2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Lexus NX

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 NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, presenting a sharp and sculpted exterior that aligned with the Lexus family look. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models offered a sporty appearance, especially the F Sport variant with its honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX boasted excellent material fit and finish, with quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport model. The interior was comfortable, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared dated, and the lack of open small-item storage between the front seats was a drawback.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver a sporty driving experience, living up to the Mustang name. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, reaching zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 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 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 versatility.

The 2021 Lexus NX, while not designed for sportiness, provided a capable performance with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride despite some engine noise under hard acceleration. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX offered FWD as standard, with AWD available across all trims. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX featured an adaptive-suspension system for improved ride comfort and offered three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and steering assist.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. Its low driving position and 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 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. A 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk added some storage versatility. The interior featured a storage bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for adults in both the front and rear seats. The NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats. Despite some engine noise, the cabin remained quiet from road and wind noise, maintaining the typical Lexus experience.

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 user-friendly. The system included a large volume knob, with climate controls managed via touchscreen icons. Premium models received a nine-speaker B&O sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system was less intuitive, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.3-inch screen available with the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the latter integrating Google Assistant. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote vehicle control and monitoring, while the Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at launch. It came equipped with standard driver-assist features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included a 360-degree camera system. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on certain highways, with a $600 OTA update available later in 2021.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included park assist and a surround-view camera system. The NX received top "Good" scores from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.