The yearly increase in popularity of the Crossover SUV market came as no surprise. This segment’s versatility and practical attributes are why it tops the first choice of the average small and large American family.
Toyota Highlander and the Ford Edge SUV models are popular due to their versatility and All-Wheel-Drive options. In addition, the Highlander models provide more cargo space and more technology variety. However, the Edge model’s interior style is aging, but it has a slightly better fuel economy.
Two of the top contenders in this SUV market are the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Edge models. Both are excellent choices, but which one is better? Unfortunately, each manufacturer’s variety of model choices does not make it easier. So, let us look closer at the multitude of available options.
The 2022 Ford Edge vs. The 2022 Toyota Highlander
The crossover SUV market is prevalent, and therefore, we have seen an explosion in the availability and variety of new models, thus making this segment equally competitive.
The Different Models
There are eleven models to choose from, each with a variety of trim and technology to match the buyer’s personal choices. After choosing a manufacturer, another five and six model options remain.
Toyota Highlander Models
Here we have six models to choose from, from the entry-level Highlander L model to the luxurious Platinum model. Each model comes with an AWD(All Wheel Drive) or FWD(Front Wheel Drive) option. In addition, many technical specifications and features are available as either standard or optional. Let’s list a few.
Highlander L Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission; Push Button Start and Remote keyless; LED fog lights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 8 Seatings
Highlander LE Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission, Push Button Start, and Remote keyless plus Liftgate functions; LED fog and Taillights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 7 Seatings
Highlander XLE Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission, Push Button Start, and Remote keyless plus Liftgate functions; LED fog and Taillights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 7 Seatings
Highlander XSE Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission, Push Button Start, and Remote keyless plus Liftgate functions; LED fog and Taillights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 7 Seatings
Highlander Limited Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission, Push Button Start, and Remote keyless plus Liftgate functions; LED fog and Taillights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 7 Seatings
Highlander Platinum Model: 3.5-liter V6, Direct Shift-8AT transmission, Push Button Start, and Remote keyless plus Liftgate functions; LED fog and Taillights; Eight airbags; Climate control; 7 Seatings
Summary
The Toyota Highlander models are very competitive in this segment and faired excellently compared to the Ford Edge models. A good variety of trim and technology options will suit any buyer’s needs. See more on the Highlander video; Video – 2022 Toyota Highlander
Related: Toyota Highlander vs. Sequoia
Ford Edge Models
There are five Ford Edge models to choose from, starting with the entry-level SE model to the performance-driven ST models, all coming standard with all-wheel-drive(AWD). In addition, some technology features are standard and others optional with each model. See some standard features by model below.
Edge SE Model: AWD-Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost with Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission. Seats 5, black exterior trim, climate control, push-button start, 12-Inch Center-scree
Edge SEL Model: AWD-Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost with Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission. Seats 5, body-color exterior trim, climate control, push-button start, 12-Inch Center-screen
Edge Titanium Model: AWD-Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost with Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission. Seats 5, body-color exterior trim, climate control, push-button and wireless remote start, 12-Inch Center-screen
Edge ST-Line Model: AWD-Twin-Scroll 2.0L EcoBoost with Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission. Seats 5, body-color exterior trim, climate control, push-button start, 12-Inch Center-screen
Edge ST: AWD- 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine with Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission, Seats 5, body-color exterior trim, climate control, push-button start, 12-Inch Center-screen
Summary
The Ford Edge models are worthy contenders in this crossover SUV segment. Its modern, sleek turbo drive chains and standard AWD will appeal to many buyers. See more on the Edge video;
Seating, Economy, And Cargo Space
All buyers in this segment probably have a family, so seating and cargo space are perhaps on their preference list. In addition, fuel economy should also be on that list in today’s financial climate. Therefore, it felt essential to specifically highlight these features as they may be most important to the buyer in this segment.
The Highlander models: The three seating rows on the entry model can seat up to eight people and seven on the other models. However, the third-row seats are more suitable for smaller children, but they can be welcoming when needed.
The cargo area behind the back row of seats has 16 cubic feet of space when occupying all seating rows. However, when changing the seating to only the first two rows, behind the second row is 48 cubic feet and 84 cubic feet behind the first row when folding all seats.
Toyota Highlander FWD 3,5 L – Average 24 mpg (21 in the city and 29 on the highway) – 4.2 gal/100 miles.
Toyota HighlanderAWD 3,5 L – Average 23 mpg (20 in the city and 27 on the highway) – 4.3 gal/100 miles.
Fuel economy figures obtained from EPA
The Ford Edge models: All models accommodate five seats on two-seating rows. This type of seating is standard SUV seating with the benefit of being more spacious. The cargo space is average for a two-row midsize SUV. There are 39 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73 cubic feet with those seats folded.
Ford Edge 2,0 L – Average 23 mpg (21 in the city and 28 on the highway) – 4.3 gal/100 miles; Fuel economy figures obtained from EPA.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Edge models will firmly resonate with any American family in the market for an affordable, stylish crossover SUV. Similarly, they tick all the boxes from larger cabin space, high ground clearance, and all-wheel drive options, catering to the average family’s needs.
According to yearly sales figures, the Toyota Highlander enjoys slightly superior popularity with American families, probably due to the additional seating options and cargo space. On the other hand, the Ford Edge has marginally better fuel economy produced by a modern turbo engine and permanent AWD on all models.
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