2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E was a bold move by Ford, blending the iconic Mustang styling with a five-door electric crossover SUV. Despite initial skepticism, the design choice proved successful, with the Mach-E's long, narrow, and tall dimensions adorned with Mustang's signature galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and tri-bar taillights. This visual connection to the legendary pony car contributed significantly to its popularity. Since its debut in 2021, Ford produced over 150,000 units, offering various trims like Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995, plus a destination charge. The Mach-E GT, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille, exuding a sporty and upscale ambiance.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor to embrace a more geometric and aggressive styling. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The flat hood with raised sides improved driver awareness during off-road adventures. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for enhanced visibility. Offered in six trims, including the off-road-focused Overtrail models, the GX combined luxury and ruggedness, with features like 22-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with standard-range and extended-range battery packs and single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD systems. Horsepower varied from 266 to 480, with torque ranging from 317 to 634 lb-ft, and driving range spanning 224 to 312 miles. The Mach-E GT, equipped with an extended-range battery and AWD, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a 270-mile range. The GT Performance Edition increased torque to 634 lb-ft, reduced range to 260 miles, and improved handling with adaptive damping suspension and larger brakes. Driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, along with the exclusive Unbridled Extend mode, enhanced the driving experience. Despite its firm suspension, the Mach-E GT impressed with its driving dynamics and efficiency, achieving 2.7 miles per kWh during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured off-road capability. Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system for enhanced wheel articulation. During testing, the GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's off-road features promised robust performance.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV design, offered practicality alongside its sporty appeal. It accommodated up to five passengers and provided 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The interior featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather, with a stylish center console offering ample storage. The rear seats comfortably accommodated passengers, and the panoramic glass roof added to the airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo space expanded to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the 4.7 cubic feet frunk included a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior marked a shift towards minimalism and sophistication, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

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

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drive Connect and Remote Connect services provided voice assistant capabilities and remote vehicle functions, with subscription plans available after a three-year trial. The GX featured a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription-based features could impact long-term ownership costs.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist, but lacked a head-up display for better system status communication. The Mach-E received top safety marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete at the time of review.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant safety improvements with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, the GX's modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS inspired confidence in its safety capabilities.