2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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. A vibrant exterior colour palette, including the striking 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, such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, distinguishing them from other variants.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its recognizable brand identity while adding character. The XC90's design retained traditional Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a rectangular grille, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching. The XC90's interior embodied "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangement. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end feel. The XC90's interior was designed for comfort, with features like a power sunroof and four-zone climate control enhancing the spacious feel.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver a sporty driving experience, living up to the Mustang name. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, outperforming more expensive competitors like the Audi E-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a low-mounted battery pack providing a planted feel. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable propulsion sounds.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant, with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models in Canada came with standard AWD. Despite the power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing comfort and keeping body roll in check. The cabin was quiet, enhancing the luxury experience, and the XC90 had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a design more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The 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 headroom and legroom, and lacked a three-row seating option. The Mach-E provided 1,690 litres of cargo space with the second row folded, and 840 litres with it in place, surpassing the Audi E-Tron. A 133-litre front trunk added extra storage. The interior featured 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 for both rows.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile enhanced the spacious feel. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Storage was limited, with a shallow centre console bin. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford’s new Sync 4 infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its text-heavy design was not visually appealing. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with a nine-speaker B&O system available on higher trims. The touchscreen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate control, which some found less intuitive than traditional buttons.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and HUD were optional. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available, limiting front-seat connectivity.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top crash-test ratings and minor deductions for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane centring. Active Drive Assist, offering hands-free driving on highways, was available on higher trims, with a $600 OTA update for activation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.