Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y are both all electric midsize SUVs. Both models are relatively new introductions to the EV space. Model Y started production in 2020 and the Mustang Mach-E started production in 2021. The Model Y comes in 3 trims Base, Long Range and Performance. The Mach-E has 4 trim options, Select, California Route 1 Edition, Premium and GT. We will review these two SUVs to help you find the best one for your family.

Tesla Model Y

The Model Y sits somewhere in the middle of the Tesla lineup. Bigger than the Model S and the Model 3 but smaller than the Model X. In early 2023 it overtook the Toyota Corolla the become the world’s best-selling car. Starting around 48K the Model Y can comfortably fit five adults. The Long Range trim offer a third row option to seat seven. This is great for large families with small kids but I would caution the third row is a bit cramped for adults and your head might butt up to the ceiling. To fit more than five adults or larger kids you may want to look at the Model X instead. The coolest feature in my opinion is the panoramic glass roof. Almost the entire roof area is one large piece of glass allowing you to see the sky. If you want to go camping out in the woods and sleep in your Model Y this would be an incredible experience.

Specs

• Range: Base 279 mi, Long Range 330 mi, Performance 303 mi
• 0-60 Acceleration: Base 5.0 sec, Long Range 4.8 sec, Performance 3.5 sec
• Top Speed: Base 135 mph, Long Range 135 mph, Performance 155 mph
• DC Fast Charging Speed: 250kW – Equates to 200 miles in 15 minutes or full charge
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs – Tow Hitch addon cost $1,000
• Seating Options: Base 5 seats, on Long Range Trim 7 seat option is available for an extra $3,000
• Enhanced Autopilot: $6,000 offers the following features, Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, Smart Summon
• Full Self-Driving Capability: $15,000 offers all of the Enhanced Autopilot features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Coming Soon Autosteer on city streets.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

As of the writing of this article. The Mustang Mach-E is the only all electric SUV that Ford offers. Starting at around $43K the Mach-E starts a little lower than the Model Y. Similar to the Model Y the Mach-E is also has a very roomy interior and can fit five adults comfortably. Unlike Tesla, Ford does not offer a third row option for the Mustang Mach-E. Five seats is the max you can get on the Mach-E. Maybe in an attempt to copy Tesla ford put in a panoramic fixed glass roof in the Mach-E but it is not as immersive or as impressive as the Model Y roof. It looks more akin to a traditional sunroof than the almost edge to edge immersive glass of the Model Y. The Mustang has more physical controls than the Tesla and feels more akin to a traditional car with a familiar climate control set of buttons, a drive mode knob, traditional instrument cluster panel and more. Whereas the Tesla has all controls in touch screen.

Specs

• Standard Range: RWD 230 mi, AWD 211 mi
• Extended Range: RWD 300 mi, AWD 270 mi
• 0-60 Acceleration: Standard Range RWD 5.8s, Standard Range AWD 5.2s, Extended Range RWD 6.1s, Extended Range AWD 4.8s, GT trim 3.8s
• Top Speed: GT 124 mph, All Other Models 111 mph
• Towing Capacity: 3,306 lbs on Extended Range
• Seating Options: 5 seats only
• Autopilot option: Ford BlueCruise 1.2 available on all 2023 models. Allows for hands free driving on highways that have been approved by Ford. You can check their map here to see if your highway has the feature.
• DC Fast Charging: Standard Range 115kW Extended Range 150kW – On extended range equates to almost 90 miles in 15 minutes.

Storage Space Comparison

Both vehicles offer a front trunk also known as frunk and both vehicles have hatch back style trunks. The frunks are very similar on both vehicles. The Mach E has 4.7 cubic feet and the Model Y has 4.1 cubic feet.

The trunks of both vehicles are also very similar in size. The Mustang Mach E has 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and if the back seats are folded down it expands to 59.7 cubic feet.

The Model Y has 12.8 cubic feet on the 7 seat model, 26.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down and then 67.9 cubic feet if all rows are folded down. The 5 seat model has 30.2 cubic feet and then 71 cubic feet with the back row folded.

What Can I Fit In The Trunk?

For the 5 seater approximately 30 cubic feet vehicles. You can expect to fit about 6 large suitcases or 10 to 15 small suitcases. If you have small 16x12x12 moving boxes you could fit about 20. For the 7 seater model Y you can expect to fit 5 small suitcases and 3 medium size suitcases. For the same moving box you could get 8 of them in the trunk.

Safety Rating And Features

When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle safety is top of mind. Especially when spending over 50k you want to be sure you are investing in a vehicle that will keep you and your family safe. The IIHS or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested both vehicles. They gave the Tesla Model Y the highest rating they have called Pick+, The Ford Mustang Mach-E received the second best rating called Pick. On top of great safety ratings especially top marks for crash protection. Each vehicles comes with the following safety features.

Tesla Model Y Safety Features

• Autopilot: The Tesla Autopilot system provides advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking.
• Collision Avoidance Assist: The Model Y uses sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions and provides warnings or applies braking to help avoid or mitigate accidents.
• Forward Collision Warning: This system alerts the driver if a frontal collision is imminent and can apply emergency braking if necessary.
• Lane Departure Warning: It alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of the lane without signaling.
• Blind Spot Detection: The Model Y uses sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spot and provides warnings to the driver.
• Emergency Braking: The vehicle can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations if a collision is imminent.
• Side Collision Warning: This system alerts the driver if a vehicle is detected approaching from the side, reducing the risk of a side collision.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Safety Features

• Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0: The Mach-E comes equipped with Ford’s advanced driver assistance system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition.
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: This system detects potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary to help avoid or mitigate accidents.
• Lane-Keeping System: It provides lane-keeping assistance by alerting the driver if the vehicle drifts out of the lane and can also apply steering torque to help keep the vehicle centered.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): BLIS uses sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spot and provides warnings to the driver.
• Reverse Brake Assist: This feature detects objects behind the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent collisions while reversing.
• Post-Collision Braking: The Mach-E applies the brakes after a collision to help prevent further damage.

Warranty And Maintenance Coverage

Tesla Model Y

• Basic Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever is first.
• Supplemental Restraint System: 5 year or 60,000 miles whichever is first.
• Battery and Drive Unit: 8 years or 120,000 miles whichever comes first, with 70% retention of battery capacity over warranty period.
• Roadside Assistance: 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever is first.
• The warranty is transferrable to used owners. The basic warranty if expired will be extended 1 year or 10,000 miles for used owners.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

• Basic: 3 years or 36,000 miles whichever is first.
• Powertrain: 5 years or 60,000 mikes whichever is first.
• Safety Restraint System: 5 years or 60,000 miles whichever is first.
• Corrosion (Perforation only): 5 years with unlimited miles
• Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years or 60,000 miles whichever is first.
• Electric Unique Components: Your battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, retaining a minimum of 70% of its original capacity over that period.

Technology Differences

Tesla continues its very minimalist design. All Tesla’s are controlled by the 15 inch touch screen. There are 2 buttons on the steering wheel and on the dash under the touch screens there are 4 button and 2 dials. The 4 buttons are programmable and the 2 dials are for climate control. Other than that all other controls are done from the touch screen. Tesla uses a custom software for the touch screen and does not support third party software such as Apple Carplay or Android Auto.

The Mustang Mach E has a more traditional setup than the Tesla. The Mach E also has a 15 inch touch screen. Underneath the touch screen there is a more traditional setup for climate control. Also in the middle console of the front is a dial for choosing your drive mode. Behind the steering wheel is a instrument cluster so you can see your speedometer. The Mustang also support both Apple Carplay and Android Auto on top of their custom software. This could make the learning curve easier if you already have a vehicle that implements on of those infotainment systems.

Charging Technology

Tesla continues to use their custom charging connector. Named the NACS in 2022 the Tesla charger give you easy access to the Tesla Supercharger network which currently is the largest charging network in North America. Also you are able to charge at any public Level 1 or Level 2 charging station by using the included adapter. If you want to charge at a different DC Fast Charging company instead of a Tesla Supercharger you will need to purchase a NACS to CCS adapter however many DC Fast Charging companies have announced they will start adding NACS plugs to their charging stations.

Ford currently implements the CCS charging connector on the Mustang Mach E but in May 2023 they announced they will bring access to 12,000 Tesla Superchargers with an adapter in 2024. Then starting in 2025 Ford will switch all of their vehicles to natively implement the NACS charger.

When it comes to charging speed the Tesla has the edge and can charge just a little faster on DC Fast Charging. At home charging speed will be the same.

Conclusion

Both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E are great vehicles. Great safety ratings and the technology you come to expect from EVs. If you have a bigger family the 7 seater Model Y will be the one for you. However if you need a 5 seater both vehicles are a great option. Ford took the iconic Mustang brand and gave it a unique fun and cool implementation for an electric vehicle. The Mustang has a sportiness to it that the Tesla does not.

The one factor that continues to set Tesla apart is the full self driving. They are the leader in that technology and currently are unrivaled. They are rapidly improving the self driving feature and it will only become more compelling over time. If you can stomach the extra $15k for the Full Self Driving feature then it will make the Tesla the clear winner.