2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between its electric SUV form and the iconic Mustang coupe and convertible through its exterior design. Despite having four doors and a rear hatch, the Mach-E retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and a prominent oval grille, albeit non-functional. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, featuring sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior colour palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further reinforced the Mustang connection. Inside, the Mach-E's interior was dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel akin to Tesla's electric cars. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of a leather-upholstery option, even in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. The GV80's two-box design was made elegant by a long hood and a short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and the distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard emphasizing width and spaciousness. The cabin was adorned with authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather, beautifully finished and fitted, creating a truly luxurious interior.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to live up to the Mustang name with its sporty performance. It came standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and offered a range of powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. All models in Canada came with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort by predicting road conditions. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T engine delivered a smoother and stronger performance. The GV80's fuel consumption estimates were 11.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/10.5 combined for the 2.5T and 12.9 L/100 km city/10.4 highway/11.8 combined for the 3.5T.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. Its low driving position and roofline did not create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with the Model Y providing more headroom and legroom and a three-row, seven-seat configuration. The Mach-E had 1,690 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and 840 litres with the second row in place. It also featured a 133-litre front trunk (frunk) and a decent-sized storage bin between the front seats.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a centre console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. The GV80's second row was comfortable and roomy for two adults, with power second-row rear seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50. The GV80's interior featured a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC control panel, providing a high-tech and luxurious experience.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was one of the first Ford vehicles to feature the new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air software updates. The main infotainment touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. The touchscreen's size was its most notable feature, as its text-heavy design made it difficult to navigate. The Mach-E also included a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims featuring a nine-speaker B&O by Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was the sixth-generation Genesis UX, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and received over-the-air updates. The GV80 offered a near-field communication (NFC) digital key function for Android users, allowing the vehicle to recognize the driver's profile and configure settings accordingly. The GV80 came with five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing various remote and safety features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were standard on higher trims, and the Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top ratings for crash testing. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. The Mach-E was also set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera monitoring for distraction.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a range of driver assistance and safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function based on the driver's behaviour, and the available Remote Smart Parking Assist automated parking in various scenarios.