work truck and family vehicle. Whichever direction you choose to go in, the promise of that fresh new car smell is a strong motivator to start narrowing down your choices.
