Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a blend of practicality and subtle luxury. It featured a turbocharged Hybrid Max configuration with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and 362 horsepower, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The exterior design was reminiscent of the popular RAV4, scaled up to accommodate up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. Inside, the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery, though some hard plastics were evident. The layout was functional, with logically arranged controls and a straightforward climate system. However, the infotainment interface had its quirks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E stood out with its Mustang-inspired design, featuring a familiar grille insert and sleek headlights. Its SUV-coupe-like profile, complete with a sloped roofline and roof spoiler, added to its sporty appeal. The Rally trim offered a rally car aesthetic with black accents and dish-style wheels. Inside, the Mach-E combined synthetic leather with contrast stitching, creating a sporty yet refined atmosphere. The GT trim featured sport seats with enhanced bolstering, while the Rally trim added unique touches like aluminum pedals and ambient lighting. The Mach-E's interior was spacious, with a longer wheelbase providing ample room for passengers.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max delivered a satisfying performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD. Producing 362 horsepower, it accelerated confidently, aided by electric motors that eliminated turbo lag. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a smooth ride, avoiding the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, it still managed a respectable 8.8 L/100 km combined. It also boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a dual-motor AWD system producing 325 horsepower and a range of 380 kilometres. The GT trim ramped up the power to 480 hp, achieving a 0-96 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. The Rally trim shared the GT's powertrain but had a slightly reduced range of 410 km. The Mach-E's electric motors provided immediate torque, propelling it to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The GT's Performance Upgrade increased torque to 700 lb-ft, further enhancing acceleration. The Mach-E's handling was agile, with a low centre of gravity and rear-drive bias, though the ride could be harsh over rough surfaces.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered spacious seating for up to eight passengers, with comfortable seats in all three rows. It provided over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space, though some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to cabin noise. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 586 litres, expanding to 2,761 litres with the second row folded.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E's longer wheelbase provided ample interior space, accommodating a couple or family comfortably. It offered good headroom and legroom in both rows, though fitting three across in the second row was tight. The Mach-E's cargo space was practical, with 841 litres behind the second row and 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded. Its sloping roof limited cargo capacity compared to some rivals, but an optional 135-litre front trunk added secure storage. The Mach-E's sporty design didn't compromise interior comfort, with bolstered seats in the GT and Rally trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various music services. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a colour head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E borrowed from Tesla with its 15.5-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though its Sync 4A software was starting to show its age. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital key, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Ford Connectivity package offered real-time navigation and streaming services. The Mach-E's audio system ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 10-speaker B&O system, providing a range of options for buyers.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. However, its Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be more irritating than helpful. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The optional BlueCruise system offered hands-free driving on mapped highways, though it required driver attention. The Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, demonstrating strong safety credentials.