Ford Motor Company's new electric Mustang Mach-E is the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the company's F-150 pickup won truck honors from a group of auto journalists.
The 2020 Tesla Model Y is an intriguing pick for an electric SUV. It has a relatively small footprint but provides cavernous passenger and cargo space. And with a current entry price of $43,190 including destination and handling fees, it’s also one of the most affordable electric SUVs around.
But there’s a new rival aimed at taking on the Model Y: the all-new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Mach-E is priced competitively, starting at $43,995 and, unlike Tesla, still qualifies for federal tax credits.
But which EV is better? Edmunds’ experts tested both to find out.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Driving performance
Teslas have earned a reputation for laughably quick, sports car-beating speed, and it holds true for the Model Y. Even when you aren’t trying to break the sound barrier, the Model Y provides an easy but engaging driving experience with responsive steering, sporty handling and smooth, shift-free power delivery.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E delivers speed that nearly matches the Model Y at comparable trim levels as well as an entertaining driving experience.
Just like the Tesla, you can bring the Mach-E to a stop solely using the regenerative braking to recoup energy. But Ford hasn’t done as well smoothing out the transition to regular braking when you press on the brake pedal.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
2020 Tesla Model Y
Technology
Tesla has taken over-the-air software updates to a whole new level. Adding new features, fixing problems and extending battery range to its vehicles are just a few things it’s done wirelessly over the years. Like the Model Y, the Mach-E can also receive over-the-air updates after you’ve bought the vehicle.
Inside, the Model Y has a minimalistic design highlighted by a large center touchscreen. It looks chic but can lead to driver distraction, because so many of the car’s controls are routed through the screen. The Mach-E also has a large center touchscreen, but there are more physical buttons plus a digital gauge cluster to help you keep your eyes on the road.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Real-world range
Tesla continues to be an EV range leader. Owners also benefit from Tesla’s exclusive Supercharger network, which is currently the most hassle-free network for fast charging. The Model Y has an EPA-estimated range between 244 miles and 326 miles.
However, Edmunds’ range testing on EVs found that, in most cases, Teslas don’t achieve their range estimates. A 2020 Model Y Performance had an EPA-estimated range of 291 miles, but Edmunds managed only 263 miles.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E’s EPA estimates range from 211 miles to 300 miles. Edmunds tested an all-wheel-drive Mach-E (EPA-estimated range: 270 miles), and got an impressive 304 miles.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Comfort
The Model Y provides comfort to a good degree, with a few caveats. The seats are well padded and supportive in all the right areas, but the upholstery doesn’t breathe well, which is a problem if you live in warmer climates. A quiet cabin is pretty common among luxury EVs, and the Model Y likewise insulates well against exterior noise.
The Mustang Mach-E is a degree or two more comfortable than the Model Y in nearly all areas. The seat cushions are softer and have breathable perforated upholstery, and the suspension better soaks up bumps in the road. Even the climate control feels a tad more powerful and is easier to adjust.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Utility
The Tesla Model Y’s rear cargo area is massive. The rear seatbacks conveniently fold flat and there’s a removable cargo floor with storage space underneath. There’s also a big space under the front trunk.
The Mach-E also has a pretty good-sized rear cargo area with folding rear seats, but it can’t match the volume of space the Model Y offers. Its front trunk is smaller too, though it does come with a drain plug that allows you to drain out water.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Edmunds’ verdict
These two EVs are closely matched, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E wins, thanks to its superior comfort and user-friendly technology.
10 vehicles worth taking for a spin in 2021:
Top test drives
2021 Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport features black trim across the exterior.
Customers expect Cadillacs to be generously sized, commanding in performance, exceptionally comfortable and convenient, and wrapped in flamboyant, unapologetic attire. The redesigned 2021 Escalade is the first true new Cadillac in decades. It’s an indulgent, intelligent return to form that’s masterfully executed, and brimming with state-of-the-art technology. $77,490
2020 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 is sublime understatement inside and out, visual haiku that’s strikingly elegant and clever in its design. Better yet, it’s an engagingly fun vehicle to drive. Its sophisticated charisma outshines its many competitors, making it a must-drive alternative in what is otherwise a rather humdrum market segment. $21,900
2020 Hyundai Sonata
The redesigned Sonata exudes a combination of art and understanding that projects an elegant simplicity that feels more premium than it is. Its design is mirrored in its driving demeanor; handling is noticeably better. It makes a compelling case for being the best in its segment. And the hybrid easily returns an astonishing 51 mpg. $23,600
2020 Subaru Legacy
Personifying the finest qualities of life in the middle of the road, the Subaru Legacy is handsome and approachable, exuding a refreshingly refined no-nonsense level-headedness. Agile but not sporty, it doesn’t tempt you into indulging yourself with your right foot. But its sophisticated drive line is effortless to drive smoothly. $23,645
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec
A welcome return to form for a brand that has been far too bland for far too long. All-new for 2021, the TLX is the best iteration of Acura’s midsize sedan since the 2004-2008 Acura TL. Its turbocharged four packs a significant performance punch. You’ll find the new TLX’s cabin to be a fairly rewarding place to pass the miles. $47,275
2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch Hybrid
Ford’s full-size pickup accounted for nearly 1% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year. It’s easy to understand why. It’s quiet and comfortable, and features opulent interiors and first-class technology. Something new: a 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V-6 with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. $59,755
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
While its birth was GM’s answer to European sports cars, the newest iteration is perhaps its most radical to date. Try buying a European car with this level of performance, engineering and technology for less than $60,000. You can’t. That why the latest Corvette is the best sports car you can buy. $59,800
2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic All-Terrain
Although its name is vaguely SUV-like, this is a station wagon, albeit with outdoors aspirations. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt hybrid system supplants last year’s twin-turbo V-6. Returning 24 mpg, it has a refined, spirited and fun driving demeanor.
Call it a wagon or not, it’s up to you. $68,650
2021 Genesis G90
In an era when most Americans have become truck drivers, the Genesis is a reassuring nod to tradition — a full-size luxury sedan that’s comfortable, quiet, capable and possessing a unique air equal to its station. It’s the type of car that American automakers once built but no longer do. Thankfully, Genesis does, even if Detroit won’t. $72,950
2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost
In these dissonant times, when tradition is too often met with contempt and suspicion, the freshly redesigned Ghost arrives with its best attributes intact. It still delivers the most seamless driving experience you’ll ever encounter. The Ghost is a dose of reassurance in an age when everything seems to have come unhinged. $332,500
