2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued with some new design tweaks. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design that had become a staple in the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it suited the GX better than the larger LX. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained its decade-old platform, sharing its rugged underpinnings with the Toyota 4Runner, which contributed to its enduring capability.

Inside, the GX's cabin was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons. This design might have felt outdated in a new Lexus RX, but it worked for the GX's rugged persona. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. Even the base 460 trim came well-equipped with features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The higher trims added more luxury and tech features, but CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its value.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to connect with the traditional Mustang coupe and convertible through its exterior styling. Despite having four doors and a rear hatch, the Mach-E retained Mustang-like elements such as thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille. The taillights also mimicked the original Mustang's design with sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior color palette, including the Grabber Blue of the test car, further reinforced the Mustang connection.

Inside, the Mach-E's interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel similar to Tesla electric cars. The interior materials were of decent quality, but some buyers might have been disappointed by the lack of a leather-upholstery option. The First Edition models featured unique trim elements like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals. The main benefit of the First Edition was that these models were the first produced.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these specs might not have been impressive compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light but direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was not impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E needed to be sporty to live up to the Mustang name. The base RWD Select model made 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most potent AWD GT Performance Edition packed 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The test car had a lower-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to the low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension made for poor ride quality. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and allowed for one-pedal driving.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the Luxury trim featuring power-folding third-row seats. The captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row, but getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX had a unique side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch for easier access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV but had packaging more like a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was low, and the low roofline didn't create a feeling of spaciousness. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short on interior space, with less headroom and legroom. The Mach-E offered 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with the second row in place. It also had a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk). The interior featured a decent-sized storage bin, a flat area for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and USB ports for both rows.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. It was a true touchscreen, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might have been a tough tradeoff for some drivers.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air software updates. The main infotainment touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. The touchscreen's size was its only noteworthy feature, as the text-heavy design made it hard to navigate. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls with touchscreen icons and sliders, which were less convenient to use.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. Higher trims had a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was also slated to get Active Drive Assist, enabling automated driving on designated highways, available via an OTA update.