8 Ways the Mustang Mach-E Is Better Than the Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has proven to be one of the most popular electric crossovers. It’s also a bestseller in the US, where it is facing increasingly stiff competition from models launched by established manufacturers. One of these highly talented rivals is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which may be a practical battery-powered family mover, yet it draws upon decades of Mustang heritage.
Even though the Mach-E is Ford’s first go at a fully electric SUV, the automaker has really hit it out of the park with this model in many areas, including some where it is better than its rival from Tesla. Let’s explore what the Mach-E is better at than the Model Y.
1. Lower Starting Price
The Mustang Mach-E can be configured in many ways, and some of these alterations can get quite pricey. Regardless, with the base configurations, the $45,995 Mach-E is cheaper than the $46,990 Model Y. The difference is just under $1,000, but if you’re shopping for the most affordable electric crossover, you’ll opt for the Ford.
However, the top-of-the-range Mach-E GT model starts at $63,995, which is considerably more expensive than the $53,990 Model Y Performance.Tesla slashed prices across its range at the start of 2023—before that, all versions of the Ford undercut the equivalent Tesla.
2. More Aggressive Styling
The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s styling is very similar to the coupe version of the Ford Mustang, and this is a very good thing. The conventional Mustang’s styling is elegant and grown up, but still exudes sports car allure.
The Tesla Model Y, by contrast, rocks a subdued design that is elegant but not overly exciting. That said, Tesla has a uniform design language across its lineup, and its vehicles do tend to age well.
The Mach-E goes all out with its design, though, and the electric SUV’s swoopy character lines really make it stand out in its segment. The Mach-E wouldn’t look out of place in a parking lot full ofhigh-performance electric vehicles.
3. Established Network of Ford Service Centers
Tesla has done a great job expanding its service centers, but they are still severely lacking compared to traditional automakers. There are many US states that only have one Tesla service center, which is unacceptable when you consider the number of Teslas sold.
Fewer service centers equal more time waiting for your vehicle to eventually get serviced, which is something potential owners want to think about. The Mach-E doesn’t have this problem because Ford has an established dealer network across the United States with service centers trained to work on the Mach-E (or any other Ford product).
This means that you’ll be able to get help quickly and in a location close to where you live. This is not the case in states with only one Tesla service center.
4. More Paint Options
The Mustang Mach-E offers more color options than the Tesla Model Y. In fact, Ford’s electric SUV comes in one of eight color choices, compared to five for the Model Y. The Tesla’s colors are also less daring than the Ford’s, with the most exciting color available being the red (a $2,000 option).
The Mach-E features a few shades that should get your adrenaline pumping and impress quite a few passersby. Cyber Orange Metallic (a $795 option on the GT model) looks stunning and really brings out the Mustang SUV’s sporty character.
Grabber Blue Metallic is a no-cost option, which is also a color you would immediately associate with the two-door Mustang. This is probably the most daring color choice for the Mach-E, and it really makes the Mach-E stand out from a sea of black and silver SUVs.
Overall, Ford’s Mach-E offers more color choices, and the ones that are extra-cost options are still relative bargains compared to what Tesla charges for its optional colors.
5. Interior With Physical Controls
Tesla’s awesome interior tech featuresare famous across the automotive industry, but most of the interior functionality revolves around the massive central touchscreen.
The Ford also features a big central touchscreen, but it has an ace up its sleeve that the Tesla can’t match. The Ford’s central screen has a built-in rotary knob, which can control functions like the radio volume as well as fan speed and temperature settings.
Having a physical control that is neatly integrated into the touchscreen should be the future of automotive user interfaces, and Ford has done a marvelous job executing this idea.
6. Keypad for Easier Access
Ford has had numbered keypads on its vehicles' doors for quite some time. If you want to gain access to your vehicle’s interior but don’t have the key, Ford allows you to type in a PIN that lets you unlock the vehicle.
This feature is still present on the ultra-modern Mach-E. It’s almost strange to find such an old-school throwback on an electric vehicle, but nonetheless, Ford has implemented this unique method of entry on the driver door of the Mach-E.
The Tesla does not have a keypad on the driver’s door, although most Tesla owners won’t find this feature compelling enough to make the switch to a Mach-E.
7. Wider Selection of Wheels
The Tesla Model Y features various attractive wheel designs, but they’re all very EV-ish. One look at the wheels and it’s clear the main mission is to reduce drag. This isn’t a bad thing, but many people are craving traditional wheel choices from the factory for their electric cars.
The Mach-E comes with traditional EV wheels with aero covers as well. But it also offers something different, with attractive optional wheels like the 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, or the 20-inch machined-face wheels that come standard on the Mach-E GT Performance Edition (or purchased separately for $1,550).
8. Better Handling
Ford is renowned for its great-handling cars, and the Mach-E is no exception. It offers superior handling and a more controlled ride compared to the Tesla. The Mach-E’s brakes are also stronger than the Model Y’s brakes and do a better job of stopping the vehicle at higher speeds.
The fact that the Mustang Mach-E has superior handling to the Tesla is great, but it’s also more compliant and comfortable over rough roads, making it a real winner. The Tesla is still a confident handling machine, but its suspension is a bit stiff, and the Mustang Mach-E is a better all-around handler, with a more well-judged chassis.
Ford’s Mach-E Is a Great First Electric Crossover
While the Model Y edges over the Mach-E in some aspects, like offering greater range and a cheaper price for the high-end models, Ford’s first try at an electric crossover is a triumph. The fact that it’s among the best electric crossovers and SUVs for sale proves that legacy automakers can compete with Tesla at its own game.
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, why not consider an electric model?
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