2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a handsome yet understated player in the crossover SUV arena. Its aesthetic was neither daring nor particularly eye-catching, which meant it effortlessly blended into most settings without turning many heads. Its exterior was marked by the distinct Jewel Eye LED headlights, which elevated its visual appeal. A large, trapezoidal grille adorned with a sizable Acura logo formed a significant part of its frontal allure. Despite its three-row arrangement, the MDX maintained a sleek, low profile with a fast roofline and meticulously applied paint and chrome, showcasing Acura's attention to craftsmanship.

Internally, the Acura MDX adhered to a modern, simple design philosophy. Its cabin featured minimal stitching and padding but offered a high level of build quality and material selection. The centerpiece of the dashboard was a dual-screen setup, consisting of an 8-inch screen perched above a touchscreen, facilitated by an array of buttons and a primary control wheel. This design not only underscored Acura's commitment to user-friendly technology but also its dedication to creating a refined and solid driving environment.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to embody the spirit of its muscle-car namesake with a design that nodded to classic Mustang features like thin headlights, a long hood, and signature taillights with sequential turn signals. Despite being a four-door SUV, the Mach-E maintained a Mustang-like appearance, complemented by a vibrant color palette, notably the eye-catching Grabber Blue. The interior broke away from traditional Ford designs, showcasing a minimalist layout dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen and a sparse instrument cluster. This setup, along with a center console featuring a rotary gear selector, mirrored the simplicity seen in competitors like Tesla. The Mach-E's interior materials, though not luxurious, supported the minimalist theme and included sustainable ActiveX upholstery, even in higher trims. The First Edition models added unique touches like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, underscoring their limited availability and desirability.

In its 2020 iteration, the Acura MDX was available with a robust 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine or a more potent hybrid configuration that combined a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors to deliver a total of 321 horsepower. The latter was linked to a smooth-operating seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring a responsive and engaging drive. The MDX excelled with its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), significantly enhancing its agility and stability in turns through effective torque vectoring. This function proved extremely useful in maintaining control and precision, notably when accelerating through curves, providing a spirited yet secure driving experience.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced its Mustang lineage with a sportier demeanor, characterized by its rear-wheel-drive layout and a range of power units -- the most robust being the GT Performance Edition’s 480 horsepower electric motor. This variant promised blistering acceleration, rivaling established contenders in the performance segment. Handling was a strong point for the Mach-E as well, with a low-mounted battery pack contributing to a low center of gravity that helped it maneuver corners with unexpected grace for an SUV. Nevertheless, the ride quality was somewhat compromised by its firmer suspension setup, which was more attuned to delivering performance than comfort.

The functionality of the 2020 Acura MDX was evident in its thoughtful interior design, which catered excellently to families. The SUV offered adjustable second-row seating to ease access and comfort for all passengers, making it a versatile choice for varying passenger and cargo needs. It boasted 15.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, which expanded to a generous 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows stowed, affirming its capacity to handle substantial loads. The cabin also featured ample small-item storage solutions and advanced climate controls, enhancing overall comfort and convenience.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E presented a more compact and modern take on interior space. Its lower stance and streamlined design influenced the amount of internal space, resulting in less headroom and legroom compared to some competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Cargo capacity stood at 29.7 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 59.7 cubic feet with rear seats down. Despite these figures falling short of some rivals, the Mach-E offered innovative storage solutions and a tech-focused cabin environment.

Technology in the 2020 Acura MDX was extensive, especially with the optional Technology and Advance packages that introduced enhancements like Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio, navigation, and enhanced connectivity features. It aimed to offer a comprehensive suite of tech without overwhelming users, balancing advanced technology with user-friendliness.

The Mach-E showcased Ford's next-generation Sync 4 infotainment system housed in a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen. This system was designed to handle a barrage of functions simultaneously and was set up for OTA updates, highlighting Ford's push towards a more connected and adaptable driving experience. Despite its technological advancements, the interface suffered from some usability issues due to its dense, text-heavy presentation.

Safety in the 2020 Acura MDX was bolstered by AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, and structural designs aimed at enhancing occupant protection during crashes. This included multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, and a sophisticated vehicle stability assist system, among others.

The newly introduced Mach-E incorporated a range of standard safety features and introduced new technologies like Ford's Active Drive Assist, pending activation via an OTA update. Its suite of driver-assistance features was impressive, although it had yet to be tested by major safety organizations at the time.