Consumer Reports: Ford's Mustang Mach-E Tops Tesla Model Y In This Key Area
Consumer Reports is a big fan of the Tesla product line in general, and they are EV advocates. Who better to pass judgment on the new Mustang Mach-E? In a recent episode of Talking Cars on Youtube, Consumer Reports’ three experts, including an engineer and vehicle technician, all were in agreement that the Mustang Mach-E is superior to the Tesla Model Y in terms of ride comfort and handling.
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The discussion comes at around timestamp 14 minutes, though we would recommend that any Tesla fan or EV fan watch this entire episode. Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ Director of Auto Testing, compliments the Tesla Model Y, saying it feels, “almost like a Porsche 911....” However, he finds that the Mustang Mach-E “feels more refined.” Fisher says that by comparison, the Model Y can feel “a little darty.” Mike Monticello agreed, saying, “You can feel (the Mach-E’s) rear-drive roots.” Fisher also took the Mustang Mach-E to a test track and disabled all the electronic nannies. What he found out about the Mach-E during the track test will interest any performance enthusiast considering a Mustang Mach-E.
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When discussing the ride comfort of these two sporty vehicles, the group was in firm agreement that the Mustang Mach-E was “Definitely better.” This is repeated twice by the group for emphasis. That comment string comes at timestamp 15:40.
Another area that the group finds the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a standout is in regard to infotainment technology. Paraphrasing the group, they say that the Mach-E makes great use of its very large screen area.
So, where did the group point out strengths of the Tesla Model Y by comparison to the Mustang Mach-E? Each member felt that the Model Y has a stronger initial “throttle” response. However, bear in mind that the group has only tested one Mach-E, and it was two steps down from the highest-performing trim. Also, Consumer Reports feels that Tesla has an edge over Ford with regard to range.
The comments by Consumer Reports mirror our own Torque News observations from two weeks ago when we drove the Mustang Mach-E ER AWD Premium back to back with a Tesla Model Y LR AWD. See how closely our own conclusions aligned with Consumer Reports’ by checking out our own deep dive on the Model Y vs. the Mustang Mach-E.
This episode also has a good overview of the Tesla Model S and X steering wheel changes. The group finds them so intriguing that Jake committed Consumer Reports to “Buying another Model S.”
What is your take on the Mustang Mach-E compared to the Tesla Model Y? Has Ford topped the segment’s best-selling electric crossover, or is it too soon to tell?
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. Following his engineering program, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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