The Tesla Model Y is the brand’s most successful model, but EV buyers who are looking for a sportier ride and striking good looks that are worthy of the Mustang nameplate would do well to check out the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-e as a spicy alternative to the plain-vanilla Tesla. Let’s investigate how these two crossover EVs stack up.
Key Takeaways
- For 2024, the Mustang Mach-e gains an exciting new Rally trim level with bespoke front fascia, fog lights, off-road tires, and a rear spoiler.
- By early 2024, Ford Mustang Mach-e drivers will be able to use Tesla’s expansive nationwide network of charging stations, adding to the utility of this all-electric crossover SUV.
- Tesla is regarded as the king of EV range, but new battery technology from Ford catapults the Mach-e to a level of challenging the Model Y’s crown.
Trim levels and pricing
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes in a multitude of trim levels from mild to wild that’s sure to satisfy the diverse wants and needs of all buyers. Note that all MSRPs include a mandatory destination fee:
- Select: Starting at $45,390.
- Premium: Starting at $48,890.
- GT: Starting at $60,890.
- GT Performance: Starting at $61,885.
- GT Bronze: Starting at $62,885.
- Rally: Starting at $65,390.
Tesla’s 2024 Model Y offers buyers considerably less variety than the more playful Mach-e. Presently, the available Model Y models and pricing are as follows, though Tesla tends to alter prices frequently, so these could change anytime:
- Standard Range RWD: Starting at $44,630.
- Long Range AWD: Starting at $49,630.
- Performance: Starting at $54,130.
We might be biased, but we think that the sheer variety of choice that the Mach-e delivers gives it an advantage over the Model Y. For the more utilitarian shoppers, the base version of these two crossovers are priced very similarly.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2024 Mustang Mach-E is equipped with Ford’s latest SYNC software, which stores profiles for up to three drivers and one guest. The system then uses artificial intelligence to learn the preferences of each driver and creates a custom driving experience for each user, which improves over time. The software also permits over-the-air updates so new features and technological improvements can be added remotely without the need to visit a dealership.
The focal point of the 2024 Mustang Mach-e is a massive, vertically-oriented 15.5-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rounding out the technology highlights are a Wi-Fi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 10 speakers scattered throughout the cabin.
Though both of these electric crossovers are heavily influenced by technology, virtually everything in Tesla’s Model Y is controlled through a centrally mounted 15-inch infotainment display, with almost no conventional buttons or switches, which some drivers find polarizing.
Like the Model 3 from which the Model Y is derived, Tesla’s compact crossover includes native Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and video game apps to keep drivers and passengers entertained while the vehicle is charging at public charging stations. For obvious safety reasons, these entertainment apps are disabled while the vehicle is moving.
What about range?
With the increasing popularity of EVs, range anxiety has definitely become a real phenomenon. Fortunately, the 2024 Mustang Mach-e delivers anywhere from 224 to 312 miles of range on a full charge, depending on whether a standard or extended range battery is selected, as well as the number of drive motors.
Speaking of drive motors, the Mach-e’s more entry level trims come standard with a single motor rear-wheel drive configuration, while a dual motor all-wheel drive setup is optional.
The speed-oriented GT and Performance models are all-wheel drive only, with higher output motors that make a whopping 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque. During a recent Car and Driver test, a Mach-E GT Performance rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds!
Over in Tesla’s world, Standard Range Model Y variants with rear-wheel drive can travel as far as 260 miles on a full charge, while the all-wheel-drive Long Range variant delivers a maximum range of 310 miles.
As one might expect the 2024 Model Y Performance sacrifices some of its range for the sake of horsepower and quicker acceleration. Its estimated range slots in between the Standard and Long Range models at 285 miles. In another Car and Driver test, a Model Y Performance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. That’s 1/10 of a second quicker than the Mach-e GT Performance, which wouldn’t be detectable in a real world driving environment. To be sure, both the Model Y and Mach-e are stout performers when properly equipped.
Final Thoughts
In summary of this comparison, there’s no doubt that Tesla is the OG of all-electric vehicles, but recently battery reformulations at Ford make the Mach-e a serious player in the range game. Additionally, the Mach-e is handsomely robust and evocative of its namesake Mustang sports coupe.
The Mach-e has a larger variety of available trim levels and options, not to mention that some drivers will appreciate the accessibility of conventional controls for many of its basic functions in lieu of a touchscreen only in the Tesla.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mustang Mach-E — or perhaps test driving one of these performance machines — contact us by phone, chat, or just stop by our dealership in historic Tarpon Springs, Florida. Our knowledgeable team can also discuss financing options and any tax incentives that may be currently available.