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
Former T8 plug-in hybrid is now called Recharge.Adaptive headlights, hands-free liftgate and rear USB-C ports added as standard.
Pros Elegant interior design Spacious second-row seating Many standard safety tech features Available as a plug-in hybrid
Cons Not as fun to drive as most competitors Too many controls tied to frustrating touchscreen interface Ride is a little busier than you might expect from a luxury crossover
The XC60 receives several new standard features for 2021, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and front parking sensors, as well as a new 19-inch wheel design and power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function. Volvo has eliminated AM radio on the XC60, but fans of the format will still be able to listen via a provided app, TuneIn, through the infotainment system.
Pros Handsomely designed inside and out, good fuel economy from all three powertrains, plenty of standard safety tech.
Cons Infotainment system response lags at startup, hybrid powertrain needs refinement, dinky interior storage bins.
The 2019 Volvo XC60 is the full picture: advanced powertrains, gorgeous interior, subtle exterior.
Pros New, affordable front-wheel drive offering Gorgeous interior Competent powertrains Standard advanced safety features Logical and sharp touchscreen
Cons Can get pricey quickly Not especially fuel efficient without a plug Requires premium fuel It’s not in our driveway now
