My Volvo EX40 Is in for Repairs and Insurance Gave Me a Ford Mustang Mach E Rental, Compared to my EX40, It Is Unrefined, Loud and Obnoxious, Very American

The good news in this post-COVID world is that, when it comes to battery electric crossover SUVs, there are many great choices on the market. It’s been wonderful to watch legacy automakers throw their hats in the EV ring, offering a variety of styles and design choices. A great comparison from different ends of the design spectrum is the Volvo EX40 and the Ford Mustang Mach E. The automakers took very different approaches to their EV offerings. The Mach E has a sporty, coupe inspired design that uses Mustang heritage to create excitement and attract performance minded buyers. The EX40 has a clean, upright shape with a calm Scandinavian look that reflects Volvo’s focus on safety, simplicity, and everyday usability. 

What’s been even more fun is watching social media for drivers’ strong, emotional, and sometimes humorous responses. Here’s a recent comment of the r/electricvehicles subreddit by Celmeo:

“My Volvo EX40 got scratched last week, bumped from behind, and is in for repairs. My insurance company set me up with a Ford Mach E from a rental company as the replacement and I've noted a few quirks of this vehicle. Some of it may be because I'm not as used to it as I am with my own car.”

Celmeo went on to say, “The Mach E seems to be a less refined product compared to other similarly priced (UK prices) SUV EVs. By far, the biggest complaint I have are the alarms about "Driver Fatigue" every 10 minutes. They popped up twice just doing my evening 30 min drive to the gym (I was perfectly fine, thank you very much). I cannot seem to find any option to disable it. Loud and obnoxious, very American.

Also, the acceleration pedal on the Ford from stopped is jerky and inconsistent. Parking spaces in the UK are tiny. If I wanted to move 5 inches closer when parking, this was super easy on the Volvo. Lightly touching the acceleration allowed it to move as I wished. On the Ford, this seems much more difficult.

Lastly, the heating elements on the windscreen annoys me to no end. They obstruct my vision and are distracting. Maybe drivers can get used to them being in their vision after sometime, but I'm only using this car for a few days and absolutely do not see the purpose of these in southern England.”

Dustyshades responded in defense of the Mach E:

“I’ve had a Mach R for four years and have no idea what a driver fatigue warning is. Perhaps it’s about the warning for taking your eyes off the road while in hands free Blue Cruise?

As far as the pedal touchiness, the Mach E is supposed to be tuned to be more like a sports car. It will be more sensitive in the initial motion than some other cars. My experience in owning a few different EVs at this point is that the pedal mapping is different in all of them. It takes some time to get used to it (especially tight parking situations) for every EV.”

BlazinAzn38 chimed in with a cultural observation:

“So two of the “loud American” things (driver fatigue and wiper blade heating elements) are actually British / European requirements.

It’s ironic because there’s nothing more European than saying something ignorant about Americans….”

Design and Driving Experience

The Ford Mustang Mach E leans heavily into its performance heritage. The Mustang name helps it stand out and the design uses cues that give it a sporty and attention-grabbing presence on the road. It also delivers sharp handling, confident cornering, and strong acceleration that make it feel lively and engaging to drive. The Volvo EX40 takes a different approach with a clean, modern design that looks more like a traditional crossover SUV. It feels solid and composed on the road although it is not as sporty or aggressive as the Mach E.

Driving Range

Range is one of the biggest separators between these two models. The Mach E offers multiple battery configurations including a long-range version that provides around 250 miles of usable range. This makes it suitable for daily driving and occasional longer trips, especially for owners who can charge at home. The EX40 has a noticeably shorter range, with a real-world figure closer to 210 miles. That limited range becomes even more challenging in cold climates where range loss is significant. Drivers who choose the Volvo need to plan their charging more carefully.

Interior and Technology

Both electric crossover SUVs rely on large tablet style touchscreens that serve as the primary control centers for the cabin. The Ford Mach E uses a large vertical display with modern graphics and a straightforward menu structure. A second screen sits behind the steering wheel and provides essential driving information which many owners appreciate. The EX40 features a Google based interface that stands out for its speed, clarity, and built in apps such as Google Maps and Spotify. It delivers a very refined user experience that feels intuitive and polished. Overall cabin quality is high in both vehicles.

Practicality and Space

The Mach E feels more like a sporty hatchback than a traditional SUV. Rear seat space and cargo capacity are more limited and the vehicle’s compact footprint confirms its focus on design and performance. The EX40 offers a more upright shape and a more conventional SUV layout. Interior space feels more generous and cargo room is more practical for everyday use. Drivers who prioritize space and utility will likely prefer the Volvo.

Value and Ownership

Pricing for the two models is fairly comparable once desired options are added. Like most EVs, both offer low maintenance and predictable ownership costs due to their simple electric drivetrains. Reliability is expected to be good for both given the durability of electric motors and battery systems. The main ownership difference comes from charging convenience. The Mach E supports high speed charging on public networks although these chargers remain inconsistent in availability. The EX40 offers similar charging speeds although its shorter range can make charging stops more frequent.

Bottom Line

The Volvo EX40 and the Ford Mustang Mach E appeal to very different buyers. The Mach E delivers bold style, strong performance, and enough range to make it a confident daily driver. The EX40 offers a refined interior, excellent technology, and practical everyday usability, although its shorter driving range limits flexibility. Choosing between them depends on whether you value a sporty driving experience or a more traditional and practical compact SUV feel.

The Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is Volvo’s refreshed electric crossover SUV that builds on the success of the XC40 Recharge, while adding a more streamlined identity. It was introduced in 2024 as part of Volvo’s move toward an all-electric lineup. The EX40 stands out for its clean Scandinavian design, intuitive Google based infotainment system, and strong performance that feels confident in everyday driving. It delivers a smooth ride, a premium cabin, and a user-friendly interface that many drivers appreciate. It also offers a practical size that fits easily into daily life while still feeling upscale, which helps it stand apart from other EVs in the segment.

The Ford Mustang Mach E

The Ford Mustang Mach E is an impressive electric crossover SUV that delivers a mix of style, performance, and everyday practicality. It launched in late 2019 as a 2021 model and quickly gained attention because it brought the Mustang name into the EV world in a fresh and memorable way. The Mach E stands out for its lively acceleration, smooth power delivery, and confident handling that make it genuinely fun to drive. The interior feels modern with a large central touchscreen, thoughtful tech, and enough space for passengers and cargo. The combination of strong range, clean electric performance, and a sporty identity rooted in Mustang heritage gives the Mach E a personality that sets it apart from many other electric vehicles.

What Do You Think?

What do you think is the biggest real world difference between driving a performance focused EV like the Mach E and a comfort focused EV like the EX40?

Have you ever swapped into a different EV through a rental or service loaner and discovered surprising quirks?Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Photo credit: Volvo media kit, Ford media kit