2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL audio system, and a DVD entertainment system. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those who wanted a minivan with a bit of style.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to connect with the traditional Mustang through its exterior styling, featuring thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille. The taillights mimicked the original Mustang's, complete with sequential turn signals. The interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel similar to Tesla's electric cars. Interior materials were decent, but the lack of a leather-upholstery option at this price range was a letdown. The First Edition models had unique trim elements like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, but the main benefit was being the first produced.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and offered AWD on all trims except the base L. The FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to be sporty, with the base RWD Select model producing 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, reaching zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Our test car had a lower-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension made for poor ride quality. It offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and allowed for one-pedal driving.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was low, and the low roofline didn't create a spacious feel. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short on interior space, offering less headroom and legroom. It provided 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with the second row in place. The Mach-E also had a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. A storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims like the Limited added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without straining their voice.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA software updates. The main infotainment touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. Standard features included SiriusXM 360L and a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims getting a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen's design was text-heavy and unattractive, with touchscreen icons and sliders replacing analog controls for climate settings.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by 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 included a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was also set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated driving on designated highways, available via a $600 OTA update.