2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Acura RDX

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, it retained Mustang-like features such as thin headlights, a long hood, and a large, nonfunctional oval grille. The taillights mimicked the original Mustang's look with sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior color palette, including the test car’s Grabber Blue, further reinforced the Mustang connection.

Inside, the Mach-E was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, awkwardly suspended in the middle of the dashboard. A thin rectangular display served as the instrument cluster, displaying speed as “ground speed,” similar to other Mustang models. The rotary gear selector on the center console contributed to a minimalist feel, reminiscent of Tesla electric cars. Interior materials were of decent quality, but the lack of a leather-upholstery option might have disappointed some buyers. The First Edition models featured unique trim elements like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying sportiness without overpromising on acceleration and handling. Acura didn’t try to make the RDX look like an off-roader, avoiding oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping.

The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim-level hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 for the A-Spec SH-AWD with extra-cost paint and destination charge. The A-Spec Package added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and other sporty interior elements. The interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E needed to be sporty to live up to the Mustang name, so Ford made it RWD by default and decently powerful. The base RWD Select model made 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to go from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most potent configuration was the AWD GT Performance Edition, with 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, achieving zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The test car had a lower-level AWD powertrain, producing 346 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, and zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. This was quicker than the Audi E-Tron and only 0.3 seconds behind the Jaguar I-Pace. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feeling due to the low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels made for poor ride quality. Ford provided three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—with minimal differences between them. The Mach-E also offered one-pedal driving and well-tuned friction brakes.

All 2021 Acura RDX models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for an additional cost. The SH-AWD system improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel.

Drivers could use the Integrated Dynamics System to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, affecting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires. The RDX A-Spec was rewarding to drive, with predictable handling, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes. However, it lacked adaptive dampers and rev-matching for the 10-speed automatic transmission in Sport or Sport+ mode.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its packaging resembled a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was low, and the low roofline didn’t create a feeling of spaciousness, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E fell short on interior space, offering less headroom and legroom. The Model Y also had more cargo space, with 68.0 cubic feet compared to the Mach-E’s 59.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Mach-E had a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk and a decent-sized storage bin between the front seats.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable slouching position. Storage space could be better, with a large but not easily accessible tray under the center console.

Cargo volume measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet, based on moving the front seats forward and packing cargo behind them, which was not a practical measurement.

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 with satellite radio and a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims getting a nine-speaker B&O by Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 15.5-inch touchscreen displayed almost everything at once, making for a text-heavy and unattractive design. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls with touchscreen icons and sliders for climate controls, which were less convenient than physical buttons.

The 2021 Acura RDX used the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which did not have a touchscreen. Instead, drivers used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than the Lexus system but still distracting. Acura offered smartphone projection, physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, and integrated voice-recognition technology.

The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. However, the TTI system was not ideal, requiring drivers to confirm their actions on the screen and adding unnecessary distraction.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, traffic-sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Higher trims had a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was also slated to get Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera to monitor for distraction.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a 2020 “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.