Intro
Before deciding on buying our 2023 Model Y Long Range, we tested many electric, PLEV and Hybrid vehicles. In the end it came down to the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and it was a pretty close choice. In the end we realized that no matter which one of them we picked, we would probably be happy with the one we got. Each car had it’s pluses and minuses, and you need to figure out which one will be best for you. Still, for us, there were severial reasons why in the end we picked the Tesla Model Y.
1. Exterior Design
1.1 Model Y Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model Y is sleek and contemporary, giving it a sophisticated look. With its clean lines and aerodynamic shape, the Model Y embodies Tesla’s minimalist design philosophy. It features a panoramic glass roof, giving you a sweeping view of the surroundings and flooding the cabin with natural light. The Model Y also has a sleek front fascia with a distinctive grille-less design, giving it a modern and futuristic appearance.
1.2 Mustang Mach-E Exterior Design
The Ford Mustang Mach-E boasts a bold and muscular exterior design, taking inspiration from the iconic Mustang sports car. It features a sculpted body, aggressive front grille, and flowing lines that give it a sporty and dynamic look. The Mach-E also offers an available panoramic fixed-glass roof, allowing you to enjoy the open-air feeling while driving. With its aggressive stance and Mustang-inspired design cues, the Mach-E stands out on the road.
Both the Model Y and Mustang Mach-E have unique and appealing exterior designs. While the Model Y exudes a more contemporary and minimalist vibe, the Mach-E embraces a sporty and muscular aesthetic. Whether you prefer the sleek elegance of the Model Y or the commanding presence of the Mustang Mach-E, both electric SUVs offer eye-catching designs that are sure to turn heads.
## 2. Interior Design and Features
2.1 Model Y Interior Design and Features
The Model Y boasts a sleek and modern interior design that is characteristic of Tesla’s electric vehicles. With a minimalist approach, the cabin radiates a sense of sophistication and elegance. The Model Y is equipped with premium materials, comfortable seating, and ample storage space. The large panoramic glass roof provides an airy and spacious feel to the interior, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding scenery during your journeys.
In terms of features, the Model Y offers a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 15-inch touchscreen display that controls various functions including music, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system also supports over-the-air updates, ensuring you have access to the latest software improvements.
2.2 Mustang Mach-E Interior Design and Features
The Mustang Mach-E embraces a modern and sporty interior design that reflects its heritage as a Mustang. The cabin features a driver-focused cockpit with premium materials and comfortable seats. The available panoramic fixed-glass roof allows natural light to fill the interior, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
In terms of features, the Mach-E offers an advanced infotainment system with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The system integrates with your smartphone, providing seamless access to apps and features. Additionally, the Mach-E incorporates Ford’s latest intelligent, voice-activated assistant, allowing you to control various functions with simple voice commands.
Both the Model Y and Mustang Mach-E offer impressive interior designs and a range of cutting-edge features, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. For us, the minimalist design of the Tesla would be better if the material quality and fit and finish were better. The Mach-E had a high level of materials and better fit and finish than the Tesla, as well as more buttons and manual controls. For us we think that the Mach-E had a slightly better interior, but we do like the Tesla interior as well.
3. Performance and Range
The performance and range of electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial factors to consider when comparing models like the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Let’s take a closer look at how these two popular SUVs stack up in terms of performance and range.
3.1 Model Y Performance and Range
The Model Y, as with all Tesla vehicles, is known for its impressive performance and range. With dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, the Model Y offers exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just a matter of seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience.
In terms of range, the Model Y boasts excellent efficiency. Depending on the variant and battery size, it can travel up to an impressive distance on a single charge. This means you can confidently plan long journeys without worrying about frequent charging stops.
3.2 Mustang Mach-E Performance and Range
The Mustang Mach-E also delivers a powerful performance and impressive range. With its electric drivetrain, it offers swift acceleration and smooth handling. The Mach-E GT Performance Edition, in particular, stands out with its sports car-like performance.
In terms of range, the Mach-E provides respectable mileage on a single charge. The extended-range battery option allows for extended driving distances, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer trips.
When it comes to performance and range, both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E excel in their respective ways.
Whether you prioritize speed or endurance, both EVs offer compelling options to meet your needs. Still, you have to recognize that the Rear Wheel Drive Mustang Mach-E is not even close to the driving performance of the Tesla Model Y. The acceleration curve in the Model Y is much better than the base Mach-E, although the base Mach-E was still fun to drive and if you dug deep into the pedal you could get it moving quickly.
The real world range between the base Mach-E and the Model Y are similar.
## 4. Battery and Charging
4.1 Model Y Battery and Charging
The Model Y, being a Tesla vehicle, is equipped with an impressive battery and charging system. It offers different battery options depending on your needs, with the Long Range variant providing an estimated range of up to 326 miles on a single charge. This means you can embark on those long road trips without worrying about constantly searching for charging stations. On top of that, Tesla’s Supercharger network provides fast and convenient charging options, allowing you to add up to 168 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
4.2 Mustang Mach-E Battery and Charging
In comparison, the Ford Mustang Mach-E also boasts a capable battery and charging system. It offers different battery options as well, with the extended battery variant having a targeted EPA-estimated range of up to 305 miles. Ford also has their own charging network, the FordPass Charging Network, which provides access to over 13,500 charging stations across the country. Although charging times may vary depending on the station’s capabilities, the Mustang Mach-E can gain approximately 61 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.
Both vehicles offer efficient battery systems and access to extensive charging networks, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about running out of power during your everyday commute or long journeys.
5.1 Model Y Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the Tesla Model Y is equipped with a range of impressive features. It includes advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to enhance your driving experience and help prevent accidents on the road. Additionally, the Model Y comes with a high-strength steel and aluminum frame, providing robust structural integrity and protection in the event of a collision. The vehicle also boasts a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, ensuring the safety of you and your passengers.
5.2 Mustang Mach-E Safety Features
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is no slouch in the safety department either. It offers many similar features to the Model Y, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Mach-E also features a robust high-strength steel body structure, delivering a solid foundation of safety. In terms of airbags, the Mach-E is equipped with front, side, and curtain airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E prioritize safety in their design. Whether you choose the Model Y or the Mustang Mach-E, you can be confident that both vehicles have a host of safety features to keep you protected on the road.
## 6. Technology and Infotainment
6.1 Model Y Technology and Infotainment
When it comes to technology and infotainment, the Model Y by Tesla is packed with impressive features that make your driving experience more enjoyable. The centerpiece of the Model Y’s technology is its massive 15-inch touchscreen display that controls various aspects of the vehicle. From navigation to music streaming, everything is just a tap away. Additionally, the Model Y offers over-the-air software updates, ensuring that you always have access to the latest features and improvements. The autopilot feature also adds convenience and safety to your journeys.
6.2 Mustang Mach-E Technology and Infotainment
The Ford Mustang Mach-E also boasts a range of advanced technology features. Its 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers a user-friendly interface where you can control various settings and access entertainment options. With the FordPass app, you can remotely lock and unlock your vehicle, start it, and even schedule charging times. The Mustang Mach-E also supports over-the-air software updates, allowing you to enjoy the latest technology advancements without having to visit a dealership. One feature we really liked on the Mach-E was that the screen can be rotated, but we really like the vertical position the best.
Both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E offer impressive technology and infotainment options, ensuring that your driving experience is enhanced and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the sleek interface of the Model Y or the user-friendly features of the Mustang Mach-E, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
## 7. Price and Value
7.1 Model Y Price and Value
When considering the price and value of the Model Y, you’ll find that it offers quite a compelling proposition. With a starting price that falls within a reasonable range for an electric SUV, the Model Y provides great value for the features it offers. Tesla is known for its advanced technology and unmatched range, and the Model Y is no exception. It boasts an impressive range that allows for long trips without the need for frequent charging stops.
7.2 Mustang Mach-E Price and Value
On the other hand, the Mustang Mach-E also offers an appealing price tag for an electric SUV. With its sleek design and sporty characteristics, it brings an element of excitement to the market. Although the Mustang Mach-E may not have the extensive charging infrastructure as Tesla, it still provides a decent range that can meet most daily driving needs.
Both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E offer competitive prices and value for their respective features. Whether you prioritize advanced technology and range or sporty design and affordability, both options have something to offer. It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities when making a decision between these two electric SUVs.
It was the fact that the Mustang had a high price, and only half the tax rebate, that real swung the value proposition toward the Tesla which had a lower price and the full tax rebate.
8. Driving Experience and Handling
8.1 Model Y Driving Experience and Handling
When it comes to the driving experience and handling, the Model Y by Tesla offers a truly exhilarating ride. With its electric powertrain, this SUV delivers instant acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The Model Y’s low center of gravity enhances stability and cornering abilities, making it a joy to drive on twisting roads. Additionally, its all-wheel drive system provides exceptional traction and control, ensuring a confident driving experience even in adverse weather conditions.
8.2 Mustang Mach-E Driving Experience and Handling
Equally impressive is the driving experience of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This electric SUV combines power and agility to deliver a thrilling ride. Its electric powertrain delivers instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration that is sure to leave you exhilarated. The Mach-E’s advanced suspension system and well-tuned steering contribute to its precise handling and responsive feel on the road. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating through city streets, the Mustang Mach-E offers a dynamic driving experience that is sure to impress.
Although both the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E provide exceptional driving experiences and handling capabilities, we really preferred the driving experience of the Model Y. Whether you prefer the unmatched acceleration of the Model Y or the exhilarating agility of the Mustang Mach-E, you can’t go wrong with either SUV in terms of driving enjoyment.
## 9. Ownership Costs and Maintenance
9. Ownership Costs and Maintenance
9.1 Model Y Ownership Costs and Maintenance
When it comes to ownership costs and maintenance, the Tesla Model Y has several advantages. Firstly, as an electric vehicle (EV), the Model Y doesn’t require traditional fuel, saving you money at the pump. Additionally, EVs generally have lower maintenance costs since they have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines. This means you’ll spend less on oil changes, transmission flushes, and other routine maintenance.
Furthermore, Tesla offers a comprehensive warranty on the Model Y, ensuring peace of mind and potentially reducing unexpected repair expenses. The company also provides software updates over-the-air, improving your vehicle’s performance and adding new features without the need for a costly visit to a service center. Finally, with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, you can easily find fast charging stations, making long-distance travel more convenient.
9.2 Mustang Mach-E Ownership Costs and Maintenance
Similar to the Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E boasts lower ownership costs compared to traditional gas-powered SUVs. Being an EV, it eliminates the need for gasoline, reducing your fuel expenses. Additionally, EVs tend to have fewer maintenance requirements, which translates to potential savings on routine services.
Ford also provides a warranty for the Mach-E, covering certain components for a specified period. Routine software updates can be performed over-the-air, keeping your vehicle up to date without visiting a dealership. Moreover, the Mustang Mach-E can utilize the FordPass Charging Network, offering access to thousands of charging stations across the country for convenient long-distance travel.
Both the Model Y and Mustang Mach-E offer compelling ownership costs and maintenance advantages compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. By opting for an EV, you can potentially save money on fuel and routine maintenance while enjoying the convenience of over-the-air updates and an extensive charging infrastructure.
10. Availability and Delivery
The availability and delivery of electric vehicles are important factors to consider when comparing the Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
10.1 Model Y Availability and Delivery
When it comes to the Model Y, Tesla has established a reputation for timely deliveries and reliable availability. With its vast network of supercharger stations, Tesla ensures that Model Y owners can conveniently charge their vehicles while on the go. Additionally, Tesla’s extensive dealer network makes it easy for customers to purchase and receive their Model Y without any unnecessary delays.
10.2 Mustang Mach-E Availability and Delivery
Ford has also made efforts to ensure the availability and timely delivery of the Mustang Mach-E. With its well-established dealership network, Ford offers a smooth and efficient purchasing process. However, it’s worth noting that the Mustang Mach-E is a relatively new entrant to the electric SUV market, and availability may vary depending on the region and demand. Ford is continuously working to expand its charging infrastructure and provide a seamless ownership experience for Mustang Mach-E owners.
Both the Model Y and Mustang Mach-E strive to offer convenient and reliable availability and delivery options, with Tesla’s experience in the electric vehicle market giving it a slight advantage in this aspect.