Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually overwhelming, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E maintained its distinctive and sharp styling, with updates focused on individual trims. The new Rally trim stood out with unique styling cues, including Oxford White 19-inch wheels and a black roof. The GT trim offered 20-inch wheels with various finishes, and the Bronze Appearance Package added a touch of Sinister Bronze. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist dash with a large touchscreen and Ford Performance front seats, which were standard on the GT and Rally trims. The interior was designed with a focus on sportiness and modernity.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and could operate solely on electricity at low speeds. However, the gas engine's torque was limited, making high-speed passing challenging. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, but it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that lacked engagement.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, particularly in the GT trim, offered a sporty driving experience with a firm ride and tight steering. The GT Performance Upgrade package increased torque to 700 lb-ft, maintaining 480 horsepower, resulting in impressive acceleration figures. The Mach-E GT and Rally trims featured AWD, with ranges of 451 and 426 kilometres, respectively. The Mach-E's DC fast-charging capability was improved, reducing charging time by 20%. The Mach-E's performance was geared towards those seeking a sporty and engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and accessing it was challenging. The interior offered standard three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional features in higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available when the second-row seats were folded. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the centre armrest storage console was unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E excelled in interior space, offering 965 litres of cargo space, including a drainable frunk. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 1,690 litres. The Mach-E provided ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with power-adjustable seats standard across trims. The interior featured ActiveX seating surfaces with Miko inserts and performance-inspired perforation, providing a modern and comfortable environment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle functions. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features, including a cloud-based navigation system. The JBL sound system provided decent sound quality, but the graphics on the infotainment system could be improved.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured the latest SYNC 4A infotainment software, operating through a 15.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls anchored on the screen. The Mach-E also had Ford’s Intelligent Range system, which provided real-time range updates based on various factors. The infotainment system was designed for a seamless user experience, although improvements in navigation interface were suggested.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered BlueCruise 1.3, a hands-free highway-driving assist software, available on all trims. It included enhanced lane-change assist and lane-centring. The Mach-E also featured a 360-degree camera and Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver-assistance technologies. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for drivers and passengers.