2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence as a midsize SUV. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console's three large dials added a unique touch. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen feeling somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior made it a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, initially a surprising application of Mustang styling to a five-door crossover SUV, proved to be a smart move by Ford. Its long, narrow, and tall dimensions carried the iconic Mustang design elements, such as galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and tri-bar taillights, making it visually appealing. The Mach-E GT, with its Cyber Orange paint and distinctive design, stood out with revised bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the GT's luxury car feel was evident with sport-bolstered seats wrapped in artificial leather and synthetic suede, complemented by metallic and gloss-black trim. The cabin's high-tech ambiance was enhanced by two rectangular display screens, creating a blend of past, present, and future in a compelling vehicle.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of configurations with standard-range and extended-range battery packs, as well as single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems. Power output varied from 266 to 480 horsepower, with the Mach-E GT featuring an extended-range battery and AWD layout, producing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The GT accelerated to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, with an EPA-estimated 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 and larger brakes. The Mach-E GT's driving dynamics were impressive, though the ride quality was firm. The EV's efficiency was notable, achieving 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and spaciousness. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing features, while Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, offered practicality with seating for five and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather and Miko synthetic suede. The rear seats provided comfort for passengers, and the panoramic glass roof added an airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 29.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The front trunk offered an additional 4.7 cubic feet of space, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding convenience.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E's 15.5-inch touchscreen, mounted in portrait orientation, ran on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The digital gauge cluster displayed a video feed of the car's blind spot, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. While impressive, the system required driver attention and could be inconsistent. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022. NHTSA ratings were pending, with top scores for side-impact protection and rollover resistance.