Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?

Ford Mustang Mach-E

$64,990 - $97,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Holden Captiva

$4,900 - $18,000

2017 price

View pricing & specs

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E

2017 Holden Captiva

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

—

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Vehicle type

—

Diesel

Electric range

—

8.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Sporty, involving drive
Improved comfort and functionality
Better efficiency

It's cheap
It's big
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Dislikes

The ride could be even softer
Poor vision
No spare wheel

It's old
It's a bit noisy
Lacks the finesse of the competition

2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E Summary

Australian EV buyers seem to be missing the point of the Mustang Mach-E.

Yes, Ford’s exorbitant early pricing did not help – which the mid-sized EV has yet to recover from. And the V8-muscle-car image – and baggage – that the Mustang prefix brings no doubt confuses and even repels some people. Especially eco-conscious ones.

But it’s not that complicated. The Mach-E is merely meant to be a sporty, stylish and attainable family car, albeit with electric power.

Five years on from its US launch, does the 2026 Series II facelift keep up with newer and fresher electric SUV alternatives? And is it worth the premium that the Mustang badge commands?

View full pricing & specs

2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E 2017 Holden Captiva

Verdict

EV buyers who don’t or won’t see the point of the Mustang Mach-E are missing out.

This is a sporty and fun-to-drive electric SUV in the same way that the Ranger is the sporty and fun-to-drive ute. In other words, a lot of what makes Fords brilliant is alive and well here, without compromising functionality. The opposite of so many Chinese electric SUVs that shine brightest on the showroom floor, then.

Yes, a base Select that is around $10K cheaper to start with might help punters see the light even more clearly (and that's our choice), and it is starting to look dated inside and out, but overall, the Mach-E is an enjoyable, fulfilling and practical family proposition.

Verdict

The Captiva is very, very long in the tooth and is heading towards retirement some time in the next twelve months. Before then, it's a lot of car for the money, particularly the seven seat LS. It's not fast, flash or futuristic but it will do the job and with all of the early problems sorted, will probably do it for quite some time.

The Captiva's low scores are mostly to do with the car just being old and feeling it, with dodgier plastics, slightly undercooked ride and handling and a lack of engine and safety tech. It doesn't mean it's a terrible car, because it isn't and Holden papers up the cracks with a low starting price and good after-sales.

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Holden Captiva What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Holden Captiva
What's the difference?