Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX presented a range of packages tailored to its powertrain options. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the F Sport 3 package as an option. Higher packages offered towing capabilities. The base models featured 20-inch wheels, while most packages upgraded to 22-inch wheels. The exterior maintained a large grille reminiscent of the spindle grille design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light bar. The interior offered three colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with noticeable plastic elements. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E stood out with its Mustang-inspired design, featuring a familiar grille insert and squinting headlights. Its sculpted sides and SUV-coupe-like profile, akin to the BMW X6, added to its sporty appeal. The rear showcased a roof spoiler and Mustang's sequential three-bar taillights. Most models came with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the GT trim boasted 20-inch wheels. The Rally trim offered a rally car-inspired look with a black roof, wheel arches, and side cladding, along with dish-style wheels. The interior featured synthetic leather with contrast stitching, sport seats with bolsters in the GT, and aluminum pedals in the Rally. Ambient lighting enhanced the cabin, except in the base Select trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic, preferred by some over a CVT. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a variety of powertrain options. In Canada, it started with a dual-motor AWD powertrain using a 73-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 325 horsepower and 380 km of range. An Extended Range battery increased the range to 483 km. The Mach-E GT produced 480 hp with 451 km of range, while the Rally had 410 km of range. The Premium model tested had dual motors, an extended-range battery, 370 hp, 500 lb-ft of torque, and 483 km of range. The Mach-E's electric motors provided immediate torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in under five seconds. The GT offered 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, with a 3.8-second 0-96 km/h time. A Performance Upgrade increased torque to 700 lb-ft, reducing the GT's time to 3.3 seconds and the Rally's to 3.4 seconds. The Mach-E featured Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled modes for different sound experiences. It offered one-pedal driving and seamless braking transitions. The Mach-E had 14.5 cm of ground clearance, with agile handling and a rear-drive bias. The GT and Rally had stronger Brembo brakes, with the Rally offering a RallySport mode for off-road fun.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The TX 500h included ventilated second-row seats. The test car featured captain’s chairs in the second row with a removable centre console, while some packages offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. Each seat had a cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX had excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. It could tow up to 2,268 kg when properly equipped.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E had a longer wheelbase than equivalent gas-powered vehicles, providing spaciousness inside. It offered good headroom and legroom in both rows, though fitting three across in the second row was tight. The Select trim, priced to qualify for the federal EV rebate, lacked standard heated front seats, which were available on the Premium trim. The seats were comfortable, with sportier bolstering in the GT and Rally trims. Cargo space was 841 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded. The sloping rear roof limited space compared to some competitors. An optional 135-litre front trunk provided secure storage with a drain plug for use as a cooler.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly but had some quirks, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functionality and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally interfered with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity was essential for accessing in-dash navigation and other subscription-based features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view. The Advanced Park system could handle parking duties, and a rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E borrowed from Tesla with its 15.5-inch centre touchscreen, which was portrait-style. It included a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster showing basic information. The Sync 4A software was somewhat outdated, but the screen was easy to use and could be updated over the air. The Ford Connectivity package offered a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, real-time navigation, audio and video streaming, and a voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad and two 110-volt power outlets optional. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with a 10-speaker B&O system available.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane centring, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" score from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side, with a "Good" score for the passenger’s side.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist was optional, with a one-year or lifetime purchase option. BlueCruise could handle steering, throttle, and brakes on mapped highways but required driver attention. The Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.