2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a refined design, riding on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K platform. This midsize crossover SUV measured 4,739 millimetres in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 196 mm. Its exterior design was modern and elegant, featuring a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E shocked traditionalists by blending Mustang styling with a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems and bold rear fender haunches, resonated with consumers. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its aggressive look, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, a high-end cabin with metallic and gloss-black trim, and two rectangular display screens. The Mach-E successfully combined style, quality, and technology, appealing to those seeking a modern electric vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for a balance between electric and gas drive, optimizing efficiency and performance. The Venza offered various drive modes, including electric-only operation for short distances, and utilized regenerative braking to recharge its lithium-ion battery. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Venza provided a sprightly performance and agile handling, making it a suitable midsize family hauler.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrains, with horsepower ranging from 266 to 480, and torque from 317 to 634 pound-feet. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition, with its extended-range battery and AWD drivetrain, delivered 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. It featured driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for racetrack use. The Mach-E GT impressed with its fast acceleration and overall driving dynamics, though its steering lacked the sharp response expected from a performance vehicle. Despite a firm suspension, the Mach-E GT offered an exciting driving experience and proved more efficient than expected during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Venza provided seating for five, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, ensuring comfort for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and multiple storage options. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats minimally impacted cargo capacity, offering 816 litres of luggage space, expandable to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, adding sound-blocking materials for a serene driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV configuration, offered seating for five and 965 litres of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console with ample storage. The rear seats provided sufficient legroom for passengers, and the standard panoramic glass roof added to the airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo space expanded to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded, and the frunk offered an additional 133 litres of storage. The Mach-E's design prioritized both form and function, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. Its Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited models offered a 12.3-inch display, JBL audio system, and additional features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided various connectivity options, ensuring a well-rounded infotainment experience.

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 learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access. Despite the comprehensive infotainment system, Ford simplified the user experience, ensuring ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It included eight airbags, LATCH anchors for child seats, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered driver aids like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added new features like lane-change and predictive speed assist. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 and 2023. However, NHTSA ratings for the 2023 model were incomplete at the time of review.