2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect, reminiscent of previous generations. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally revealing the base trim's influence.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric crossover SUV, embraced Mustang styling cues, which initially surprised enthusiasts. However, this design choice proved successful, with over 150,000 units built since its 2021 debut. In Canada, the Mach-E was available in Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT trims, priced from $56,995 to $92,745, excluding a $2,195 destination charge. The Mach-E GT, with its distinctive look, featured revised bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance, blending past, present, and future in an appealing package.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. This engine allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrains, with standard-range and extended-range battery packs and single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD systems. Power ranged from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque between 317 and 634 pound-feet, and driving ranges from 360 to 502 kilometres. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition featured an extended-range battery and AWD, producing 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds and a range of 418 kilometres. The Mach-E GT offered Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The EV's driving dynamics were impressive, with consistent brakes and a firm suspension, though the ride quality was less satisfying. The Mach-E GT was efficient, achieving 22.9 kWh per 100 kilometres, better than the official estimate.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. Fully equipped models offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage, though it included built-in cupholders and a hands-free power liftgate, offering 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,132 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, balanced function and form, seating up to five people with 965 litres of cargo space, including a front trunk. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console with ample storage. The rear seat accommodated up to three children or two adults comfortably, with a panoramic glass roof enhancing the airy environment. The Mach-E offered 841 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,691 litres with seats folded, and a 133-litre frunk designed for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen integrated well with the interior, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The older Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, SiriusXM 360L, navigation, and wireless charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided access to climate control and vehicle settings. The system was user-friendly, though a radio tuning knob and driving mode button would be beneficial. Sync 4A supported natural voice recognition, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display. The Mach-E also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. The Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also included post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The system operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity was an issue.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E included Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving was standard, with a 90-day trial for Select models. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. The system performed well, though a head-up display would improve usability. The Mach-E received top safety marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.