2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, was a striking vehicle that eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The interior, however, showcased Lexus's legendary craftsmanship with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet cabin, only interrupted by the faint roar of the V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its bold Mustang styling cues on a five-door crossover SUV, was a smart move by Ford. The Mach-E GT, tested with Cyber Orange paint, exuded style, quality, and technology, competing with any EV in its price class. The GT trim featured distinctive looks with revised bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT felt like a luxury car with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, a high-end look, and a sporty, upscale, high-tech ambiance. The Mach-E's design and details blended the past, present, and future in an undeniably appealing vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while providing a stable and secure ride on pavement. Despite its slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal, the GX remained surprisingly agreeable to drive, especially with the optional Off-Road Package.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency ratings depending on the configuration, with horsepower spanning from 266 to 480 and torque from 317 to 634 pound-feet. The Mach-E GT, with an extended-range battery and AWD, produced 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a driving range of 270 miles. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft, reduced the range to 260 miles, and improved handling with an adaptive damping suspension, larger front brakes, and summer performance tires. The Mach-E GT featured Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. Despite its firm suspension and choppy ride, the Mach-E GT was exciting to drive and more efficient than expected, achieving 37 kWh per 100 miles of driving.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo space of 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV configuration, offered seating for up to five people and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk (frunk). The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with black Miko synthetic suede inserts. The rear seats were snug but supportive, with a standard panoramic glass roof providing an airy environment. The Mach-E offered 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and an additional 4.7 cubic feet in the frunk, designed to get dirty and include a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system, mounted at the top of the center control panel, was easy to see and use, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The GX also offered a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology, making it a user-friendly system.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, with access to climate control, vehicle settings, and detailed energy usage data. The system was well-organized and user-friendly, though it lacked a radio tuning knob and a driving mode button. The Mach-E also featured a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display, and Phone As A Key technology, transforming your smartphone into the vehicle's key.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally a teenager, lacked crash-test ratings but featured standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies available in competitors, which might appeal to some buyers but deter others seeking modern driving aids.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and the latest BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added new features like lane-change function, predictive speed assist, and lane repositioning. During testing, BlueCruise performed well but required constant monitoring, making it somewhat of a nuisance. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though NHTSA had not finalized crash-test ratings for 2023. The Mach-E provided good crash protection, with top ratings for side-impact protection and rollover resistance.