For many years now, Tesla has had a monopoly on the luxury electric vehicle market. With the introduction of the 2020 Tesla Model Y crossover, the company seemed to be pulling even further ahead of its competitors. What folks didn’t expect was for Ford to step up to the plate, but with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, Ford SUVs are reaching new heights. Making its first appearance at the 2019 LA Auto Show, a battle has been initiated between the Ford Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y.
Power and Performance
Right now, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering how in the world Ford managed to make the classic Mustang into a fully-electric crossover that can compete with Tesla. While it took years of development, engineers created this surprisingly powerful model that pushes the name Mustang to the next level. Let’s look at a few performance stats.
The Mustang Mach-E is powered by a solo, rear-mounted electric engine that is paired with an all-wheel drive system. Together, this powertrain generates a magnanimous 332 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Not too shabby for an EV, right? Well, that wasn’t enough for Ford. The American automaker had to step things up a notch by adding GT and GT Performance Edition models that can pump out a staggering 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. Each powertrain can be equipped with one of two battery packs. The first is a 75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery with 288 cells. The other is a 98.8 kWh extended-range battery pack with 376 cells. It has a driving range of 300 miles. Both energy sources come with an 8-year 100,000-mile warranty.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a long-range battery pack that enables the vehicle to travel for about 280 miles. If you want a little more range, you can opt for the long-range RWD version, which can drive for 300 miles. Other performance stats such as horsepower and torque have not been released.
With that being said, we do have some track time information that class Mustang fans will appreciate. Just because the Mach-E is an EV, that doesn’t mean that it’s slow. The GT models with the extended-range battery can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds flat. This pony can still race! Comparably, the Tesla Model Y can hit 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, depending on the drivetrain. The long-range RWD version can’t compare with its 5.5-second acceleration time.
Space and Seating
One main issue that people have with EV models and hybrids is space. Due to the large battery packs typically mounted in the rear, cargo space and seating tends to suffer on many eco-friendly vehicles. This is not the case with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This SUV can seat five passengers with 29 cubic feet of cargo room. If you need additional space, you can fold the seats down to gain access to 60 cubic feet. That’s not all. Because the entire powertrain is mounted in the back, there is nothing under the hood. So, Ford engineers decided to make good use of this open space. They created a handy storage compartment that functions like a trunk. It measures up to five cubic feet and is not carpeted. This means that you can get it dirty without worry about scrubbing the lining later. Just hose it out. Currently, Ford engineers are working on a foam insert that will allow you to convert this compartment into cold storage for ice and drinks.
As for the Tesla Model Y, technically, it can seat seven passengers. However, the third row is sized more for children than adults. The company has reported a maximum storage capacity of 66 cubic feet, which includes the measurements from the front storage area. Essentially, it has the same amount of cargo room as the Mach-E.
Advanced Safety Features
Ford is known for adding the Co-Pilot360 system to all of its newer vehicles. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E includes something even better. It comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 safety suite. This includes blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse brake assist, post-collision braking, automatic high beams, a reverse sensing system, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist, emergency braking, and, of course, a rearview camera. You can also add the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 system, which includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering, and a navigation system so that you never get lost in a new city again. Finally, the best safety package you can add is the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology suite, which adds a 360-degree camera system and active park assist. Safety is a top priority at Ford, and it shows.
Tesla claims that the Model Y is the safest vehicle in its class. Let’s compare its standard safety features to the Mustang Mach-E to see if the Model Y can back up its creator’s claim. Blindspot monitoring, collision warning, and emergency braking come standard along with the AutoPilot system. Using 12 external sensors and a surround-view camera system, the Model Y has full self-driving capabilities. It even comes with a front radar that can sense objects up to 160 meters away. This innovative system can detect close-range cars and people, helping to prevent accidents. It can also park itself.
Entertainment and Tech Features
The 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E is loaded with state-of-the-art technology to keep you entertained everywhere you go. If you are the type of person who needs a high-quality sound system, this EV is equipped with a stellar 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, which features a soundbar with surround sound, dynamic sound tuning, adaptive volume, and a subwoofer. That’s studio-quality right there! The infotainment interface is displayed on an expansive 15.5-inch touchscreen and is designed to learn your driving habits. A panoramic fixed-glassed roof has also been installed. It features a special coating that keeps the cabin warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Slipping behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y, you will be greeted by a 15-inch touchscreen that displays the infotainment interface. It operates with a navigation system that uses live traffic updates to keep you on the fastest route to your destination. This model also comes with an immersive sound system and a seamless glass roof, making it comparable to the Mustang Mach-E.
Exterior Styling
When comparing the Ford Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y, the first exterior styling difference you will notice will be the doors. The Mach-E does not have any visible door handles. The vehicle senses when you are nearby, and a button will illuminate for you to press. This will open the door enough for you to take hold of the handle inside and open it the rest of the way.
As for paint options, the Mustang Mach-E will be available in seven shades, including Space White, Star White Metallic, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Infinite Blue Metallic, and Rapid Red Metallic. The Tesla Model Y will be offered in five colors, including Pearl White, Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Red.
The Ford Mach-E vs The Tesla Model Y
Still thinking about the Mach-E and the Model Y? The best thing to do would be to take them for a spin once they hit a showroom floor near you.
