2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that announced wealth and taste. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty package that mirrored the proportions of the larger Range Rover. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille were unmistakable, while subtle design tweaks like the sloping roof and flush door handles added to its allure. Despite its visual appeal, the Velar was often associated with concerns about reliability, particularly with its "oooh-ahhhh" features like pop-out door handles. Inside, the Velar maintained its luxurious feel with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, although it lacked some of the premium touches found in earlier models.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was a bold move by Ford, blending Mustang styling cues with a five-door crossover SUV design. This electric vehicle (EV) quickly gained popularity, thanks in part to its visual ties to the iconic pony car. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and dark front panel. Inside, the Mach-E GT offered a luxurious experience with sport-bolstered seats wrapped in artificial leather and synthetic suede, complemented by a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim. The Mach-E GT successfully combined style, quality, and technology, making it a strong competitor in the EV market.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that set it apart from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The Velar offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 247 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune: 340 hp and 395 hp. The Velar's performance was enhanced by features like the Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control, although its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with configurations spanning from 266 to 480 horsepower and driving ranges from 224 to 312 miles. The Mach-E GT featured an extended-range battery and all-wheel-drive layout, delivering 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package further increased torque to 634 lb-ft and reduced the range to 260 miles. The Mach-E GT's driving modes, including Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, allowed for customization of the EV's behavior, while the one-pedal driving feature added convenience. Despite its firm suspension settings, the Mach-E GT offered impressive driving dynamics and efficiency, with a trip computer reading of 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish but somewhat cramped interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, prioritized both form and function. It provided seating for up to five people and offered 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather and synthetic suede. The rear seats were snug but supportive, and the panoramic glass roof added to the airy feel of the cabin. With 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 59.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Mach-E offered ample storage. The frunk, designed to get dirty, included a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other useful features. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest traffic detours, while the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable layouts, although its driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a navigation system. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E's Phone As A Key technology allowed for smartphone-based vehicle access, adding convenience to the driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), earning five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and the latest version of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change function and predictive speed assist. The Mach-E received top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not finalized crash-test ratings for the 2023 model.