2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to capture the essence of the classic Mustang with its exterior design. Despite having four doors and a rear hatch, it retained Mustang-like features such as thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. The vibrant color palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further reinforced its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen and a thin rectangular display for the instrument cluster. The interior materials were decent, though some buyers might have missed the option for leather upholstery, as even the top trims used synthetic ActiveX material.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX crossovers, showcased a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Its design was both familiar and distinct, maintaining a consistent look over the years. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which made it feel somewhat dated compared to its sibling. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a bold Grecian Water paint. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar. The interior included an F Sport heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and NuLuxe upholstery, though the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to be sporty, living up to its Mustang name. It came standard with rear-wheel drive and offered various powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful option, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, reaching zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Our test car, with a lower-level AWD powertrain, delivered 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, hitting zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel, though the ride quality suffered due to its taut suspension and 19-inch wheels. It offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and allowed for one-pedal driving.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX hybrid was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The drivetrain struggled with aggressive driving, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The Black Line package included sport-tuned suspension, enhancing handling while maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the NX didn't feel as refined as newer models based on the Toyota New Global Architecture. The drive modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—offered minimal differences, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a station wagon-like packaging. Its low driving position and roofline didn't create a spacious feel, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 29.7 cubic feet with it in place. It also featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior included a storage bin between the front seats, a large area for smartphones, and USB ports for both rows.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its segment. The front seats, however, were comfortable, offering excellent support and 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. The NX aimed for a sporty feel with a high dashboard and door sides, making controls easy to reach. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. The 15.5-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though its text-heavy design was less appealing. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate controls.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a touchpad interface that was difficult to use while driving. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Analog controls were available for climate and audio, but the system felt dated. The base audio system was tinny, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It included standard driver-assist features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Drive Assist, offering hands-free driving on highways, was slated for future activation via OTA update.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera system was missing.