2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 a large, albeit non-functional, oval grille. The taillights mimicked the original Mustang's design, featuring sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior colour palette, including the eye-catching Grabber Blue, further reinforced the Mustang connection. Inside, the Mach-E's interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel reminiscent of 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 the higher trim levels.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design that could easily be mistaken for its first-generation predecessor, save for the signature Lexus spindle grille and modern lighting elements. The cabin, however, was a testament to Lexus's legendary craftsmanship, offering a smooth and refined experience. The GX's interior was quiet, with only the faint sound of the V8 engine reaching the occupants. The vehicle was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750, excluding destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $80,550. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior quality and comfort were undeniable, providing a luxurious experience for its occupants.

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 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque, with a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain, delivering 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, reaching 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 offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable propulsion sounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its base curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, was equipped with a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 2,948 kilograms and achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40% to the front and 60% to the rear wheels. The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its V8 engine and 4WD system, resulted in a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's ride quality, providing stability and security. Despite its age, the GX remained capable off-road, though its slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its packaging resembled that of a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was relatively low, and the low roofline did not create a sense of spaciousness, even with the 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 an optional three-row configuration. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 1,690 litres 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, a wireless charging pad, and USB ports for both rows.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior was comfortable, with physical controls and NuLuxe upholstery in the Black Line Special Edition. The GX's rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row and 1,322 litres with it folded. The side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates. The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its text-heavy design was not user-friendly. The system included a large volume knob, but climate controls were managed through touchscreen icons. Premium, GT, and First Edition models came with a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The 2022 Lexus GX was equipped with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and a CD player. The GX also featured a dual-screen view, allowing simultaneous display of navigation and radio information. The voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top crash-test ratings and minor deductions for certain headlights and LATCH ease of use. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors.