2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review: Deserving Of The Name
When we did our review of the Ford Mustang Mach-E last year, we were bombarded with questions. What's it like? How much does it cost? How dare they call it a real Mustang? The rapid-fire answers to these questions are: 1. A proper sporty crossover; 2. Within reach of most middle-class Americans; and 3. Yes, it just about deserves its name and, besides, Ford can do with the name what it pleases.
The Mach-E segment is still messy as manufacturers try to find out which EV niche they want to occupy, but its main rivals include the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4. In true Mustang fashion, the Mach-E's outputs differ based on the power- and drivetrain layout you choose. The Mach-E can be either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with either a standard- or extended-range battery pack. Outputs range from 266 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque in the entry-level Select all the way up to 480 hp and 634 lb-ft in the Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Combine this with a possible 3.5-second dash to 60 mph and range estimates of up to 314 miles, and the Mach-E is seemingly the EV that can do it all. Ford's first dedicated EV gets almost everything right, but the main concern remains range, which is nowhere close to the segment-leading Tesla Model Y Long Range. That and the fact that you're going to struggle to get your hands on a new one.
2022 Mustang Mach-E Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186.0 in | 117.5 in | 64.0 in | 74.1 in | 63.5 in | 63.4 in | 4,394.0 lbs |
2022 Mustang Mach-E Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Mach-E provides thrilling acceleration numbers, not to mention how quickly it can overtake most things on the highway. That's as sporty as the Mach-E gets, at least as far as the non-GT models are concerned. It doesn't feel like a regular Mustang, but then again, nobody was expecting it to. Thanks to the lower center of gravity due to the battery placement, the Mach-E does feel more planted than most crossovers, though. The suspension setup errs on the side of comfort more than anything else.
As for driver engagement, you get three driving modes: Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled. Engage and Unbridled are fun for showing off to your friends, but you soon revert back to Whisper. That's when the Mach-E is at its best - cruising in silence, emitting nothing more than a distant whine from the electric motors. Ford has done a magnificent job of insulating the interior because a lack of engine noise highlights all other noises. If you find the silence disturbing, and many people do, you can engage a humming noise. We prefer quiet or music streaming via Apple CarPlay. The steering doesn't give much feedback, but it is at least direct enough so you can confidently aim for that gap in the traffic.
2022 Mustang Mach-E Interior
2022 Mustang Mach-E Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Hybrid/Electric Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E A Good SUV?
If you've read this far, you'll know that the Tesla Model Y only beats the Mach-E in two departments, namely range and recharging. The difference is not as big as you'd think, however. The Model Y Long Range has an estimated range of 330 miles, while the California Route 1 can manage 314. The Model Y Performance can go 303 miles between charges, which is a significant 33 miles more than the Mach-E GT can muster.
But the Tesla Model Y is seriously expensive now that Teslas no longer qualify for the federal tax credit, and the Mach-E is a lot more affordable to begin with. Considering that it beats the Model Y in every other department but range, we're happy to side with the Ford.
Other than range, the Mustang Mach-E is also exciting. Calling it a Mustang and using traditional pony car design cues was a stroke of genius because it makes the Mach-E interesting. The Model Y looks like every other Tesla, while Volkswagen's ID.4 looks like an appliance. To get gearheads excited about EVs, you need to give them more than a white good, and that's exactly what the Mach-E does.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Comparisons
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y
Both these cars have unique selling points. The Model Y is the result of a company that adopted EV development long before everyone else. This means you get more range and access to Tesla's Supercharger network if you buy a Model Y. Ford's strength lies in its history with mass production. It knows how to put a car together correctly, and it found solutions for problems Tesla still struggles with. It also helps that Ford is now closer than ever to Tesla's impressive range claims, so it's just the Supercharger network. Does that even matter if you have a charger at home? We don't think so.
Buyers of the Mach-E can still claim the tax credit, while Tesla sales have long since passed that threshold. We'd gladly sacrifice a few insignificant miles for a better all-around, higher-quality car. The good looks are just a bonus.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model 3
Even though there are more EV competitors than ever, Tesla remains Ford's main rival, whether with the Model Y or the Model 3. The pricing of the Model 3 matches up better with the Mach-E, and a Model 3 will be much easier to find without a ridiculous markup slapped on the hood. The Model 3 starts at $46,990, just over $3,000 more than the Ford. For this, you get a 5.8-second 0-60 time and a 272-mile range. The crazy Model 3 Performance needs just 3.1 seconds, making it quicker than the Mach-E GT.
Still, the same arguments we make above apply to the Model 3. We'd gladly sacrifice some of that range for a car bolted together correctly with a brilliant interior, good infotainment setup, and a refined cabin.