*All information in this article has been revised and updated for the latest 2021-2022 models.
Style, safety, and sporty performance go hand in hand in the 2021 Ford Edge and Toyota RAV4, but which crossover is the fastest? Which has the best safety features? Our comparison guide has the details.
MOST IN STYLE AND COMFORT: 2021 FORD EDGE
The midsize Edge is a bigger model than the compact RAV4, which automatically means more passenger space. This is especially noticeable when you're traveling with three passengers in the backseat; they'll enjoy substantially more hip and shoulder room in the Edge. But the Edge is more than spacious and comfortable-it also puts you in the lap of luxury with options like premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats.
This year, new wheel designs, paint colors, acoustic-laminated glass, rear parking sensors and a heated steering wheel add to the luxury. The infotainment system gets upgraded to the Sync 4 interface and a 12-inch display. Six-way power adjustable seats in the ST are just the cherry on top to these nice updates.
The newly redesigned Toyota RAV4 definitely looks cool, thanks to a sporty new design, inside and out. The cabin is roomy and quiet, making this crossover a prime choice for a family road trip. On a long drive, though, the RAV4's front passenger seat can feel a bit stiff.
SPORTIEST PERFORMANCE: 2021 FORD EDGE
The 2019 Ford Edge is raring for some action. The new base engine is big on power; the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine makes 250 horses and 280 pound-feet of torque. And this engine certainly makes the Edge faster than the RAV4. If you want an even speedier ride, you can always check out the new Edge ST model, a trim that blows the competition away with a 335-horsepower twin-turbo V6.
Every Toyota RAV4 gets the same engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Although the RAV4 isn't as speedy as the Edge, the Toyota is plenty capable in highway merging and passing situations. And, like the Edge, the RAV4 offers all-wheel drive to spruce up the sportiness and safety.
SAVVIEST TECH LINEUP: 2021 TOYOTA RAV4
The RAV4 ekes out a win here, supplying all-important smartphone integration features on every trim level. In these days of distraction, it's tough not to reach for your smartphone, even when you're driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology have you covered though, giving you access to your phone's voice controls and displaying apps on the central touchscreen (a 7-inch in the RAV4).
The base 2021 Ford Edge comes standard with some cool infotainment features, including a handy Wi-Fi hotspot. The Edge offers all the latest smartphone integration gear too. You just have to upgrade to the third-tier Edge SEL to get items like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL also includes Ford's excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system and all that it entails (8-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports).
STANDARD SAFETY: IT'S A TIE!
The 2021 Ford Edge comes standard with Ford's new Co-Pilot 360 package. This suite of driver-assist technology aims for maximum protection, with systems to keep you in the proper lane and hit the brakes in the face of an oncoming crash. The Edge even boosts your visibility with auto high-beam headlamps and a nifty rearview camera.
The Toyota RAV4 is another big name in the safety game. Its standard suite of safety aids is known as Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes the same kind of lifesaver features you see on the Edge (forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist). Although these systems are now routinely featured on modern crossovers, they're not always standard equipment. For high-tech safety, the Edge and the RAV4 definitely stand apart from competitors.
We must admit that the redesigned Toyota RAV4 is pretty cool. However, when you're in the market for a crossover that balances sporty capabilities with family-style comfort, it's tough to beat the 2021 Ford Edge. Ford's mid-size crossover is the clear winner of this particular competition.