2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark, was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E retained its distinctive and sharp styling, with an aggressive front fascia and signature tri-bar tail lights. The new Rally trim replaced the GT Performance Edition as the top model, featuring unique styling elements like LED fog lamps, a black roof, and Oxford White 19-inch wheels. The GT trim offered 20-inch wheels with various finishes, and the Bronze Appearance Package added a Sinister Bronze option. The Mach-E's interior was familiar, with a minimalist dash and a large touchscreen. Ford Performance front seats were standard on the GT and Rally trims, with Oxford White plastic trim on the Rally seats. The Mach-E's design continued to reflect its sporty heritage, appealing to those seeking a performance-oriented electric SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E's ride was firmer, with the GT trim featuring a MagneRide damping system for more adjustment. The GT Performance Upgrade package increased torque to 700 lb-ft, maintaining 480 horsepower, resulting in a 0-96 km/h time of 3.3 seconds. The Mach-E GT and Rally trims had all-wheel drive, with ranges of 451 and 426 kilometres, respectively. The Mach-E's DC fast-charging experience was improved, reducing charging time by about 20%. The standard-range battery could charge from 10 to 80% in 32 minutes, while the extended-range battery took 36 minutes.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat was less welcoming, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E's crossover body style provided 965 litres of cargo space, with 841 litres behind the rear seats and a drainable frunk. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo space to 1,690 litres. The driver and front passenger enjoyed ample headroom, with legroom measuring 1,100 mm in the front and 968 mm in the rear. The Mach-E featured power-adjustable seats, with ActiveX synthetic upholstery standard across trims. Heated front seats were available on the base trim and standard on others.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, running on the latest SYNC 4A software through a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The system included climate controls and a stereo volume wheel. Ford's Intelligent Range system provided real-time range updates, considering factors like temperature and terrain. The Mach-E's infotainment system aimed to improve user experience, though navigation instructions were not projected to the driver-information display.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured BlueCruise 1.3, a hands-free highway-driving assist system available on all trims. The Ford CoPilot 360 suite included blind-spot information, pre-collision assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick Award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in side crash and rollover testing.