Compared: Tesla Model Y vs. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

In the entry-level EV market, these two crossovers have amassed loyal followings. Which club should you join?

Roberto Baldwin | 

Oct 7, 2022 | 3 min read

Tesla | Ford

Tesla currently rules the electric market with its Model 3-based crossover, the Model Y, which sold an estimated 172,700 examples in the U.S. last year. For comparison, the awkwardly named Ford Mustang Mach-E—which ranks third on the bestselling EV chart of 2021—sold only 27,140 units. But sales don’t necessarily equal greatness. Let’s see how the Ford stacks up against the Tesla in three important areas: price, range, and features.

Ford

Tesla Model Y vs. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Price

The all-wheel-drive-only Model Y comes in two configurations: Long Range and Performance. The former starts above $67,000, while the latter will set you back more than $71,000.

The Mustang Mach-E starts at more than $48,000 and is available in four trim levels: Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT. The most basic versions of the Select and Premium ship with Ford’s standard-range, 70-kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. For an extra $2,700, though, buyers can upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) on all but the California Route 1 and GT trims, where AWD is included. The Premium model offers the Mach-E’s extended-range, 91-kWh pack for an additional $8,600, whereas the top two trims come exclusively with the big battery. Most Mustang Mach-E buyers will be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, while Tesla has sold so many EVs that its vehicles no longer qualify for the government subsidy.

Tesla

Tesla Model Y vs. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Range

The Model Y Long Range can go up to 330 miles on a full charge, while the Performance edition tops out at 303 miles.

Standard-range Mustang Mach-E models offer 247 miles with rear-wheel drive and 224 miles with all-wheel drive. Those numbers go up to 303 miles and 277 miles, respectively, with the extended-range battery. The AWD California Route 1 gets 312 miles on a full charge, and the GT hits 270 miles in regular form and 260 when you opt for the Performance Edition, which ups the model’s torque and cuts its acceleration time.

Tesla

Tesla Model Y vs. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Features

All Model Ys have a stark, minimalist interior with a 15-inch touchscreen that acts as both the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with video streaming and video games, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. Both trim levels have plenty of active safety features (e.g., automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control), plus heated front and rear seats, a glass roof, a 360-degree dash cam that provides vehicle surveillance, and a Dog Mode that keeps the cabin comfortable for your furry friends when you need to leave them alone in the car for a spell.

Also, Model Y owners can use the automaker’s extensive and exclusive Supercharger network to fast-charge their vehicles. The Long Range model is available with a two-seat third row for $3,000, though average-sized adults will not fit back there. And Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package—which the automaker claims will one day support autonomous driving, but doesn’t yet—will give you advanced driver-assistance features such as Navigate on Autopilot, auto lane change, and parking-lot Summon, but at the steep price of $15,000.

Ford

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, on the other hand, has a 15.5-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Mach-E doesn’t have quite as many goodies at the base level as the Model Y, but Ford does provide adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping, and automated emergency braking as standard equipment. And even Select buyers can get Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise system plus a 360-degree camera for $1,900 extra.

Ford

Roberto Baldwin

Roberto Baldwin is an automotive and technology reporter based in Northern California. In addition to traditional car coverage, he has focused on the emergence of electric vehicles and driver assistance features in vehicles and the eventual launch of autonomous vehicles. Over the past seven years he’s sat in more autonomous test vehicles than he can remember but still reminds the average driver to keep their eyes on the road. He currently owns a Subaru BRZ, Hyundai Kona Electric, and a Vespa GTS 250.