The 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
The 2020 Honda Pilot comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed automatic.No major changes for 2020.New top-line Black Edition trim level.
Pros A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats Ride is smooth and compliant in most conditions Better fuel economy than rivals Multiple clever storage compartments
Cons Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Third-row access is narrow
For 2020, the Honda Pilot receives the mildest of updates. Along with a small price increase, the Pilot lineup adds a new range-topping model called the Black Edition. Honda fans will recognize that the same edition is available on the Ridgeline mid-size pickup truck. Likewise, the Pilot Black Edition has standard all-wheel drive, blacked-out exterior bits, and red interior accents.
Pros Strong and efficient V-6, roomy and practical interior, plenty of available tech.
Cons Clunky six-speed automatic transmission, minivan-like appearance, frustrating touchscreen.
The 2020 Honda Pilot is a three-row family crossover at the top of its class.
Pros Handsome looks Good seats all the way around Comfortable power Standard active safety tech Good infotainment on most versions
Cons Base model skimp on features Too conservative? 9-speed isn’t much more fuel-efficient Top trims lack convincing luxury features
