The edmunds car comparison side by side tool is a free online feature that displays detailed, side-by-side performance, pricing, and feature comparisons between two or more vehicles. It aggregates data from Edmunds' editorial team, consumer reviews, and real-world testing to help buyers make informed decisions.
Users select up to four vehicles and view them in a structured table format. The tool compares engine size, fuel efficiency, cargo space, safety scores, and pricing across trim levels. It also includes expert ratings and user sentiment from thousands of real owner reviews.
For example, comparing a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid shows the RAV4 achieves 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the CR-V gets 38 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The RAV4 also offers a larger standard cargo area (38 cubic feet vs. 32 cubic feet) and higher safety ratings from the IIHS.
When you enter two or more vehicles into the tool, Edmunds pulls live data from its internal database, which is updated weekly. The system cross-references manufacturer specifications, crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA, and historical reliability reports from J.D. Power.
Each comparison row includes metrics like horsepower, torque, transmission type, and drive configuration. For example, the 2023 Ford Escape Titanium AWD has 250 hp and a 2.0L turbocharged engine, while the 2023 Subaru Forester Limited AWD uses a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with 182 hp. The tool highlights differences in acceleration and towing capacity.
Edmunds also integrates real-time pricing data from dealerships across the U.S., showing average transaction prices and incentives. This allows users to see not just sticker price, but what people are actually paying.
The tool displays six core categories: performance, fuel economy, interior space, safety, features, and pricing. Each category is scored on a scale from 1 to 10, based on editorial analysis and objective benchmarks.
| Category | Key Metrics | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Horsepower, 0-60 mph time, braking distance | Edmunds road tests |
| Fuel Economy | City/highway/combined MPG, EPA estimates | EPA and real-world testing |
| Safety | IIHS Top Safety Pick status, NHTSA score | IIHS, NHTSA |
| Interior Space | Cargo volume, rear legroom, headroom | Measured in inches |
| Features | Standard tech, infotainment options, driver aids | Edmunds review team |
| Pricing | MSRP, average transaction price, incentives | Dealer network data |
A non-obvious detail: Edmunds assigns a "Value Score" based on cost per point of performance and feature availability. A 2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL with a 1.6L turbo engine earns a 7.8 out of 10 in value, while a similarly equipped 2023 Kia Sportage SX scores 8.1 due to better warranty coverage and lower long-term ownership costs.
Many assume the tool reflects subjective opinion. It does not. All ratings are derived from measurable data, including independent road tests and standardized crash evaluations. Edmunds does not accept payment from automakers to influence scores.
Another mistake is thinking the tool includes lease or financing rates. It does not. The pricing shown is MSRP and average transaction price. Users must consult a lender or dealership for loan terms.
Some users expect side-by-side photos. The tool shows only icons and model images. Detailed photo galleries are available on individual vehicle pages.
I tested the tool while researching a midsize SUV for my family. I compared the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, 2023 Nissan Murano Platinum, and 2023 Subaru Outback Limited. I filtered for all-wheel drive, 3-row seating, and a 3.5L engine.
The CX-5 had the highest fuel economy (25 mpg city, 32 highway), but the Murano offered 40 cubic feet of cargo space and a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Outback had the most standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
Go to Edmunds.com and search for any two vehicles. Click "Compare" under the vehicle listing. You can save up to four vehicles in a session and export the comparison as a PDF.
The tool is optimized for desktop and mobile. On smartphones, the layout collapses into a vertical scroll with expandable sections. It supports filtering by price range, fuel type, and drivetrain.
Edmunds maintains transparency: all data sources are cited beneath each metric. For example, fuel economy numbers include a footnote stating "Based on EPA estimates and real-world testing conducted by Edmunds in 2023."
For deeper insight, the tool links to full vehicle reviews, video walkarounds, and owner feedback threads. These complement the side-by-side data with narrative context.
Using edmunds car comparison side by side reduces decision fatigue by presenting complex data in a structured, visual format. It's especially useful when evaluating trade-offs between comfort, efficiency, and long-term ownership costs.