2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between traditional Mustang styling and modern electric vehicle design. Despite its four-door configuration and rear hatch, the Mach-E retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and large oval grille. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. A vibrant color palette, including the eye-catching 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 approach. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of leather upholstery, even in higher trims. The First Edition models offered unique trim elements, but the primary allure was their status as the first produced.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large, unadorned sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to live up to the Mustang name with sporty performance. 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 was the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft, reaching zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Mach-E handled corners well, with responsive steering and a planted feel due to its low-mounted battery pack. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels resulted in poor ride quality. Ford offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—with minimal differences between them. The Mach-E also allowed for one-pedal driving and well-tuned friction brakes.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 accelerated effortlessly, reaching zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a smooth ride, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, had packaging more akin to a station wagon or hatchback. The 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. The Mach-E also featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk. Interior storage included a decent-sized bin under a flip-up armrest and a large area beneath the touchscreen for smartphones, complete with a wireless charging pad and USB ports.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls, sunshades, and USB-C ports. The optional third row, accessible via a button, had limited headroom for adults but was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with it folded, and 93 cubic feet at maximum capacity. The split tailgate facilitated loading, with buttons to lower the air suspension for easier access.

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 signature feature, though its text-heavy design was less user-friendly. A large volume knob and touchscreen icons replaced analog controls. Premium, GT, and First Edition models included a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a smartphone app for remote control and monitoring.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on designated highways, was slated for future activation via OTA update.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover also lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Range Rover's safety features performed well, though some rivals offered additional advanced features.