Every so often an SUV comes along that seems almost perfect. Well-rounded perfection in this class is a combination of great technology, superior fuel economy, and great cargo space. That's what we look for in a family sport utility vehicle anyway. In this comparison guide, let's see which of these two compact SUVs--the Honda CR-V or the Ford Edge--achieves those lofty heights.
Technology: 2018 Honda CR-V
Even the base model of the 2018 Honda CR-V is brimming with tech. You get single-zone automatic climate control, rear view camera, 6-way manual-adjust driver's seat, cruise control, and 4-speaker audio system with 5-inch color screen and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The only drawback, and it's a big one, is that the infotainment can be frustratingly slow and unintuitive. If you can live with that, you'll be happy with all the CR-V tech option on offer.
Step into the Ford Edge and you'll find less tech overall. The base trim level gives you keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera, and the basic Sync system with 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with USB input and Bluetooth connectivity. The Sync system is nothing to brag about but step up a trim and you'll find the much nicer SYNC 3 available.
Fuel Economy: 2018 Honda CR-V
This one isn't even close. The 2018 Honda CR-V gets a surprising 27 city and 33 highway miles per gallon. That's best in its class. Even some smaller cars can't best those numbers. And in the CR-V, you can go up to 450 miles on a full tank of gas.*
By contrast, the 2018 Ford Edge gets only 17 city and 26 highway miles per gallon. If you get the EcoBoost engine, you can push that to 21 city, 29 highway, but that's still well short of what the CR-V can provide.
Cargo Capacity: Tie
If there's one area where the Ford Edge can compete it's cargo capacity. Both the 2018 Honda CR-V and the Ford Edge boast 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That's outstanding cargo capacity for the class, both of them being trendsetters. Fold the seats down, however, and the CR-V has 3 cubic feet on the Edge. That's 76 cubes in the CR-V and 73 in the Edge. Those numbers are close enough that we'll call this one a tie.
The CR-V is a triple threat. Great gas mileage, brimming with technology, and almost unrivaled cargo capacity. This comparison guide has a winner: the 2018 Honda CR-V.
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml.
** Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program. Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). For additional information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, please visit www.safercar.gov.