2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, and a numbered plaque, making it a collector's item. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past, offering a rugged and enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was functional, with a solid build quality, though it featured a lot of plastic. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on, which was a testament to its practical design.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was a bold move by Ford, blending Mustang styling cues with a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Mach-E's design was a hit, tying it visually to the iconic pony car. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with its artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim. The interior was a blend of past, present, and future, offering a sporty yet upscale feel.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and it excelled in off-road conditions with features like Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

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, produced 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. It featured driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The Mach-E GT was fast and efficient, with a driving range of 418 kilometres. However, its ride quality was firm, and the steering lacked the sharpness expected from a performance vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it practical for a midsize SUV. The cargo area included storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet, adding to its utility.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, provided seating for five and 965 litres of cargo space, including a front trunk. The interior featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console for storage. The rear seats were comfortable, with ample legroom and a panoramic glass roof for an airy feel. The Mach-E offered 841 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,691 litres with the seats folded. The front trunk added 133 litres of storage, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved use. It offered a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system as upgrades. The voice recognition was reliable, though limited in some functions.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E boasted a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was intuitive, learning user habits and providing predictive suggestions. The Mach-E included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display. It also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. The Mach-E received top safety marks from IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 and 2023. NHTSA ratings were pending, but it had five-star ratings for side-impact protection and rollover resistance.