Kelley Blue Book: Which is better—the 2020 Ford Edge or the Nissan Murano?

Take a look at how these two old hands stack up in the growing midsize SUV segment. Read More...

The 2020 Ford Edge and 2020 Nissan Rogue were among the first 2-row midsize SUVs to hit the market. Let’s see how these two old hands stack up in this growing segment.

2020 Ford Edge

2020 Ford Edge starting price: $32,195

Above average: Plenty of power; good, usable cargo space; sporty ST trim; Ford F, -0.25% Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver aids comes standard.

Below average: Not suited for serious off-roading; lower resale value than some competitors; wide pillars hamper outward vision.

Consensus: The 2020 Ford Edge is a competent, well equipped and powerful midsize crossover SUV that has plenty of space for five passengers and their luggage. It also offers a powerful alternative in the ST trim level.

2020 Nissan Murano

2020 Nissan Murano starting price: $32,625

Above average: Comfortable and refined; standard V6 power; great ride.

Below average: Only one engine and transmission choice; cargo space trails some rivals; not overly fun to drive; big blind spots.

Consensus: The Nissan NSANY, +2.41% Murano is a refined and comfortable 5-passenger SUV packing a powerful standard V6 engine. It has sleek styling and is more suited to urban cruises than off-road adventures.

Edge vs. Murano: Two old hands go head-to-head

Ford Edge

Having been updated for 2019, the Ford Edge is a capable midsize SUV. It’s the first member of Ford’s SUV class to receive the sporty ST treatment featuring a 335-horsepower twin-turbo V6. But even without the V6, the base turbocharged I4 is more than adequate to motivate the Edge. Ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and handling.

You might like: Ch eck out VW’s new Taos compact SUV

The ST model offers spirited dynamics, but with the attendant harsh ride over rough surfaces. Given that it only offers two rows of seats, there is also plenty of room in the Edge for passengers and cargo, with ample legroom in the second row and 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with that row folded. Beware, however, that it’s wide, so take care in tight parking spaces.

The Edge is expensive starting in the $32,000 range and topping above $50,000 for a loaded ST model. Resale values are only average.

Nissan Murano

Slotting in Nissan’s lineup between Pathfinder and Rogue, the 2020 Nissan Murano is a 5-passenger SUV that comes with a robust V6 engine and a very comfortable ride. The Murano is focused more on a plushness than being rugged.

Its optional all-wheel-drive provides confidence in inclement weather instead of true off-road ability. The focus on comfort detracts from agility, so the Murano’s not a spirited drive on curvy roads. The Nissan Murano is offered with V6-only power, but the engine, mated to a CVT, is solid.

More: This year’s best hybrid SUVs

We appreciate the Murano’s styling, which is curvier than its boxier competitors, and aside from the base model with its cloth seats, the Murano’s interior is spiffy, particularly the top-level Platinum trim with its leather interior. Another reason to skip the base model is that it’s the only one without Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technology that offers driver and safety assists.

Similarities

Available all-wheel drive; plenty of room for five; comparably priced.

Ford Edge advantages

More than one engine choice; sporty ST model; more cargo space.

Nissan Murano advantages

Sleek styling; nicer interior; more powerful base engine.

Final recommendation

Although well-established in the segment, both the Edge and Murano continue to evolve. The Nissan offers a base V6, plusher cabin, and more comfy ride. But the Edge has the edge with more engine choices, more cargo space, and a sporty ST option.

Compare the specs of both cars at KBB.com.

This story originally ran on KBB.com