The Mustang Mach-E May is the leading electric SUV alternative to the Tesla Model Y in the U.S. My quick-take review explains why.
The Mustang Mach-E was the No. 3 best selling EV in the U.S. behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 respectively in the first quarter of 2025, according to numbers released by Kelley Blue Book. I had the opportunity to drive the 2024 Mach-E for a week. Here are my impressions (Note that the 2025 Mach-E has been slow to arrive at dealers and most are still “in transit” to dealers in Los Angeles.):
The Good
Range: I would suggest looking closely at the Premium trim with 300 miles+ range. Any EV with under 300 miles of range in 2025 is not practical. Styling: it’s one of the more attractive EVs out there. Probably one of the reasons it’s a bestseller. It’s an SUV: This is not your typical Mustang. Being a true SUV – unlike the traditional Mustang – means lots of room inside. Quality: The Mach-E I drove was screwed together well. Needless to say, that matters. Speed: if you opt for the Mach-E Premium all-wheel drive or GT you’ll get a very quick EV with lots of acceleration that matches the AWD Model Y and Performance Model Y. The rear-wheel drive trim won’t disappoint either. Tesla adapter: Ford had been offering a free NACS adapter for Tesla chargers. It’s not free anymore but it’s good that Ford offers one. OTA updates: Ford is committed to Over-The-Air updates. That means it’s committed to improving Ford’s excellent BlueCruise drive-assist technology (see bottom), which is something that competing legacy carmakers are not always consistent about. Price: 2025 Mach-E Select (rear-wheel drive) starts at just above $38,000 in Los Angeles (where I live.) Ford lists the starting price at $36,495. The Mach-E Premium (RWD) starts at under $42,000 in Los Angeles, though Ford lists it at $39,995. The GT starts at $52,495 but the one most buyers will want (if you want to get the most out of a GT) is closer to $60,000.
BlueCruise: Let me address the Mach-E’s Advanced Driver Assist System or ADAS separately. An ADAS can essentially drive the car for you in many situations. These autonomous driving systems are the future of driving (whether you realize or not). I predict they will be as common as cruise control in 5 years. I was extremely impressed with BlueCruise. It offers driver assist on both major highways and local roads (the latter via lane-centering). While BlueCruise is not Tesla FSD, it should satisfy most drivers. BlueCruise comes with three months of complimentary service and monthly rates thereafter are $49.99 versus $99 for Tesla FSD.
The Bad
Range on some models: Ford still sells Mach-Es with battery range well below 300 miles. Some as low as 250 miles. Yes, they’re cheap but you pay for that with lost range. Low-range Mach-Es include the Mach-E Select and some Mach-E Premium variants. You may be thinking, “Well, I just drive locally and I can plug it in at home.” But that thinking quickly goes out the window (as my experience shows) when you need an EV for unplanned long-distance drives. And, yes, that happens more often than you may think.