2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to evoke the spirit of the traditional Mustang coupe and convertible through its exterior design. 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 and included sequential turn signals. The vibrant exterior color palette, including the test car’s Grabber Blue, further reinforced the Mustang connection.

Inside, the Mach-E featured 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 minimalist interior, dominated by Ford’s standard rotary gear selector on the center console, was 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 included unique trim elements like red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with a styling theme dating back a decade, received minor tweaks for the new model year. The grille and front bumper were new, and all trim levels came with standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. A new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretched the width of the taillights, and new wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels. These modifications modernized the Odyssey by reducing brightwork.

Buyers had five trim levels to choose from: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces. The Odyssey Elite aimed to serve as the Acura of minivans with its toned-down chrome and more luxurious interior.

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

The test car had a lower-level AWD powertrain, delivering 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, both of which were more expensive. 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. Engage was the default mode, Whisper focused on efficiency, and Unbridled was the equivalent of a sport mode. The differences between the modes were minimal, allowing drivers to leave the Mach-E in Whisper mode without missing out. The car also featured one-pedal driving and well-tuned friction brakes with linear pedal feel.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The engine produced 280 horsepower, and the transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and the test loop averaged 21.8 mpg.

All-wheel drive was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, Honda added a new electronic brake booster for 2021, supporting stop-and-go low-speed following for adaptive cruise control and improving brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey’s ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

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 to the ground, and the low roofline did not 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 in both rows. The Model Y also provided more cargo space with the second row folded, at 68.0 cubic feet compared to the Mach-E’s 59.7 cubic feet. The Mach-E had 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row in place and a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk).

The narrow space between the front seats housed a decent-sized storage bin under a flip-up armrest. A large, flat area beneath the touchscreen was perfect for storing smartphones, with a grippy rubberized surface and a wireless charging pad. USB ports were available for both the first and second rows.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable and included inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, though passengers did not complain about this omission.

Storage space was excellent, with the Elite’s standard wireless smartphone charger taking up some room on the center console’s top tray. The front doors had shelves for extra storage. All Odysseys except the base LX trim included Honda’s Magic Slide second-row seat layout, offering various seating modes. The second-row seats provided plenty of support but lacked adjustable armrests, disappointing some passengers. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably.

Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled into the cargo well. The maximum volume was 144.9 cubic feet. However, to use the maximum cargo volume, the second-row seats had to be physically removed, which was not particularly enjoyable.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford’s new Sync 4 infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air (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. Premium, GT, and First Edition models received a nine-speaker B&O by Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a signature feature, but its size was the only noteworthy aspect. Almost everything was displayed at once, making for a text-heavy and unattractive design. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a large volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls. However, pressing buttons would have been easier than manipulating the screen for temperature adjustments.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging.

Touring and Elite trims offered HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans. HondaLink Security included automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, enhanced roadside assistance, and a personal data wipe function. HondaLink Remote added safe teen driver functions, Find My Car, remote operation of the engine and door locks, and Key by Amazon in-vehicle package delivery service. HondaLink Concierge provided access to a personal assistant.

The Odyssey’s rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system’s non-touchscreen design also disappointed some users.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, a reverse sensing system, reverse automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, traffic-sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Higher trim levels included a 360-degree camera system.

The Mach-E was also slated to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways. This feature would be available via OTA update for $600 and was standard on the California Route 1, Premium, and First Edition trims, and part of a $3,200 package on the Select trim.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit. LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist were also standard. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim.

The Odyssey’s ADAS worked accurately but could apply uneven braking and wobbled the steering wheel for lane-departure warnings. The structurally identical 2021 model was expected to carry over the impressive IIHS ratings from the previous year, aside from the headlights. The NHTSA assigned the Odyssey top five-star ratings for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star score.