Starting at
Starting at
| 15.5 | Infotainment (in) | 15 |
| 4 | Trims | 2 |
| 3.5 | 0-60 mph (sec) | 3.5 |
Electric vehicles aren’t new to the automotive industry, but their popularity as a new mainstay certainly is as more automakers jump on the bandwagon to introduce cost-effective models that make adopting an all-electric lifestyle more enticing. While Tesla is renowned as a pioneer in the segment (and is proud of it), its tenure at the top is up for grabs. Models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E challenge Tesla's reign and give drivers a more practical and affordable alternative that doesn't require them to settle for less. This sets the stage for the ultimate race, slating the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Tesla Model Y.
First and foremost, the Tesla name comes at a premium. The 2022 Model Y is priced north of $65,000 for the entry-level trim, making it nearly $24,000 more expensive than its Ford rival. Fortunately for drivers, Ford stays true to its roots and prices the 2022 Mach-E at $43,895 before any federal tax credits or state and local incentives.[a] This value doubles when you consider everything you’re getting in an all-electric SUV that shares a name with a legendary Ford speed demon.
Beyond price, how do the models differ, and how does Ford add value to the Mach-E without sending its price tag sky-high like its Tesla rival? What makes Car and Driver describe the Model Y as “more fizzle than sizzle” and the Mach-E as a “transcendent EV?” We’ve got the answers as we take a closer look at what distinguishes these models and how Ford gains a clear advantage, proving an all-electric SUV can be affordable, stylish, and wildly capable.
The Tesla Model 3 earned widespread acclaim for its performance and handling, inspiring the launch of the Model Y as its larger crossover sibling. We see a similar approach with Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, which caused quite a commotion for sharing the Mustang name. How could an SUV deliver the same legendary performance as Ford’s iconic sports car?
Whereas the Model Y failed to live up to its predecessor’s awe-inspiring performance, the Mach-E accomplishes a remarkable feat by proving to be a powerhouse on wheels that’s practical, cost-effective, and engaging to drive. Ford accomplishes this with the 2022 Mach-E’s four-trim lineup that answers a broad spectrum of budget, driving, and style needs, from the entry-level Select and performance-focused GT to the luxurious Premium and exclusive California Route 1.
In contrast, Tesla pares the Model Y’s lineup, discontinuing its standard range entry-level trim for 2022. As a result, drivers can only choose between the Long Range or Performance trims, dramatically impacting the Tesla’s overall value. As a result, there’s no longer an affordable base model, which launches the Model Y’s starting price to $65,990. This is a stark contrast to the more affordable Mach-E, which comes loaded with an extensive suite of amenities and innovative technology for just under $44,000.
These lineups reveal a dramatic difference between Ford and Tesla. The Mach-E’s wide range of options showcases Ford’s commitment to giving customers viable options that meet every driving, performance, and budget need. It ultimately makes the Mach-E and owning an electric vehicle more accessible to the everyday driver. In contrast, Tesla’s minimalist approach to the Model Y lineup focuses less on affordability and more on exclusivity, making the Model Y unattainable for many who appreciate having several options to choose from when it’s time to invest in their future on the road.
The 2022 Mustang Mach-E challenges Tesla’s lead in the EV segment and capitalizes on Ford’s long history of building performance-oriented cars like the Mustang. But how does the Mach-E compare to the Model Y? It gives the Tesla a solid run for its money, especially when slating the Mach-E GT against the Model Y Performance.
The Model Y Performance and Mach-E GT rely on a similar setup and come standard with dual motor all-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission. The crossovers draw their power from dual electric motors, one positioned in the front and one in the rear. The result is phenomenal, with the Mach-E pumping out 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. The Mach-E’s Unbridled Extend drive mode lets you harness this power on the track, ensuring the Mach-E maintains a consistent speed over a longer distance while continuously optimizing traction and overall stability.
The Mach-E’s high horsepower gives the crossover plenty of muscle and makes the SUV a far better value than the Model Y, which fetches a higher starting price. This value is readily apparent when you put the models at the starting line and track their launch from 0 to 60 mph, with both reaching the finish line at 3.5 seconds. However, there’s a caveat to this performance: the models' driving ranges and how far you can travel. The Mach-E GT’s 270-mile range is plenty for any driver, but it can’t beat the Model Y with its EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.
The Model Y Performance’s higher driving range is one of its few advantages in terms of performance, especially when comparing how the models ride and respond from the driver’s seat. Although both models are refined, the Mach-E is remarkably more responsive and delivers a more comfortable ride from its cushioned interior, stronger brakes for enhanced stopping power, and better overall stability and grip on the road. These factors are hard to argue when pushing a speed demon to its limits on a winding road, ultimately giving the Mach-E a more significant lead over the pricier Model Y.
It’s only fitting that all-electric crossovers like the 2022 Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Model Y are laden with innovative technology designed to enhance the driver’s experience. But how each automaker approaches this technology is unique and further differentiates the models. For example, Tesla’s minimalist approach is its calling card, while Ford relies on a more intuitive and user-friendly layout that blends modern ingenuity with form and function.
We see these distinct approaches from the cockpit, where the Mach-E has a clear advantage over the Model Y. The Mach-E comes standard with an expansive 15.5-inch touchscreen display and Ford’s renowned SYNC 4 infotainment system that gives you seamless access to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While the Model Y’s 15-inch touchscreen is comparable, that’s where the similarities end.
Tesla forces drivers to rely on the digital interface to control the radio's volume, cabin temperature, the position of the mirrors, navigation, and more. This button-free design demands a significant learning curve that gives the Mach-E and its standard dials and knobs an advantage over the Tesla. In addition, the Model Y doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. Instead, you’ll find built-in apps like YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services via the built-in internet browser. But how do these apps serve the driver? While they seem impressive, these apps do little to optimize your focus on the road and ensure your connectivity even from the driver’s seat.
We see a similar give-and-take approach regarding safety and driver-assist technology. The Model Y doesn’t offer a 360-degree camera, which is a favorite feature Ford includes on the Mach-E to give drivers a comprehensive view of the crossover. The Mach-E also gains an advantage with its expansive Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite of driver-assist technology, which includes the blind spot information system, lane-keeping system, and pre-collision assist. Also available are options like Ford Blue Cruise. Although Tesla is renowned for its full self-driving capability, it comes at a premium and adds cost to the already expensive Model Y.
Henry Ford dreamed of giving Americans more reliable and efficient transportation, ultimately accomplishing his goal with the Model T in the early 1900s. Today, his legacy of putting the world on wheels continues with exceptional models like the 2022 Mustang Mach-E. The all-electric crossover embodies the spirit on which the Ford Motor Company was built, proving the automotive pioneer is constantly looking to the future to meet the ever-growing needs of its drivers.
Kings Ford shares that commitment and is excited to continue our legacy as the leading Ford dealer in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. Like Ford, we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers' expectations by delivering an exciting and rewarding car-buying and owning experience. We believe investing in a model like the Mach-E should be celebrated, and we’re here to make that happen.
Our expansive selection of models and competitive pricing guarantees the perfect Ford is on our lot and saves you valuable time and money because you know you’re getting the best deal in town. Even better is that our team doesn’t rely on high-pressure sales tactics and, instead, follows your lead so that you have complete control over your experience. This laidback approach is rooted in transparency and respect, all of which are guaranteed whether you’re working with our sales and finance team or relying on the expertise of our factory-trained and certified technicians.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
