2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to capture the essence of the classic Mustang with its sleek 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. A vibrant color palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further emphasized its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, reminiscent of Tesla's style. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have missed the option for leather upholstery, as even the top trims used synthetic ActiveX material.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive look with its blunt nose and floating roof design. Over time, its initially polarizing appearance became more familiar. The Highlander Hybrid offered a range of trims, with the Limited model featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a spacious interior. However, the third-row seating was cramped, and the interior storage was less generous than previous models. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid provided a comfortable and upscale cabin experience, especially in the higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver a sporty driving experience. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful AWD GT Performance Edition boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Our test car, with a mid-level AWD powertrain, offered 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a low-mounted battery pack providing a planted feel. However, the ride quality was compromised by the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels. The Mach-E featured three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—and offered one-pedal driving for efficient braking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency. It used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 hp, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid system included an "E-CVT" for smooth power delivery. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in efficiency, it lacked driving excitement. The power was adequate for daily driving, but the engine sounded strained under load. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid provided a comfortable and quiet ride, especially on smooth roads.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had a station wagon-like packaging. Its low driving position and roofline limited the sense of spaciousness. 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. It also featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. The interior included a storage bin between the front seats and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery in higher trims. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the third-row was cramped and uncomfortable. The Highlander provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was adequate, though not as generous as previous models.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 15.5-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a six-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a nine-speaker B&O sound system. The touchscreen's design was text-heavy, making navigation challenging, and climate controls were managed through touchscreen icons.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It was set to receive Active Drive Assist for hands-free driving on highways, available via an OTA update. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included forward-collision warning with intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.