2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 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 of the test car, further reinforced the Mustang connection. Inside, the Mach-E 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 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was a testament to timeless style, with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing 1,956 mm tall, 2,030 mm wide, and 5,210 mm long, with a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was evident, with a dated design compared to modern SUVs. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen seemed out of place in a market dominated by larger digital displays. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability, making it suitable for families.

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 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 AWD GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, 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 of torque, achieving 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 Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing its versatility.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on the highway, with excellent anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, especially in the TRD Pro model with Fox shocks. The Sequoia's turning circle and sightlines made it a practical choice for suburban driving.

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 low, and the low 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 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. The interior included a storage bin under a flip-up armrest and a flat area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports for both rows.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering roomy seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The centre console and glove compartment provided generous storage, while rear passengers had cup holders and power access. The Sequoia's cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, accommodating 535 litres of luggage behind the third row. With the third row folded, it offered 1,886 litres of cargo space, expanding to 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was equipped with Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring 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. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with higher trims offering a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen's size was its standout feature, but its text-heavy design made it less user-friendly. Climate controls were managed through touchscreen icons and sliders, which some found less intuitive than traditional buttons.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by modern digital dashboards. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

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. This feature was standard on higher trims and available as an option on the Select trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a full complement of airbags. Its robust safety features aimed to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.