The Mustang is an iconic American car many people know and love. This muscle car is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinct shape and badging. But Ford has revived it as a sporty EV with a comfy ride. Does Mustang Mach E hold a candle to Tesla’s Model Y, one of the most well-known electric vehicles on the market?

© Floopin Photography/Shutterstock.com

Ford is pushing hard to enter the EV market, while Tesla only makes electric vehicles. Tesla has remained in the spotlight partly because of its CEO, Elon Musk, but are their cars that good? Ford’s Mustang Mach E is designed for performance but doesn’t quite live up to the Model Y. However, both vehicles are luxurious and deliver the ultimate driver comfort.

Mustang Mach E vs Tesla Model Y: Side by Side Comparison

Mustang Mach E vs Tesla Model Y: What’s the Difference?

Both Evs are fully electric vehicles. Meaning they run entirely off of battery power and require a periodic recharge. Neither vehicle has a gas engine nor the option to upgrade to a gas engine. While the vehicle has many similarities, they differ dramatically in style, technology, and performance.

Charging

Charging is a major concern for many prospective EV owners. Fortunately, the Mustang Mach E and the Tesla Model Y can charge at a regular home outlet and charging stations across the country. Besides using a standard 120V outlet, you can also install a 240V charging station at home which is available from both Tesla and Ford.

Moving up to a larger charger is ideal because it provides much faster charge times. The good thing about the 120V charger is that you can keep it in the car to charge no matter where you go. But if you are traveling long distances, then chances are you will need to stop at a charging station. The Model Y can use Tesla’s Superchargers found across the country, which charge the car in a fraction of the time.

Technology

Thanks in part to Tesla, electric cars are feature-rich and integrate innovative tech. The Mustang Mach E is no exception, as it features a large display in place of separate controls for AC and the radio. But the technology in these cars goes far beyond the infotainment system.

The Mach E and Model Y have many convenient features to make your life easier. You can get extras such as heated seats depending on the trim level. But where the Model Y stands out is its self-driving capabilities. The Mach E has an advanced cruise control system, and Tesla is actively developing a full self-driving mode for their vehicles.

Pricing

Model Y has a starting price of just under $53,000, and Tesla has a very transparent pricing structure. The Mach E is under $46,000 for a standard-range rear-wheel drive model. Both vehicles received a price cut in January of 2023, something you don’t hear much in the automotive industry.

Mach E

The Mustang Mach E represents a bold choice for Ford. Not only is it an electric car, but it also puts the Mustang’s name on an SUV. The Mustang is synonymous with speed and power. The first thing you probably think of is a sleek body with bold lines. But Mach E is different. While it has bold lines, it is significantly larger than the muscle cars of the past.

The Ford Mustang is still a favorite of many car enthusiasts. So it is understandable that Ford thought it made sense to reboot the model a little differently. You can still carry up to five passengers and hit pretty impressive speeds with it. However, the Mach E follows many new electric vehicles with revamped digital controls on a touch screen.

The vertical 15.5″ display loosely resembles the one Tesla uses in their EVs. Unfortunately, the interface is a little clunkier and has a knob in the middle of the screen. The car goes from 0-60km/h in 5.2 seconds, which is pretty good compared to older gas-powered models. It also has an estimated range of 314 miles on a charge.

Iconic American Muscle

A vehicle bearing the signature Mustang model name requires some keen design choices. The Mach E takes a bold risk of turning the Mustang into an SUV. When the first Mustang was released in 1964, it became an icon of American muscle cars. Therefore the choice to turn the Mustang into an electric car meant they needed to pay homage to the models that came before it.

One of the key trademarks of the Mustang is the three vertical tail lights. Naturally, they retained this on the Mach and even modernized it a bit. Another signature look from the past is an extended hood, which is an interesting choice as there is no need for a large engine bay. Unfortunately, this hood space isn’t that beneficial because its storage compartment is relatively small.

Model Y

At first glance, the Tesla Model Y looks like a pretty large car. But upon further inspection, you may be shocked to realize that it’s an SUV. While still fairly small as far as SUVs go, Model Y packs in a third-row seat, bringing its total passenger capacity up to seven. Adding this third-row seat is a game changer in such a small vehicle and may convince you that the Model Y is the way to go.

Besides the seating, the interior is as striking as the exterior. The best way to describe it is elegant. The colors are pretty simple, and there are no vibrant details. Instead, it keeps things simple with a minimalist design that masterfully integrates everything you need.

Model Y is luxurious but extremely fun to drive, with a 0-60 speed of 3.5 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 155 mph and go for 303 miles on a charge. Model Y does come in two variations, a Performance and Long Range option. Both are distinguished by speed and passenger capacity.

A Modern Statement Piece

The Tesla Model Y has a bold design, much like the Mustang. But in reality, it just looks like a regular car. But what makes Teslas so special is its technology, high performance, and electric capabilities. A Tesla is a statement just like a Mercedes or BMW.

The rear hatchback provides ample storage space, as does the front hood area. The interior is stunning, with a solid glass roof letting you see your surroundings. Of course, the signature part of every Tesla interior is its touchscreen display, where you control all of the car’s functions.

Since the Model Y first came out, it has become a symbol of electric vehicles and what they can be if done correctly. The mix of performance and style has created a wave in the automotive industry that other manufacturers are still trying to catch up with.

Mustang Mach E vs Tesla Model Y: 5 Must-Know Facts

  • The Mach E is Ford’s first Mustang SUV and the first Mustang EV.The Model Y has an optional third row, bringing passenger capacity up to seven.Both vehicles are fully electric and do not have a gas-powered engine.Tesla’s Model Y has access to Superchargers, which gets you the fastest charge.Tesla dealerships are limited in some areas, making purchasing and servicing challenging.

Mustang Mach E vs Tesla Model Y: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

This one’s a really hard choice. While a significant amount, the prices don’t really play into our decision here, but it may be a factor for you. Several other factors make one electric vehicle stand out over the other. Tesla’s Model Y is our choice for a couple of reasons.

First, Model Y has an option for a third row which is a major factor for people with larger families. This EV Y has also been out longer, and we feel that Tesla has had enough time to work out the kinks. Plus, you can access a nationwide network of Tesla superchargers for lightning-fast recharging of your car’s batteries.

That said, Mustang Mach E is still a fantastic EV with many features and a great driver experience. One of the major upsides of the Mustang is that Ford dealerships are accessible to most Americans. In contrast, Tesla dealerships are few and far between, especially in rural areas. This means that not only will a Mach E be easier to get, but so will maintenance.