The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover needs to not only live up to its historic name, but it also needs to point Ford’s future direction.
PROS All-electric powertrain Captivating looks Up to 300 miles of range Thrilling performance promises A new Mustang for a new generation
CONS Will it live up to its name? How small is the rear seat? How will that big tablet work? Small-ish range on base versions
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is Ford's first all-electric crossover, and it was designed and named after the company's iconic pony car. The Mach-E also pays homage to the "Mach 1" moniker that has been used on high-performance Mustangs of old. Ford said it went with the name because it needed the electrified crossover to be as desirable as a Tesla to usher in its new era of electric vehicles.When the 2021 Mustang Mach-E finally goes on sale, we'd choose the Premium model. It's expected to provide 300 miles of driving range when paired with the extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, but we'd still choose the all-wheel-drive version, which knocks its estimated range down to 270 miles. Compared with the base model, the Mach-E Premium has more powerful fast-charging capability, 19-inch wheels, a Band & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
PROS Attention-grabbing design, handsome and hushed cabin, instantaneous acceleration.
CONS Not particularly engaging to drive, most range ratings are modest, Mustang purists will miss the V-8 traits.
The first Ford designed specifically to be an electric vehicle.Available hands-free automated driving system.Choice of rear- or all-wheel drive and two battery sizes.Launches the first Mustang Mach-E generation for 2021.
PROS Larger 98.8-kWh battery pack should provide 300 miles on a charge Decisive thrust of a pure EV New Sync 4A infotainment allows for multiple driver profiles Upcoming GT Performance version boasts 459 horsepower
CONS Infotainment system is menu-heavy and takes time to learn
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a well-rounded crossover SUV, just don’t expect to use its third row for anyone bigger than the family dog.
Pros Spacious digs Classy, conservative design Good standard tech Lots of crash-avoidance gear
Cons Comical third row So-so fuel economy Can get expensive with options R-Line’s just a tease
The current-generation Tiguan launched for the 2018 model year, and it's received only superficial changes since. For 2020, the Tiguan adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard, as is additional safety content including forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system. There's a new SE R-Line Black trim that packages 20-inch dark wheels, sunroof, fog lights, and parking-alert sensors. Volkswagen is also shortening its warranty on all of its 2020 models from a standout 6 years/72,000 miles down to a more typical 4 years/50,000 miles. But two years of complimentary maintenance is now included.
Pros Refined driving experience, available third row, excellent fuel economy.
Cons Not as quick as its rivals, ride gets firm with large optional wheels.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all models.Volkswagen's Car-Net telematics system standard; Wi-Fi available with subscription.SEL model includes heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.
PROS Ample space for passengers and cargo Three-row seating is useful in a pinch Intuitive tech interface Offers longer warranty period than most competitors
CONS Subpar acceleration and responsiveness Ranks low in fuel economy for the class Optional larger wheels make for a bumpy ride
