2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to capture the essence of the classic Mustang coupe and convertible through its exterior design. Despite having four doors and a rear hatch, it retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, featuring sequential turn signals. A vibrant color palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further emphasized the Mustang connection. Inside, the Mach-E's interior was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen, giving it a minimalist feel akin to Tesla's electric cars. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of a leather-upholstery option, even in the higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy cars of the past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. The XC90's design was sleek and modern, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, along with exquisite details like a sliding wood tambor cover and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable sanctuary during test drives in challenging weather conditions.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to live up to the Mustang name with its sporty performance. It came standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and offered a range of powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 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 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0 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 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.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain choices. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery. Our test vehicle, a T8 Inscription extended range, provided spirited acceleration, thanks to the electric motor's early torque delivery. The XC90 was not a high-performance vehicle but offered a fun and engaging drive.

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 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with it in place. The Mach-E also featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk). Interior storage included a decent-sized bin between the front seats and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports for both rows.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was well-utilized, with ample storage options and a spacious, airy cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during test drives in hot and humid conditions.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering 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 with satellite radio and a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims receiving a nine-speaker B&O by Bang & Olufsen sound system. The touchscreen's size was its most notable feature, but its text-heavy design made it less user-friendly. Climate controls were managed through touchscreen icons and sliders, with a large volume knob as the only analog control.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned for easy access, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were included, along with the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet received crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of its 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 later via an OTA update.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and more. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.