2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride with ample cabin space. By 2015, the second generation had arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite its fresh look, the Edge's design was slightly behind competitors like Honda and Toyota, who frequently updated their models. The Edge's exterior featured angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the layout had remained largely unchanged since 2015, with minor updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by the use of hard plastics.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to connect with the traditional Mustang through its exterior styling, featuring thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. The interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel akin to Tesla's electric cars. Interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the lack of leather upholstery. The First Edition models boasted unique trim elements, such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, distinguishing them from other trims.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a refined and engaging drive. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It had standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a Sport mode enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to be sporty, with rear-wheel drive as standard. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful configuration was the AWD GT Performance Edition, with 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The test car had a lower-level AWD powertrain, offering 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. It featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and offered one-pedal driving.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, providing a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row head- and legroom were generous, ensuring comfort without adjusting the front seats. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This was more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee but slightly less than a Nissan Murano or Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims included a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was low, and the roofline didn't create a spacious feel, similar to the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.4. The Mach-E fell short on interior space compared to the Model Y, which offered more headroom and legroom and a three-row configuration. The Mach-E provided 840 litres of cargo space with the second row in place and 1,690 litres with it folded. It also featured a 133-litre front trunk. The interior included a storage bin under a flip-up armrest and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use icons and a home button. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the need for additional navigation costs. The Edge also had two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. A semi-digital instrument panel was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA software updates. The main touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with a nine-speaker B&O sound system on higher trims. The touchscreen's size was its standout feature, though its text-heavy design was less appealing. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a large volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls.

The 2020 Ford Edge included front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top crash test ratings. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways. This feature was standard on higher trims and available as an option on the Select trim.