So you‘ve decided to go electric for your next vehicle purchase. Smart move my friend! Now comes selecting between two of the hottest electric SUV options out there today – the Mustang Mach-E or the Tesla Model Y.
I know you dig the high tech features and radical performance these electric sport utilities deliver. But differences in design, battery specs and capabilities might make one model suit your needs better. By taking a detailed tour of how these two trend-setting rigs compare, my goal is to make it easier to decide which is the best match for your lifestyle.
Let‘s dive under the hood! Here is the bird‘s eye view…
Bird‘s Eye View
The Mustang Mach-E strikes a balance blending familiar gas-powered Mustang performance cues with a practical, tech-loaded family-friendly SUV form. Tesla‘s Model Y pushes boundaries further, maximizing range from its batteries while serving as a rolling showcase of innovations to come.
| Specs | Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $43 – $61k | $62 – $69k |
| Battery | 70 – 91 kWh | up to 82 kWh |
| Range | 270 – 314 mi | 303 – 330 mi |
| Acceleration | 3.5 – 6.1s 0-60mph | 3.5 – 4.8s |
| Charging | Reliant on 3rd party stations | Tesla owned stations deliver max speed |
| Driver Assist | Standard ADAS features | Cutting edge "Full Self Driving" mode |
Keep in mind the Mach-E still qualifies for the $7,500 US federal tax credit, knocking the price down substantially. Now let‘s scrutinize how these two futuristic SUVs differ…
Driving Personalities
Just like comparing two song styles, these electric vehicles almost have distinctive driving "personalities" depending on the dynamics you prioritize.
The Mach-E confidently channels the muscular acceleration and nimble moves that have defined Mustang for decades. Hitting 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds in GT trim, it has speed to rival gas powered rivals. The low center of gravity afforded by battery placement underneath enables athletic handling with minimal body roll on curves.
At the same time, the ride leans more towards cruising than harsh track tuning. Having instant access to over 600 lb-ft of torque makes the Mach-E feel effortlessly quick, aided by the smooth delivery from its single speed transmission. Front or available all-wheel drive configurations supply confident traction. Simply a thrill to drive in a distinctly Mustang way.
The Model Y almost seems like a Tesla showcase on wheels, feeling something akin to a rocket sled thanks to its independent front/rear motors. Even more pertly sprung than the Mach-E, the firm ride hints at urgency rather than comfort. Lightning quick reflexes give confidence to push harder, with the Performance trim outracing nearly any stock vehicle this side of supercars.
Standing on the "go pedal" unleashes startling acceleration – like warped drive engaged. The lowered stance, near 50/50 weight balance and sticky tires take any curve with tenacious grip. alerts warn against overconfidence. Clearly the Model Y set its sights on drivers craving living life faster.
| Metric | Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph Time | 3.5 – 6.1 s | 3.5 – 4.8 s |
| Handling | balanced & nimble | immediate response |
| Ride Comfort | compliant | taut |
| Acceleration Feel | effortlessly quick | startling intensity |
So in summary, the Mach-E excels blending electric performance with compliance for comfortable cruising. Tesla‘s Model Y prioritizes sheer speed and technology over drivability balance. Now how do these personalities translate into real world performance?
Range and Efficiency Face-Off
One huge advantage of electric vehicles comes from using grid energy to move you miles down the road. But with SUV size and performance comes range trade-offs.
Let‘s crunch the numbers…
Ford equips the Mach-E with lithium-ion battery packs ranging from 70 kilowatt-hours standard up to 91 kilowatt-hours extended. Clever engineering coaxes between 100 to 109 miles EPA estimated range from each kWh across rear and all-wheel drive configurations. Impressively efficient.
Translated, that nets approximately 230 miles expected range at minimum. Opting for the Premium or California Route trims combined with the Extended Range battery can deliver 314 mile maximum range.
| Trim | Drive | Battery | Range | EPA Efficiency | Charge Time 0-100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | RWD | 68 kWh | 247 mi | 115 MPGe | 10 hours |
| Premium ER | RWD | 91 kWh | 314 mi | 101 MPGe | 10 hours |
| GT | AWD | 91 kWh | 270 mi | 90 MPGe | TBD |
The Model Y also offers 70/30 split fold down rear seats expanding cargo capacity to 60 cubic feet when needed.
Tesla takes a different approach, building the Model Y platform around its proven, resilient lithium-ion batteries embedded structurally within. Exact specifications are guarded proprietary secrets but based on third party teardowns, capacity is estimated around 82 kilowatt-hours. Impressively, Tesla engineers have optimized efficiency to return well over 100 miles per each kWh.
This translates into over 300 miles range even for the blisteringly quick Performance model. The acclaimed Long Range version boasts an incredible 330 mile range at speeds up to 135 mph. Rapid charging recovers up to 175 miles in just 15 minutes!
Clearly Tesla ekes out every last mile from their battery chemistry. But bigger packs cannot change the laws of physics. Expect adding more performance to incrementally reduce overall range in either EV.
| Trim | Drive | Est. Battery | Range | EPA Efficiency | Charge Time 15-80% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y AWD | AWD | 82 kWh | 303 mi | 114 MPGe | 25 minutes |
| Model Y Long Range | AWD | 82 kWh | 330 mi | 131 MPGe | 25 minutes |
| Model Y Performance | AWD | 82 kWh | 303 mi | 116 MPGe | 25 minutes |
In real world driving, either model deliver range sufficient for most daily needs. The Mach-E meets expectations blending performance with 274+ mile range. For those needing to maximize mileage between charging, Tesla continues pushing the boundaries of both range and rapid recharging.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Comparison
You‘ll be spending lots of time inside either of these electric SUVs, so their interiors merit close inspection.
The Mach-E cockpit clearly reflects Ford‘s decades improving mainstream family vehicle usability. Controls are sensibly laid out and labeled, keeping vital functions easily accessible without digging through menus. Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes seamless phone integration a breeze.
The wide touchscreen perched vertically includes navigation augmented by an additional display directly ahead of the steering wheel. Surrounding materials mix textures and colors preventing austerity. Standard heated seats and steering wheel defend against cold days. A premium Bang & Olufsen audio option delivers concert quality sound for tunes.
Rear legroom suffers slightly, but there remains ample space to install child seats or fit average height adults comfortably. The 29.7 cubic foot cargo hold expands to 59.7 cubes folding the rear seats for Costco hauls. A back seat big enough for Rover butts up against a deep front trunk offering extra storage.
Climbing into the Model Y reveals a cabin far different than what most motorists expect. The spartan interior centers around a wide horizontal touchscreen with almost all controls consolidated there – from media selection to mirror adjustments. The minimalist styling leaves nothing to distract from the technology.
Ahead of the driver only a small display provides speed, range and other essentials. The long flat floor makes middle seating more bearable but legroom is still limited for taller riders. Heated seats and steering wheel require upgrading to the premium interior. There is slightly more cargo room than the Mach-E at 30.2 cubic feet expanding to 76.2 folded.
Clearly Ford prioritized design familiarity over flash while Tesla pursues the anti-clutter future. There are also some key dimensional differences:
| Specs | Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 40.5 in | 41.0 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.2 in | 41.8 in |
| Rear Headroom | 38.3 in | 39.4 in |
| Rear Legroom | 37.6 in | 39.4 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 29.7 / 59.7 cu ft | 30.2 / 76.2 cu ft |
So in terms of pure passenger and cargo space, Tesla‘s design ekes out slightly more room. But the Mach-E offers smarter ergonomics for today‘s expectations. Choose Tesla for the wow factor or Ford for functionality.
Charging Considerations
With no gas involved, keeping your electric SUV powered means access to places replenishing its battery supply. This merits close consideration depending which you select.
As the newest player in EVs, Ford partnered with established third party charging networks like Electrify America and ChargePoint to give Mach-E owners places to plug in. Level 2 chargers installed at homes or workplaces provide most convenience for overnight top offs. DC fast chargers offer 80% charge in 45 minutes.
The downside is variance – charger power delivery differs across providers. This requires reasonable trip planning understanding range impacts. The unified Tesla Supercharger network resolves such inconsistencies.
Instead Tesla builds out their robust Supercharger infrastructure as Model Y buyers grow. Over 35,000 plugs positioned strategically enable long distance EV travel rivaling gas vehicles. Plugging just 15-30 minutes during road trips adds hundreds of miles range. Software updates even precondition batteries ensuring max charging speed. Simply the fastest and most reliable charging experience.
The Mach-E can road trip relying on third party networks, but Superchargers make the Model Y much better suited for frequent long trips. For most shorter commuting uses either EV easily recharges overnight while you sleep. But Tesla rewritten rules for replenishing on the go.
Tech Showcase Throwdown
Part of the promise of vehicles like the Mach-E and Model Y comes from empowering technology taking on more functionality. But philosophy differs here too.
Ford believes in technology supporting drivers foremost. That‘s why the Mach-E simplifies connecting your phone to access navigation, music and more familiarly using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto versus learning a built-in system. Handling mundane tasks like adjusting mirrors or turning on wipers remains important too.
Extra functionality comes optionally via Ford CoPilot360 Assist enhancing driver awareness through cameras, radar and sensors. Parking assistance, adaptive cruise control and auto high beams expand convenience without fully automating vehicle operation. Think friendly helping hand vs self-driving dreams. Updates install easily with scheduled dealer visits.
Meanwhile Tesla is charging ahead testing the limits of autonomy and innovation daily. The spartan Model Y interior centers interactions around its proprietary voice commanded touchscreen loaded with unique features.
Want to queue up the next Netflix episode while parked? Go for it. The always connected functionality even enables gaming on the go.OTA software update roll out new capabilities remotely – no dealership required. Why wait years between model changes when improvements arrive continuously?
The pièce de résistance remains Tesla‘s Full Self Driving mode option. Combining eight external cameras, radar, and extensive neural network programming, FSD pushes boundaries of computer-controlled operation. It stops at lights, changes lanes automatically and soon parks itself. Yet requires attentive human monitoring as development continues. Other manufacturers take a more measured approach.
Clearly Tesla vehicles operate more akin to computers on wheels, pioneering advances incrementally through software. Consider your tech appetite choosing between it and the Mach-E‘s mobile-focused philosophy.
| Spec | Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Mirroring | Android Auto & CarPlay | Bluetooth only |
| Dashboard Display | 12" driver cluster / 15.5" touch | Single 15" multimedia touchscreen |
| Over-the-air Updates | Limited | Frequent feature enhancements |
| Advanced Driver Assist | Ford CoPilot360 | Full Self Driving option |
There you have it! Hopefully this comprehensive feature face-off provides helpful perspective. If you‘ve got any other questions, drop them in the comments below!
