Deciding between the 2020 Ford Edge and Buick Encore can be tough. The Edge is a midsize crossover that combines family-style comfort with sporty utility. And the Encore is a subcompact crossover that balances efficiency with an air of luxury. Which is best for your daily drive? At Lunghamer Auto Group, we’re here to help you better examine each model.
Roomy Comfort: 2020 Ford Edge
As the midsize crossover, the 2020 Edge should be your first choice for family-friendly passenger space. Not only does the Edge offer more in the way of head- and legroom, but it also puts an emphasis on modern style. This Ford crossover gives you plenty of luxury options, whether you’re after leather upholstery or heated seats. It also keeps wind and road noise outside the cabin, where it belongs.
The 2020 Encore is technically a subcompact crossover, making it much smaller than the midsize Edge. You will be impressed with the Encore’s use of space, however, thanks to a cabin that feels roomier than you’d expect. This Buick crossover also maintains a quiet cabin and offers a range of stylish leather upholstery options. However, if you’re looking for maximum legroom, you’re going to need the bigger Ford Edge.
Automation and Infotainment: 2020 Ford Edge
Once again, the 2020 Ford Edge comes out on top. Ford’s midsize crossover comes loaded with modern gadgets. These include the Sync 3 infotainment system, with its dual USB ports, 8-inch touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The Edge also comes standard with an excellent array of driver aids. Features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking keep you safer at no extra cost. Spend a little extra for the adaptive cruise control system, and the Edge will automatically adjust your speed to suit traffic flow.
The 2020 Encore is also nicely stocked with infotainment gear, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and two USB ports. However, it doesn’t come standard with high-tech safety aids. Instead, features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning are optional, which means you might end up spending more than strictly necessary.
Premium Power: 2020 Ford Edge
As usual with Ford crossovers, the Edge offers a variety of powertrains, so you can tailor your on-road experience to suit your driving style.The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine supplies plenty of speed, with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.But the Edge ST’s twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 is even faster, with 335 horses and 380 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is a popular option among Michigan drivers; this traction-enhancing performance gear helps the Edge maintain its footing on slippery winter roads.
The 2020 Buick Enclave, in comparison, wasn’t exactly built for speed. Every Enclave trim model features the same engine, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horses and 148 pound-feet of torque. Instead of an eight-speed automatic transmission, like you get with the Edge, the Encore features and old-fashioned six-speed auto.
Commuter-Friendly Efficiency: 2020 Buick Encore
As the smaller model, it’s not surprising that the Encore is the thriftier model. With front-wheel drive, this subcompact crossover earns up to 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway mpg). Add all-wheel drive and those figures drop slightly, to 26 mpg combined (24/29 mpg).
The 2020 Ford Edge is both bigger and more powerful, which means it can’t help but use more fuel. However, with EPA ratings of up to 24 mpg combined (21/29 mpg), we do have to say that the Edge does a great job balancing efficiency with size and speed.
The 2020 Buick Encore has a lot to offer - especially if you’re shopping for subcompact crossover that delivers commute-friendly mileage. But the roomier, more powerful, and tech-savvier 2020 Ford Edge is the right choice for most drivers. To check out the family-friendly Edge in person, visit us at Lunghamer Auto Group in the Lakes Region.