2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a stalwart in the SUV market, continued its second generation into its 14th year without substantial changes. Its exterior design, characterized by a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, maintained a classic appeal amidst evolving SUV trends. The Sequoia's dimensions—1,956 mm in height, 2,030 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in length—contributed to its imposing presence, complemented by a 3,099 mm wheelbase and 32 cm of ground clearance. Inside, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. However, the interior's build quality was typical of Toyota, with high-quality materials and a robust construction designed to withstand family use.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced a modern, stylish design that cleverly incorporated Mustang styling cues into a five-door crossover SUV. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Mach-E's design resonated with consumers, contributing to its popularity. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel reminiscent of a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede upholstery, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim. The interior's design seamlessly blended past, present, and future elements, offering a sophisticated and upscale experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension and optional Fox shocks on the TRD Pro model.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrain options, with the GT Performance Edition featuring an extended-range battery and AWD drivetrain. This configuration produced 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Mach-E GT to accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.7 seconds. The Mach-E GT's driving dynamics were impressive, with various driving modes, including an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. While the steering lacked the sharpness expected from a performance vehicle, the Mach-E GT's overall driving experience was exciting, with efficient energy usage and a firm yet controlled ride.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV design, provided seating for up to five people and 965 litres of cargo space, including a front trunk. The Mach-E GT's interior featured performance seats with unique upholstery, a tiered centre console with ample storage, and a panoramic glass roof for an airy feel. The rear seats offered sufficient legroom for passengers, and the cargo area expanded to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded. The Mach-E's frunk added an additional 133 litres of storage, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system lacked the modern features found in competitors. The Sequoia's technology under the hood also lagged, with no electrification options available. However, the SUV featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E boasted a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and a comprehensive trip computer. The Mach-E's Bang & Olufsen sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the digital instrumentation display offered essential driving data. The Mach-E also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also included the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. The Mach-E featured BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, with new features like lane-change and predictive speed assist. While BlueCruise was impressive, it required constant driver attention. The Mach-E received top safety ratings from IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 and 2023, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.