2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between traditional Mustang styling and modern electric vehicle design. Despite its four-door configuration and rear hatch, the Mach-E retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and large oval grille, albeit nonfunctional. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. A vibrant color palette, including the eye-catching Grabber Blue, further emphasized its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, reminiscent of Tesla's approach. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of leather upholstery, with even the top trims offering only synthetic ActiveX material. The First Edition models boasted unique trim elements, such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, distinguishing them from other trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and stout, chunky design, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was a standout, though Volkswagen's newer designs had begun to catch up. Despite this, the Q3's cabin remained modern and refined. The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, with the latter adding features like remote start and wireless device charging. The Q3's interior was well-equipped, featuring leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to uphold the Mustang's sporty reputation, featuring a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration by default. The base RWD Select model delivered 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain, offering 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a low-mounted battery pack providing a planted feel. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable propulsion sounds.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's more potent powertrain provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. Audi's Drive Select offered Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, with the latter suitable for light dirt trails. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, particularly during hard acceleration. The Q3's handling was nimble and engaging, while maintaining a comfortable ride, striking a balance between sportiness and refinement.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its design resembled a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was relatively low, and the low roofline did not create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with the Model Y providing more headroom and legroom and an optional three-row configuration. The Mach-E had 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 29.7 cubic feet with them in place, along with a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, equipped with a wireless charging pad and USB ports for both rows.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for its class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats provided impressive headroom and legroom. The Q3 could seat five, but four passengers could enjoy a comfortable road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's 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. Standard features included SiriusXM 360L and a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen's size was its most notable feature, with a text-heavy design that could be overwhelming. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at launch. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring distraction. This feature was not available at launch but could be added via OTA update for $600.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.