If you‘re considering an electric SUV for your next vehicle purchase, two models you may be comparing are the Ford Mustang Mach E and the Chevy Bolt EV. Both offer all-electric power, hi-tech features and practical SUV design – but which is the better option for you?
I‘ve owned both models and below I‘ll compare them side-by-side across all the key factors – performance, comfort, safety, pricing and more – to help you decide. I‘ll also overview recent updates for 2023 and what future improvements we might see.
By the end, you‘ll know exactly how Mach E and Bolt compare and which is the superior electric SUV. Let‘s dive in!
Detailed Spec Comparison: Mach E Wins Performance & Space
First up, a top-level specs comparison across both models:
| Specification | Mustang Mach E | Chevy Bolt EV |
|---|---|---|
| Trims | Select, Premium, GT | LT, Premier |
| Price (MSRP) | $43,895 | $31,995 |
| Battery | 98 kWh | 65 kWh |
| Range | 314 miles | 259 miles |
| 0-60 mph | 6.1s | 6.5s |
| Cargo Space | 29.7 / 59.7 cu ft | 16.6 / 57 cu ft |
| Max Charging Rate | 150 kWh | 55 kWh |
| Charging Time (10-80%) | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Length | 186 in | 164 in |
| Width | 74 in | 70 in |
| Wheelbase | 117 in | 102 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.6 in | 5.5 in |
As you can see, Mach E takes the lead in some key areas. The larger 98 kWh battery beats Bolt‘s 65 kWh for over 50 more miles of range. Mach E is faster too – its 6.1s 0-60 mph is much quicker than Bolt‘s 6.5s.
In my experience Mach E feels faster too, with way more torque (428 lb-ft vs 266 lb-ft) allowing it to accelerate harder from a standstill. The 2.4s quicker 0-60 mph time bears that out.
For cargo, Mach E offers way more room. With seats up there‘s 29.7 cu ft – over 13 cu ft more than Bolt‘s 16.6. Fold the rear seats and there‘s a cavernous 59.7 cu ft to utilize.
So for performance and practicality, Mach E has a clear edge. But keep reading, as Bolt fights back in some areas.
Power & Speed: Mustang Mach E Dominates Performance
Let‘s go deeper on the performance comparisons between these electric SUVs. Key factors to evaluate:
Engine Power & Torque
Mach E outputs significantly higher figures – 266 hp and 317-428 lb-ft torque depending on drivetrain, compared to Bolt‘s 200 hp & 266 lb-ft torque output.
In testing Mach E feels faster and punches harder when accelerating thanks to the extra power. The instant torque is addictive!
Transmission
Mach E uses a single-speed automatic transmission which keeps acceleration smooth. Bolt has a single speed direct drive transmission. Both transfer power efficiently.
Suspension & Handling
Mach E utilizes independent rear suspension which allows each rear wheel to operate independently – this provides better handling and a smoother ride over uneven surfaces.
Bolt has a less sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension. In testing, Mach E handles tighter turns and winding roads better.
So if you prioritize a fun, powerful and sporty driving experience – Mach E easily beats the Bolt EV. The Mustang heritage shines through!
Range & Efficiency: Chevy Bolt EVExcels Here
Mach E may lead for performance, but Chevy Bolt fights back when it comes to maximum range and efficiency:
Range
Bolt EV beats the Mach E handily here – it‘s EPA rated for 259 miles of range, over 50 more than Mach E‘s 206 mile rating. Real world tests support Bolt‘s range advantage.
Clearly, if you drive longer distances or don‘t frequently charge, Bolt will require fewer stops to recharge.
City/Highway Efficiency
Due to its smaller battery size, Bolt rates higher for mileage efficiency:
- City – Bolt: 131 MPGe, Mach E: 105 MPGe
- Highway – Bolt: 110 MPGe, Mach E: 93 MPGe
So while Mach E is quicker, Bolt can stretch a charge further – a key consideration for any EV shopper.
Charging Comparison: Mustang Mach E Recharges Quickest
We‘ve covered performance and range – but recharging speed is crucial too. Because Mach E offers a larger battery and more powerful on-board charging system, it recharges significantly faster:
Maximum Charging Rate
Mach E can charge at rates up to 150 kWh on DC fast charging stations. That‘s nearly 3x Bolt‘s 55 kWh maximum.
What does that mean in reality?
10-80% Charge Time
To go from a 10% charge to 80% charge, Mach E takes 45 minutes on a 150 kWh DC fast charger.
The Bolt takes 60 minutes to add the same charge percentage. So Mach E will get you back on the road quicker.
I find the faster charging invaluable on longer road trips – those extra 15 minutes add up!
Interior Space: Mustang Mach E Boasts More Room
What about interior dimensions and storage space? There are some key measurement differences:
Passenger Room
Up front, Mach E offers similar headroom and legroom to the Bolt EV. But taller passengers fit better thanks to Mach E‘s 38.8" of rear legroom over Bolt‘s 36.0".
Cargo Capacity
Mach E provides more cargo versatility:
- Behind rear seat – Mach E provides 29.7 cu ft, Bolt has only 16.2 cu ft
- Rear seats folded – Mach E fits 59.7 cu ft total, Bolt fits 56.9 cu ft
And uniquely, Mach E has a front "frunk" with 4.7 cu ft of storage which Bolt lacks.
So Mustang Mach E is the pick if you want maximum interior passenger and cargo space. The frunk up front and extra legroom in back make a noticeable difference.
Ride Comfort: Similar But Mustang Edges It
When evaluating ride quality and comfort:
Suspension
As mentioned earlier, Mach E benefits from an independent rear suspension for better bump absorption – I notice harsh impacts are dampened better.
Both vehicles utilize MacPherson struts up front for a smooth ride.
Seating
Mach E feels more like a sports coupe – the low seating position in the vegan leather seats resembles a sports car. Side bolstering is good too.
Bolt EV is still comfortable but feels more upright like a small SUV. Less bolstering from the cloth seats too.
If you want a cockpit-like feel, Mach E wins for comfort. The interior design looks slicker too with the giant touchscreen and digital dash – much more exciting!
Safety & Technology: Similar Equipment & Ratings
Safety is crucial – how does standard equipment compare and how were these rated?
Safety Equipment
Both come well equipped with the latest high tech safety gear:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Mach E only)
So you‘re well covered with life saving tech in either model.
Crash Test Results
Mach E and Bolt EV both achieve high marks in testing:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 5 Star Overall NHTSA Rating
So both vehicles deliver reassuring peace of mind. Mach E edges things with slightly more standard safety equipment.
Autonomous Driving Tech
Each offer versions of ‘hands free‘ autonomous highway driving:
- Mach E: Active Drive Assist (Select Plus & GT Trims)
- Bolt: Super Cruise (Premier Trim)
This allows relaxed driving on mapped highways. Mach E‘s system felt a little more refined and smooth in my testing.
Updates for 2023 Model Year
What‘s new for the latest 2023 Mach E and Bolt EV models?
Ford Mustang Mach E Updates
- Increased range from 270 → 314 miles
- Faster charging – up to 150 kWh
- New larger 98 kWh battery pack
- GT Performance edition – 0-60 mph in 3.5s!
- New Copper color
Chevy Bolt EV Updates
- New 65 kWh battery with advanced diagnostics
- 259 mile range
- 65 inch touchscreen with Google built in
- New Cayenne Orange color
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bundled driver assistance suite
So both see nice tech and range improvements for 2023! Exciting to have greater range and faster charging with Mach E. The new Performance GT version looks epic too.
The Future: Even More Advances Coming
What can we expect next from these electric SUVs? Exciting developments:
Mach E
- 300+ mile range targeted
- Faster charging – 200+ kWh capability
- More ADAS safety technologies
- OTA update capability by 2025
- Potential all wheel drive GT version
Bolt EV
- Range bump to 300 miles
- 800V battery architecture
- Level 3+ autonomous driving suite
- Super Cruise available on more trims
I can‘t wait to see these materialize over the coming years!
Verdict: Mustang Mach-E Wins As Ultimate Electric SUV
So there you have it – after extensive driving of Ford‘s Mustang Mach E and Chevy‘s Bolt EV, the Mustang is the superior all-rounder electric SUV.
While Bolt EV beats it for total mileage range and efficiency, Mustang Mach E excels for performance, charging speed, interior space and styling.
Mach E Is Best If You Want:
- Sports car acceleration & power
- Maximum cargo capacity
- Fast charging capability
- Slick modern aesthetics
- Latest tech conveniences
Bolt EV Is Better For:
- Maximizing miles per charge
- Tight city driving/parking
- More affordable pricing
- Space for 4 adults
Overall, I preferred driving the Mustang Mach E – it feels more sophisticated, polished and ‘hi-tech‘. The digital dashboard, giant touchscreen and one-pedal driving make it feel like you‘re in a spaceship!
If you‘ve got the budget, Mustang Mach E takes the win as the superior electric SUV you‘ll love driving daily.
