2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between traditional Mustang styling and modern electric vehicle design. Despite its four-door configuration and 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, complete with sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior colour options, such as Grabber Blue, further emphasized its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, reminiscent of Tesla's approach. 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. The First Edition models offered unique trim elements, but the primary allure was their early production status.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, ensuring a high-quality appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, enhancing convenience. The second and third-row seats provided comfort for adults, with the second row offering flexibility for maximum utility. Overall, the Sienna's design focused on practicality and comfort, catering to families and passengers alike.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to uphold the Mustang's sporty reputation, featuring a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration by default. The base RWD Select model delivered 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful variant, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Our test car, equipped with a lower-level AWD powertrain, offered 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E's handling was commendable, with responsive steering and a planted feel, although the ride quality suffered due to the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels. Ford provided three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved significantly with new suspension and steering systems, offering a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. The Sienna Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, offered a driving position akin to a station wagon or hatchback. Despite a panoramic glass roof, the low roofline limited the sense of spaciousness. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short in interior space, lacking the headroom and legroom offered by its competitor. The Mach-E provided 1,690 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and 840 litres with it in place, along with a 133-litre front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports for both rows.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, offering a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, catering to passengers' needs. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements included 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to the family-friendly features.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air software updates. The centrepiece was a 15.5-inch touchscreen, accompanied by a 10.2-inch instrument cluster. While the touchscreen's size was impressive, its text-heavy design detracted from usability. The Mach-E included a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons handling climate controls.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. The Sienna offered a range of connectivity features, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with digital rearview mirrors available on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top crash-test ratings and minor deductions for certain headlights and LATCH ease of use. 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 set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated driving on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera monitoring for distraction.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, ensuring child safety. A tire pressure monitoring system was standard, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.