2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

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

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior exuded a sense of luxury despite its dated appearance. The plush, premium leather upholstery covered the tall, supportive seats, and the front seats were both heated and ventilated. The Land Cruiser offered a commanding view from its high seating position, and the second-row bench seat provided ample room for three passengers, complete with heated cushions. The third-row seat, while accommodating, lacked leg support for longer journeys. The Land Cruiser's cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate, offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

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 60 mph 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 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Mach-E's handling was commendable, with responsive steering and a low-mounted battery pack that provided a planted feel. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and offered one-pedal driving for regenerative braking.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivered a hushed acceleration experience. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided robust off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and various traction control systems ensured optimal performance on challenging terrain. It featured mud-and-snow tires, a full-size spare, and a sophisticated suspension system for maximum wheel articulation. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight required more effort when maneuvering. The SUV was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

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 didn't create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short in interior space, offering less headroom and legroom. The Mach-E provided 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with it in place. It also featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior included a storage bin under a flip-up armrest and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while luxurious, offered limited storage space. The center console housed a parking brake handle and various controls, with a small compartment serving as a wireless smartphone charger. The front seats were tall and supportive, with automatic heating and ventilation. The second-row bench seat accommodated three passengers comfortably, and the third-row seat, though less supportive, could fit adults if the second row was adjusted. The Land Cruiser's cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate, offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, which included 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. Premium, GT, and First Edition models came with a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen's design was text-heavy, with large blocks of text that made it difficult to navigate. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler time. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology, lacking the depth and functionality of more modern systems. The Land Cruiser did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and its voice-recognition system was limited. The dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, making it easy to adjust settings without distraction. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with 11.6-inch displays that weren't touchscreens. The Land Cruiser came with a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system, though it didn't match the quality of other high-end systems.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time. It came with standard driver-assist features, including automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Mach-E was also set to receive Active Drive Assist, which would enable automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways. This feature was not available at launch but could be added via an over-the-air update.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, with its 10 airbags and substantial curb weight, offered a good chance of survival in a collision. However, it lacked crash-test ratings. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems were standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. It did not offer more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control or automated lane-keeping.