2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior colour palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further reinforced its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a massive 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a modern and elegant exterior, fitting seamlessly into the Lexus lineup. Its design featured a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was equally sophisticated, offering high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for three adults in the rear. The Venza's design prioritized comfort and practicality, making it an appealing choice for families seeking a refined midsize crossover.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver sporty performance, 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 configuration, 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. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension compromised ride quality, especially with the 19-inch wheels. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable braking feel.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the rear electric motors providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, while regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than aggressive cornering. Its hybrid powertrain offered a seamless driving experience, free from the concerns of charging infrastructure and range anxiety.

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 did not create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with 1,690 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and 840 litres with it in place. The Mach-E also featured a 133-litre front trunk. Interior storage included a decent-sized bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and numerous storage options. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota prioritized a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout, resulting in a serene driving experience.

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 user-friendly. The system included a large volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models boasted a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging concerns. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while XLE and Limited models featured a 12.3-inch screen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The Limited trim added a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E received a Top Safety Pick rating from 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, and adaptive cruise control. 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 Toyota Venza also earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Venza featured eight airbags, LATCH anchors, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. XLE and Limited models added parking assist with automated braking and a surround-view camera.