2013 Ford Edge vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

With five seats, available all-wheel drive, and at least one version with a 30-mpg EPA highway rating, the Ford Edge draws fire from some top sellers in the crossover segment.

The Chevy Equinox has a four-cylinder model with a 32-mpg highway rating; it's nciely styled and trimmed, with good packaging that includes a sliding second-row seat.

The Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza don't quite hit the same fuel-economy numbers, but both are stylish entries with underpinnings that have a reputation for durability (Altima, Camry).

In Ford's own lineup, two other crossovers are worth a long look before you choose an Edge: the latest Explorer has seven seats, but the third row's a little smaller than some; it has the same powertrains as the Edge but adds a turbocharged V-6 this year in a Sport model that's an SHO in all but name.

The 2013 Escape is a little smaller than the Edge, but much more nimble, and its top mileage numbers reach an EPA-estimated 33 mpg.