2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. Our test vehicle, the Explorer King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a sleek, athletic design with a long hood and tapering greenhouse. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin mixed quality materials with some less impressive ones.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E shocked traditionalists by applying Mustang styling to a five-door electric crossover. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems and tri-bar taillights, tied it to the iconic pony car. Since its debut in 2021, Ford produced over 150,000 units, shipping them worldwide. The U.S. lineup included Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT trims, priced from $45,995 to $63,995, plus a $1,800 destination charge. Our GT test vehicle, priced at $66,590, showcased Cyber Orange paint but lacked the Nite Pony appearance package. The Mach-E GT exuded style and quality, with a distinctive look featuring unique 20-inch wheels and a dark front panel. Inside, it felt luxurious with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It could tow up to 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg combined. The Limited trim offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning 27 mpg combined. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs, and achieving 21 mpg combined. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered standard-range and extended-range battery packs with single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD systems. Power ranged from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque between 317 and 634 lb-ft, and a driving range of 224 to 312 miles. The Mach-E GT featured an extended-range battery and AWD, producing 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, with a 270-mile range. The GT Performance Edition increased torque to 634 lb-ft, reduced range to 260 miles, and included an adaptive damping suspension and larger brakes. The Mach-E GT offered Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. Our test vehicle in Engage mode demonstrated impressive speed and handling, though the steering lacked engagement. The ride was firm, but the Mach-E GT remained exciting to drive, achieving 2.7 miles per kWh, better than the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch trim included features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, offered seating for five and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a front trunk. The GT trim featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather and Miko synthetic suede. The center console provided a mix of storage areas. The rear seat accommodated up to three children or two adults comfortably, with a panoramic glass roof enhancing the airy feel. The Mach-E offered 29.7 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.7 cu-ft with seats folded. The front trunk added 4.7 cu-ft of space, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen integrated well with the interior, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The King Ranch trim added wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, often misinterpreting commands. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on the Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, SiriusXM 360L, navigation, and wireless charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions. The system was user-friendly, though a radio tuning knob and driving mode button would be welcome additions. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E included a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The system operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity was an issue.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E included Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. Our test revealed the need for a head-up display for better system communication. BlueCruise performed well but required constant monitoring. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with top scores for side-impact protection and rollover resistance.