2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Lexus GX

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. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. A vibrant color palette, including the striking 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure in the market, maintaining the same basic body shell for over a decade. The GX sported Lexus' signature spindle grille, updated in 2020 with a textured insert, and triple-beam LED headlights. While the exterior styling remained coherent and distinctive, the interior lagged behind modern luxury SUV standards. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt more like molded plastic, and the cabin featured an abundance of actual plastic. However, the GX did offer standard leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim. Despite its dated design, the GX's tough, aggressive look appealed to SUV enthusiasts.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to uphold the sporty reputation of the Mustang name. It came standard with rear-wheel drive and offered a range of powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option was the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain, delivering 346 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 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 and 19-inch wheels resulted in a less comfortable ride. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing its sporty character.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. While the V8 provided ample power from a stop, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids. An optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road prowess, making the GX a strong contender for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its design leaned more towards a station wagon or hatchback. The low driving position and roofline didn't 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, legroom, and cargo capacity. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 59.7 cubic feet with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with the seats in place, along with a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior featured a storage bin under a flip-up armrest and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports for both rows.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile and low side glass. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were small, but the array of buttons and knobs for controls was user-friendly. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, though the third row was best suited for children. Accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was limited with the seats in use. With the second and third rows folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was among the first to feature Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA software updates. The centerpiece was a 15.5-inch touchscreen, accompanied by a 10.2-inch instrument cluster. While the screen's size was impressive, its text-heavy design was less so. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a large volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models included a nine-speaker B&O sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX, with its decade-old design, was light on tech features. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were absent. The infotainment system's graphics appeared outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, providing a high-quality listening experience despite the dated tech.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. Higher trim levels offered a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was also set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on designated highways, though it was not available at launch.

Similarly, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.