2022 Ford Edge vs Honda CR-V

As you shop around for a new small SUV to add to your garage, you might be somewhat surprised to find out just how inundated the market is with these vehicles right now. This is indeed an incredibly competitive segment, and all of these small SUVs are attempting best one another in terms of power, fuel economy, and included technological features. Two such rivals that will probably end up on your to-best-test-driven list are the 2022 Ford Edge and the 2022 Nissan Rogue, and boy, do they compete well with one another.

The 2022 Ford Edge is characterized by plushily padded seats and enough space in the cabin for all passengers - not to mention the amount of luggage you can stack up in the cargo area. You can take your pick from several performance-based yet fuel-efficient engines. And, even when you get up to speed on the highway, this cabin remains tranquil.

You will have to put up with the Edge's outdated interior design and controls layout. Also, the Edge's thick roof pillars spell diminished rear visibility and massive blind spots. With bumps making it into the cabin and the transmission's unrefined nature, the ride isn't always as smooth as you might like.

Given that it was recently redesigned for its current generation, the 2022 Nissan Rogue excels at blending both engine power and fuel economy. With an EPA rated 33 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving on the front-wheel drive (FWD) equipped base Rogue, there is little doubt that the Rogue appeals to buyers on stricter budgets.

The 2022 Honda CR-V blends quick acceleration with fuel efficiency from its standard engine. The ride shows some athleticism, especially with how it handles - not to mention its smooth ride quality. The interior is thoughtfully crafted with plenty of space, small item storage areas, and a versatile cargo area design. On top of that, the line-topping Touring trim now has standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

But, unfortunately, there is no separate tuning knob, which makes the already-finicky touchscreen infotainment display somewhat difficult to use. Also, the CR-V's 1,500-pound max towing capacity sits well below industry average.

Which one of these two small SUVs is going to hit the sweet spot? Does one offer more all-around value than the other? Which price tag best fits your budget? Read through this comparison review to find out.

The Powertrain

A strong powertrain can make owning a small SUV a fantastic experience. You won't need to spend a lot of time planning how you're going to merge onto or pass another vehicle on the highway. On the flip side, an under-powered powertrain can leave you feeling as though you're being left in the dust by every other vehicle on the road with you.

The 2022 Ford Edge's trims (except for the ST) come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (which generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque) matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the ST, there's a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine that makes 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive is standard across the board.

The turbo 4-cyl can cruise from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is good enough for this segment. Steering, braking, and handling are predictable and well-mannered although lacking in sport. You might want to engage Sport mode since every other mode leads to the transmission pausing too long to search for gears. The accelerator is also slow to respond.

When you equip the turbo 4-cyl, you can get a good return on fuel It gets an EPA estimated 23 mpg in combined driving. Real-world tests show that this number is achievable in everyday driving.

The 2022 Honda CR-V is powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts forth 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It is matched up to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT, for short). There is standard FWD with AWD being an option on every trim level but the Touring, on which it has just been made standard issue. If you're interested, there is also a CR-V Hybrid available from Honda that receives even better fuel economy.

The turbo engine is snappy on the uptake, getting from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 8.2 seconds. While this isn't exactly riveting, it is a decent showing for this segment. The CVT is refined when it comes to transitioning between gears, plus it has the added benefit of being a bit more fuel savvy than a regular automatic transmission. Handling feels secure and even a bit sporty for this segment, and the steering feels precise and responsive.

The EPA estimates that the FWD CR-V will get 30 mpg in combined driving while the AWD models should pull about 29 mpg combined. While this puts the CR-V near the top of its segment, achieving these numbers is linked to driving style. If you have a lead foot, you will probably see some lower numbers. But if you are gentle on the accelerator, you will see a return that is closer to these estimates.

Drivability

Drivability is an all-encompassing term that we use to describe how well-rounded a vehicle is as a daily driver. How comfortable is a vehicle to ride around in? Is the ride quality cozy and plush enough without being floaty? Are the interior materials of a high enough quality? Are the cabin's controls logically laid out? Are the tech features easy to use and able to work as described? How much cargo space is available, and how easy is it to use? These are some of the major factors we talk about when discussing a vehicle's drivability.

The 2022 Ford Edge has cozy front seats with plenty of bolstering. Although the rear seats are flat and uncomfortable, the seatback does have a reclining ability that helps. Moderately sized bumps are dampened just fine, but smaller bumps make for a rough ride. The cabin is insulated against exterior sound, and the climate control system works well save for a few odd clicking sounds that you can hear if you don't have the sound system on.

The Edge's cabin is spacious enough for all occupants, and the primary controls are straightforward. Secondary controls are a little more awkward, and the layout looks rather outdated. Getting in and out is easy thanks to the wide door sills, and you get a lot of adjustability from the steering wheel and driver's seat.

The new Sync infotainment system includes a 12-inch touchscreen display, and the navigation display is so responsive and sharp that it is truly one of the best models out there. 4G LTE WIFI hot-spot connectivity and smartphone app integration are standard. Two front USB ports, several 12-volt outlets, and an optional 110-volt household-style outlet can help you stay connected and charged.

Given the 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row, you get a lot of cargo space. When the 60/40-split folding rear seats are taken down, you get more pass-through room, although the seats don't fully fold flat. While the LATCH system has some accessible anchors, those rear-facing car seats might be a squeeze to fit in the back.

Moving onto the 2022 Honda CR-V. This small SUV has a comfy ride quality despite the fact that some wind and tire noise make their way in at highway speeds. Even on rougher road surfaces, the suspension remains composed, dispatching bumps and ruts of all sizes even with the optional 19-inch tires equipped on the Touring trim. The front seats provide ample support for longer drives, and the reclining rear seatback adds some comfort for those sitting in the back. The only pitfall is that the automatic climate control system does not always maintain the temperature you set it at and takes some adjustment.

Getting into the CR-V's cabin is easy enough thanks to its wide door sills, and once you're in, you can adjust the steering wheel and driver's seat to your liking. You will feel how spacious the cabin is, and it outdoes a lot of the competition in that regard. The physical controls on the dash are easy to use, but those buried in the touchscreen menus are more difficult. Also, sunlight will wash out the display on the digital temperature gauge.

That being said, technology is straightforward for most people to use. Smartphone app integration is standard on all but the base LX trim level. The higher trims add on two USB ports in the rear that are charge-only. The voice controls could use some fine-tuning, and of course, the touchscreen menus are kind of clunky. The navigation screen produces some crisp, clear graphics though.

With 9.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the CR-V offers a lot of space to work with in the cargo area. You can max the cargo volume out to 75.8 cubic feet by folding the rear seats down, and they go pretty flat. There are also plenty of small item storage areas located throughout the cabin, with the center console's deep bin and configurable sliding tray being quite handy. The LATCH system makes installing car seats in the back effortless enough, and you will have plenty of space available for those seats. You'll probably just find yourself wishing the CR-V had about 2,000 pounds more in towing capacity, as it sits at a measly 1,500 pounds max.

Safety

Safety is a major concern for basically every driver out there on the road. Auto makers are undeniably aware of the demand for advanced safety features and designs. Both Ford and Nissan are well versed in how to create functional driver aids and include quite a few of them on their vehicles.

The 2022 Ford Edge offers the standard Ford Co-Pilot360. This bundle includes automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, and a lane keep system. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds the nav system, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Titanium trim has front parking sensors, and you can opt for the Lux package, which offers Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, a front-facing camera, and an automated parking system.

Honda outfits its vehicles with a bundle of driver aids. These include forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. A multi-angle rear-view camera is also standard, with dynamic guidelines coming on the higher trim levels. On the EX and above, you get a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Which Has the Best Value?

As you finalize your purchasing decisions, consider what lends to a vehicle's value for you. Which vehicle has the most value overall? Test-driving a vehicle can only tell you so much. This is why buyers should always inquire into pricing, warranty coverage, and how current or previous owners rate these vehicles in their online reviews.

Ford imbibes the 2022 Edge with plenty of value. Advanced safety features, technology, and comfort make the Edge a vehicle that appeals to many buyers. Its fuel economy also helps. Its roadside assistance coverage is lengthier than that offered by other manufacturers, but the interior build quality is in serious need of an update.

2022 Honda CR-V owners will get a lot of value from their vehicles too. Its interior build quality is pristine and oozes a higher than usual quality for this segment. The leather upholstery in the higher trim levels looks positively chic, and the standard turbo engine serves plenty of power without sipping too heavily on fuel. Warranty coverage and roadside assistance are all industry average though.

Which is Better?

The 2022 Ford Edge is bested by the 2022 Honda CR-V, which delivers an all-around superb performance. While a few things could use some improvement, there are no deal breakers to be found on the CR-V. These vehicles also have a long history of reliability, so you know you are getting something that is built to endure. As far as daily driver small SUVs are concerned, the CR-V gives you a ton of value, placing it above most of its competitors. But don't totally discount the Ford Edge if you are indeed shopping on a tight budget.