2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s all-in bet on an electric future begins with a legendary name from its past: the Mustang Mach-E. While this electric SUV can’t match the sales or cultural impact of the original Mustang from the 1960s, it’s still a big deal. This is the first SUV from a mainstream brand that is going toe-to-toe with Tesla in driving range, performance and technology. And the Ford actually costs less thanks to a 7,500 federal tax credit that’s no longer available to Tesla shoppers. 

The Mach-E doesn’t look much like a Mustang, aside from its galloping pony badge and taillamps with sequential, “tri bar” lighting elements. Yet by compact-SUV standards the Mach-E is a looker with a long hood, low roofline, flaring hips and a purposeful stance. Exterior doors operate via rotary, electronic pushbuttons instead of traditional handles. Inside the Mach E is roomier and more practical than one might expect. With no engine up front and a lithium-ion battery below the floor—in standard 76 kilowatt-hour, or optional 88 kWh Extended Range form—the Mach E’s flat load floor and frunk (front trunk) helps maximize space for cargo and rear-seat passengers. 

The 21st-century vibe is more pronounced inside with a clean, horizontal layout and few physical buttons or switches. Yet compared with Tesla’s equally minimal Model Y, the Mach E comes off as less of a bare cupboard with richer materials, better-bolstered seats and superior fit-and-finish. Those materials include pleasingly nubby, textured fabric that highlights the leather-free “vegan” sensibility of many EV’s.

The Mach E’s nerve center is a portrait-oriented, 15.5-inch touchscreen with a striking, knurled-metal control knob affixed to its glass. That screen runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system with standard Wi-Fi, over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.2-inch, configurable gauge cluster perches atop the steering wheel. As with the Tesla, the screen’s myriad controls and submenus are a bit complicated at first, especially when driving. But after a few hours of acclimation, it becomes quite easy-to-operate.

Yes, Tesla remains the king of electric driving range and battery efficiency, including a class-topping 326 miles for its Model Y Long Range. To its credit, the Ford comes close with 300 miles of range for its rear-wheel-drive Mach-E Premium (or California Route 1) models with the $5,000 Extended Range battery. Driving range drops to 270 miles after adding AWD to match the Model Y.

With that Extended Range battery, the Mach-E Premium AWD starts from $55,800. Deducting the $7,500 tax break drops the price to $48,300—about $1,700 less than the AWD Tesla Model Y Long Range. Buyers who can live without AWD can have the Mach-E Premium for $45,600, a $4,440 advantage over the Tesla.

If that still seems steep for a compact SUV—especially compared with best-selling gasoline models like a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4—the Mach-E Select model starts from 36,495 with rear-wheel-drive, including the $7,500 tax break. Be advised that the Mach-E Select travels just 230 miles on its smaller battery, and 211 miles in AWD form. It’s also less powerful with 266 horsepower. Still, that 230-mile, $36,495 Mach-E Select compares favorably with the most-affordable Model Y, at $41,990 with a similar 244-mile rage. 

Pricier Mach-E’s not only travel farther but get there faster with a potent 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque from dual electric motors, one at each axle. The Mach-E Premium surges to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, delivering a near-silent, magic-carpet feel that’s an exhilarating change from fossil-fueled cars. In fall 2021, Ford’s ballyhooed GT (and GT Performance) models should appear in showrooms, promising a zero-to-60 mph dash in 3.5 seconds, for $61,600 to start. 

The Mach E broadcasts a digital sound at speeds below 20 mph to warn pedestrians or bicyclists of its approach. Inside, a selectable “Whisper” mode is the best choice for everyday driving. The “Engage” and “Unbridled” modes adjust ambient lighting, the driver’s display and throttle sensitivity for faster right-foot response. Unfortunately, those zestier modes add an ersatz propulsion soundtrack through the audio system—imagine the Starship Enterprise with a Ford V8 under the hood—that becomes intrusive and obnoxious in a hurry. But no matter the mode, the Mustang drives smartly. As with many EV’s there’s very little road feedback through the steering wheel, but the Ford glides over the road so quietly that it’s like a serene spa retreat on wheels. 

A “one-pedal” driving mode can be activated via the touchscreen and returns maximum energy to the battery during deceleration. Just lifting the foot off the throttle brings the Mach E to a complete stop without having to press the brake pedal. 

For public charging, Tesla still scores a decisive win with its unmatched Supercharger network, both in charging speeds and widespread availability. Still, Ford says that Mach-E’s with AWD can add up to 52 miles of range in 10 minutes on a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger. The universal charging infrastructure is becoming more robust as Electrify America and ChargePoint continue to grow their networks. A 45-minute charging stop on the most-powerful fast chargers can juice the Ford from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes; or 38 minutes for models with the smaller battery. 

For home use—and say goodbye to gas stations—owners will spend about 10 hours (or overnight) to refill an empty battery once they install a 240-volt, 48-amp Ford Connected charge station. Owners with access to a basic 240-volt outlet (the standard connector for many clothes dryers or tools) can juice from empty-to-full in about 14 hours.

For consumers who see no reason to spend thousands of dollars extra for electric tech, Ford’s Mach E will be a non-starter. Others will see a high-tech SUV that brings America much closer to an electric future; a car that’s lightning fast, spooky-quiet and can travel up to 300 miles in long-range guise. 

For people who can’t wait to ditch their fossil-fueled dinosaurs—whether for performance, dramatically lower energy and maintenance costs, or to cut greenhouse-gas emissions—the Mach-E is a defensible splurge.