We’re into the next round of our Ultimate EV Bracket Battle and it’s the best battle yet. It is the best selling electric SUV in the United States vs. the second best selling electric SUV in the United States! It’s the Tesla Model Y vs. the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Now, when we say these are the two best-selling electric SUVs in the United States, that doesn’t mean they’re similar in overall sales. Ford sold 28,089 Mustang Mach-Es through September 2022, while we estimate that Tesla sold over 150,000 Model Ys in the United States during the same period. But hey, Ford can only produce so many Mach-Es (of course, you can say the same about Tesla and the Model Y), and just because a lot of people buy something doesn’t mean it’s better than something else (hmm, McDonald’s vs. Chipotle’s Veggie Bowl). However, we are here for a debate, so Jo Borrás and I have chosen our side and are ready to fight!
I’ll just say it up front: I choose the Tesla Model Y for reasons I explain below, but the Mustang Mach-E is definitely one of those EVs that I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who prefers it, and I always mention it when someone asked about good EVs on the market.
Starting off with a design focus, I like the look of the Mustang Mach-E. I think this is one of the coolest cars/SUVs on the road. However, I prefer the Tesla’s sleek, sleek, sporty design. The combination of minimalism and masculinity is superb. That said, there are so many Model Ys on the road now that I’d say the Mach-E gets points for looking more unique and eye-catching. Oh yeah, and Ford nailed it with the colors too! I like some of the Ford color options. But still — Tesla’s sleek design wins in my eyes.
Joe: I must admit up front that although I had the chance to drive the Mustang Mach-E Premium for a few days this past winter, I have yet to drive the Model Y. That’s a huge omission, especially since this car seems destined to become a top-selling EV in the world. As we were planning this post, Zachary actually seemed shocked (perhaps rightfully so) and suggested that I take it upon myself to do just that for the purposes of this review, which seemed like a good idea… until my local Ford dealership reached out to say that they had a Grabber Blue Mustang Mach-E GT for me to drive – I went and drove it instead.
I’m sorry, Zach. Elon’s clunky high-roof, space-egg minivan deal looks like someone inflated too much of a Model 3-shaped balloon, and that kind of lazy design just can’t compete with the Pony Car’s long hood and short-deck promise of fun.
And besides, I just can’t bring myself to believe that the Model Y will be any more interesting or inspiring to drive than the Model 3 – which shares a platform with the Y, but adds a lower cg and reduced mass to the fun-to-drive mix. If the Mustang is a better drive than the thathow can the wagon version compete?
Zack: I certainly can’t understand it, and I think you might be crazy to disregard the Tesla’s looks, and I know millions agree with me, but I also know there are many people who think they’re tacky and boring. But that’s enough about the design. What is the next category?
Indeed, the Model Y drives a lot like the Model 3, but of course with more SUV styling than sedan styling. But the Ford Mustang Mach-E drives even more like an SUV from my perspective. I’ve driven them back-to-back a few times, and while the Mustang Mach-E certainly has the benefits of a skateboard battery and sporty design, and rides in a much nicer way than a typical SUV, I found the Model Y to be tighter, feel more -stable and sportier and was nicer. I love the Mach-E, but I certainly felt the Model Y was a bit more of a driver’s SUV.
Part of the drive is, of course, the interior design and experience. I know a lot of people who like Mustang Mach-E interiors, and I, like many, especially liked the blue stitching on the Grabber Blue model I had. However, the Model Y’s clean, sleek, unified interior still wins in my eyes. And while I have issues with my Model 3’s poor soundproofing, I found the Model Y to be significantly better and the road noise reduced. However, I will give points to the Mustang Mach-E for an even quieter interior.
Joe: This is difficult. We always get this far with Tesla articles, don’t we? The design doesn’t speak to me at all, interior or exterior. I think Ford’s translation of the sorry stylings to the SUV coupe is more successful.
That said, it’s pretty clear that Ford disproved Tesla’s design when it laid out the Mach-E’s dashboard. Visually, it’s somewhat of a generic copy – set apart only by virtue of a larger screen, and one that they didn’t make the most of.
Zack: Ford made a bold move on the infotainment system, imho. The Detroit auto giant unashamedly took a lesson from Tesla and put a giant touchscreen in the middle of just about everything. This requires courage and humility. I thought the screen worked well and was well organized.
However, the Tesla infotainment screen is still a bit cooler and there’s so much more to have fun with. I won’t list all of it, or even most of it, but I’ll just point out: Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, some good video games, Karaoke, a sketchbook, a music-making app, various fun easter eggs, and more.
I also wish Ford had jumped ahead and turned the screen sideways (longer horizontally) instead of going the old-school Model S route. The only thing I will say is that I do really like turning on the dial/knob for some apps. I just love it and agree with those who say some things are better off relying on muscle memory.
But seriously, the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s infotainment is pretty good. One of the best on the market.
Joe: Very good points. The only thing I would add is that Ford probably committed to the vertical design before the Model Y was considered standard. I think they probably benchmarked the MX.
All that being said, I didn’t like the way Ford handled their in-dash charging.
Zack: Oh yeah, and there’s charging!
There’s nothing better than Tesla’s Supercharger network. In fact, nothing else comes close, although the Electrify America and EVgo networks continue to improve.
But hey, the battle is long won — I’ll let you make your final arguments.
Joe: The Supercharger network is Tesla’s ace in every conversation. I don’t think EA, EVgo, or any of the other networks belong in the same conversation, to be honest…but Tesla looks like it’s going to open this up to other brands, and then its cars will have to compete on their own. When that happens, I think Tesla becomes the new Subaru. Strong fanbase, loyal following, but ultimately not one of the major players in the space. Once the novelty of electric drive wears off, it will be bad.
I think it’s around 2030, but that’s just me.
If the Supercharger was available for both, I’d give that to the Mustang. Like it is? I can’t pick a winner.
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