2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The base Select model has an MSRP of $42,895, and upgrading to AWD costs an additional $2,700. The Premium spec's pricing starts at $47,600 for the SR RWD. AWD retails for $2,700 more, while an ER battery with RWD adds $5,000 to the price. Adding both AWD and the ER battery costs an additional $7,700.

The California Route 1 specification is only available in RWD format with an extended range battery and retails for $50,400. The base GT costs $59,900, and upgrading to the Performance Edition adds $5,000 to the price. These prices don't take the $7,500 federal tax credit into consideration, and exclude Ford's destination charge of $1,100.

For our test, Ford handed us the keys to a Mach-E Premium eAWD with the Extended Range Battery. This is the quickest non-GT Mach-E with 346 hp, 428 lb-ft, and a 4.8-second 0-60 mph time. There is a quicker GT model coming, but we thought this Mach-E felt fast enough. Instead of Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, Ford calls the Mach-E's drive settings Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled. Whisper feels pretty tame, but Engage enables instant throttle response with only slight pokes at the throttle. While the Mach-E is pretty quick from 0 to 60 mph, we were more impressed with the 30 to 60 mph time. This car can jump out into practically any gap in traffic more easily than a much more powerful gas-powered vehicle.

With no engine under the hood, the Mach-E cruises silently with only a low whine from the electric motors. Ford includes an optional humming sound from the speakers, which can be toggled on or off depending on your preference. We found the sound to be quite soothing, making the Mach-E feel more like a gas-powered vehicle. While a bit on the busy side, the suspension feels compliant enough for a daily driver, and softer than a comparable Tesla vehicle. We look forward to trying the Mach-E GT, which will get Ford's impressive magnetic dampers.

Speaking of the suspension, we need to address the elephant in the room; the Mach-E doesn't really drive like a Mustang. It's an electric crossover that shares nothing in common with the Mustang, so this shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The handling is more impressive than most mainstream crossovers, thanks to the low center of gravity, but the skinny tires and average suspension does not inspire much driving pleasure when pushed hard through a bend. The steering doesn't offer much feedback, but feels more connected than a Tesla Model Y. It's a commendable driving experience, but far from a thrill ride. The Mach-E GT should improve on this formula with magnetic ride and wider tires with more grip. In its standard form, the Mach-E should leave most drivers pleased, but current Mustang owners may be disappointed.

After driving the 2021 Mustang Mach-E for a week, we came away with some clear conclusions. First, this vehicle does not feel like a traditional Mustang, but it doesn't matter. Calling it a Mustang got consumers talking about the Mach-E, so this move was a brilliant success. Second, though it's electric, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is not a direct rival for the Tesla Model Y. The least expensive Model Y now starts at $53,990 but the cheapest Mach-E is only $42,895. Added to that, the Ford still qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, while Tesla does not. Even taking price out of the equation, the Mach-E feels like a more premium product with a better driving experience.

If we were in the market for an affordable EV, the electric Ford SUV would be at the top of our list. It's more expensive than the Volkswagen ID.4, but the Mach-E's larger size, higher performance, and sportier styling make it worth the price tag. Tesla still has Ford pegged with range and charging network, but since most charging is done at home, we think the Mach-E is suitable for most drivers. The Ford Mustang Mach-E achieves its intended mission; it gets buyers excited about choosing an EV.

For the performance-obsessed speed junkies who lust after Tesla's ludicrous 0-60 times, we suggest going for the Mach-E GT, which will improve upon this car's performance credentials. For everyone else, the standard Mach-E is plenty quick. We suggest upgrading to the Premium model, as it enables buyers to get the extended range battery. The RWD model prioritizes range at 300 miles, while the eAWD model is preferable for cold climates or buyers wanting a bit more performance - plus, it still offers an acceptable 270-mile range. An ER RWD costs $52,600 and eAWD brings the price to $55,300 before taking into account the tax credit.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV competes closely with the Model Y, although the Ford starts at over $10,000 less and that's before you consider the tax credit for which Tesla models no longer qualify. But Tesla is way ahead in two critical departments. First, Tesla's battery packs are more advanced, offering more range and that's without mentioning the added benefit of the massive Supercharger network. It also has a larger trunk and it's available in seven-seater guise, even if those third-row seats are pitifully small.

The Ford is better at being a comfortable car, however. It's leagues ahead when it comes to interior quality. Build quality is better, and that's the Mach-E's most significant advantage. It looks and feels like it was built by a manufacturer that knows what it's doing. Tesla's quality control problems are well-known at this point. As we write this, a Tesla owner's video has gone viral on TikTok: He picked up his brand-new Model S, only to have the airbag come loose from the new yoke steering wheel. Tesla still has some teething problems ahead, in our opinion, for problems Ford found solutions to decades ago. So for that reason, we'd have the Ford. That, and the fact that it looks sublime.

The Model 3 is the most successful EV in the USA. It's no secret that Ford wants a slice of that action. Like the Model Y, Tesla is ahead in one crucial department: range. But that's the only advantage it has. The Ford is bigger and it has that stylish, highly desirable SUV exterior. Unlike the Model Y, Tesla offers a cheaper Model 3 alternative in the shape of the Standard Range Plus. It starts at under $40,000, has a 263-mile range, and gets to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, making it quicker than the base Mach-E. For less than the Mach-E GT, the Model S Performance is both quicker and can go further on a full charge. The Model 3 has a comfortable and spacious interior but the Tesla's crossover body gives it a lot more cargo space. These are two excellent EVs but we'll give the edge to the Ford for its more diverse range, its stylish exterior, and its build quality.