Starting at
Starting at
| No | Hands-Free Driving Availabe | Yes |
| Yes | Drivers Instrument Cluster | No |
| AWD or RWD | Available Drive | AWD Only |
When first revealed in 1964, the original Ford Mustang revolutionized the world of muscle cars. Today, the new Mustang Mach-E is doing the same for the world of electric vehicles. Pouring the traditional Mustang styling and performance into a practical and efficient four-door EV, Ford has created a new class of vehicle that can go toe to toe with even the biggest names in emissions-free transportation. Comparing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Tesla Model Y reveals that the Blue Oval has seamlessly blended a futuristic power plant with traditional car design elements that you will be right at home in.
While Tesla has been the front runner in designing electric motors and batteries, there is no denying that its designs have left something to be desired. The bland jellybean exterior and sparse interior of the Model Y may look futuristic, but it lacks the eye-catching appeal and familiar comfort of the Mustang Mach-E. Instead of building a computer on four wheels, Ford has set out to recapture the Mustang spirit and design an EV that you want to drive - and we believe that a quick comparison of these two models will reveal that Ford has succeeded.
The exterior of the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is proof that an EV does not have to be boring. In many ways, the Ford is designed to be the “anti-Tesla” - instead of adopting a smooth rounded shape designed purely for aerodynamics, Ford has infused the Mustang Mach-E with a healthy dose of pony car styling. Sure, the galloping mustang badges and signature three-bar taillights are evidence that this is no ordinary car, but the styling of the Mustang Mach-E goes further.
While Tesla embraces the alien sci-fi look, Ford paid close attention to designing an EV that deserved the Mustang name with traditional styling elements. From the curved fender flares to the sloping roofline, this model is revitalizing a segment known for its lack of style. The Mustang Mach-E even has clever push-button doors that entirely eliminate the need for door handles, allowing its flowing lines to remain uninterrupted.
Because the Mustang Mach-E and Model Y are EVs, that means they do not have an engine under the hood. Instead, you will find a “frunk” (front trunk), giving you additional cargo space. Overall, the practical SUV design of the Mustang Mach-E will provide you with up to 59.7 cubic feet of cabin cargo space, plus 4.8 additional cubic feet of cargo space in the frunk. However, Ford went a step further with its frunk design, constructing it from an easy to clean rigid plastic and even installing an automatic drain plug. This makes it perfect for storing wet or muddy cargoes that you don’t want in the cabin - something that Tesla’s carpeted frunk is ill-suited for.
The Mustang Mach-E also offers a number of other high-end features that Tesla is known for. For instance, a panoramic glass roof comes standard on the California Route 1 and Premium trims, allowing all of your passengers to bask in natural sunlight. Don’t worry, though - it’s coated to reflect infrared light, so you don’t have to worry about it heating up the cabin on sunny days. Further, all trims of Ford’s EV come standard with a handy Phone as Key feature that allows you to operate your car with your smartphone. Not only can you lock and unlock your car, you can even start it and drive it, all without needing to carry your keyfob with you.
Although they offer similar features, the interiors of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2021 Tesla Model Y couldn’t be more different. While the Tesla is minimalist to the point of austerity, the Ford provides a traditional driving experience that is comfortable and full of easy-to-use features. Just because a car is powered by batteries rather than gasoline doesn’t mean the manufacturer needs to reinvent the wheel when it comes to interior design.
Step into a Tesla Model Y, and you will immediately notice the complete lack of driver’s instrument cluster or any sort of hard button controls. There isn’t even a start button to turn the car on! Instead, everything is routed through the central infotainment touchscreen. If you want to change the music or adjust the cabin temperature, you will have to operate the touch screen. Even if you want to see how fast you are going, you will have to look to the side and check the infotainment screen. While this may help save Tesla money and contribute to the car’s sci-fi looks, it is not a system designed around making things easy for drivers.
Slide behind the wheel of a Mustang Mach-E, and you will be greeted with plenty of up-to-date technology, but it is all laid out in a familiar and easy-to-use manner. The driver has a fully digital instrument cluster that presents all the important information in an easy-to-read format right in front of your eyes. An expansive 15.5-inch touchscreen takes up the center of the dashboard, but it is only used for infotainment functions and even incorporates a rotary knob and hard button that lets you adjust the volume without taking your eyes off the road.
Both of these electric SUVs incorporate advanced technology to make your life more convenient, with Ford developing a brand-new infotainment system for the Mustang Mach-E. The Ford SYNC 4 software incorporates support for advanced over-the-air updates that allow your car to gain upgrades over time. No longer will you be missing out on the latest tech features since Ford will send them straight to your Mustang Mach-E as soon as they are finished.
Another technology aspect to consider is advanced safety features. Tesla has made a name for itself for its “self-driving” technology, but Autopilot still requires you to keep a hand on the wheel whenever it is activated. In contrast, Ford’s brand-new BlueCruise feature is fully hands-free. Simply activate it on any of the countless compatible highways across America, and you can take your hands off the wheel and relax. While you might think of Tesla as a high-tech company, Ford has taken the lead when it comes to self-driving electric vehicles.
When it comes to performance, the Mustang Mach-E offers the full Mustang experience. In fact, the sport-oriented Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition can outrun a Mustang Shelby GT500 in the sprint to 60 mph! With up to 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, Ford’s electric pony is a true muscle car, even if it is missing the growl of a V8 engine under the hood. While the Tesla Model Y Performance also puts down some incredible performance numbers, it presents a much more digital and detached driving experience than the Mustang Mach-E.
Both of these electric SUVs are offered with all-wheel drive powertrains that make them incredibly sure-footed in all weather conditions. However, the Tesla is only available with two configurations, while the Ford provides no fewer than six powertrain options, allowing you to build the perfect vehicle for your personal needs. The Mustang Mach-E also has the option of a rear-wheel drive powertrain, allowing for greater efficiency and that traditional muscle car feel that comes from having so much power driven through the rear wheels - an option that the Model Y does not provide.
When it comes to range, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E can travel an EPA-estimated 305 miles in its most efficient configuration. That figure makes it the longest-ranged EV yet released by a traditional automobile manufacturer and the first non-Tesla to break the 300-mile barrier. While the Tesla does offer a slightly superior EPA-estimated range of up to 326 miles, you will be paying a premium for it - the Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 comes in at over $3,000 less than the Tesla Model Y Long Range. The Mustang Mach-E also offers a less-expensive 75.7 kWh battery pack, giving it a starting price over $10,000 lower than the Model Y if you don’t need maximum range for your daily commute.
If you are looking for a stylish, high-performance car that never needs gas and produces zero emissions, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E should be at the top of your list. Ford has reimagined the pony car for the 21st century, and we are proud to offer this exciting new model here at Newton Ford South.
At our dealership, you will discover the entire lineup of all the latest Ford models, including EVs like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. However, we also offer plenty of traditional gasoline, diesel, and hybrid models if you aren’t quite ready to make the jump to batteries. Whatever you are shopping for, we guarantee you will discover a superior level of customer service and a no-hassle shopping environment that always puts your needs first. What are you waiting for? Our team is ready to show you everything the Blue Oval has to offer!
*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.
