2024 Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV comparison review (2024)

03/06/2024 16:00

The Tesla Model Y – Australia’s top-selling electric car – faces off against one of its closest rivals, the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Which electric SUV is better?

One in three new electric cars sold in Australia is a Tesla Model Y, and last year it dethroned the Toyota Corolla to become the world’s best-selling passenger vehicle.

It is Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle by a significant margin – but competition from Europe, Japan, South Korea, the US and China is coming thick and fast.

Among the newest – and closest – challengers to the Model Y’s dominance is the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Well, it’s new to Australia – it has been on sale in the US for four years, but didn’t arrive in local showrooms until late 2023 as Ford’s factory in Mexico was already struggling to keep up with demand in North America and Europe.

Demand for electric cars has cooled in the US, but continues to grow in Australia, unlocking stock of the Mach-E for local showrooms – as sales of the Tesla Model Y hit their stride, and new rivals from Toyota, Subaru, Volkswagen, Skoda and Kia loom.

We’re not going to debate the Mustang Mach-E’s name, because you’ve more than likely made your mind up before clicking on this comparison – and in fact, as has Ford CEO Jim Farley.

What we’re here to find out is this: does the Tesla Model Y have the better of the Ford Mustang Mach-E?

How much does the Tesla Model Y RWD cost in Australia?

There are three variants in the Tesla Model Y range – the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and Performance AWD – and it’s the RWD we’re testing here.

At the time we conducted this comparison test – and filmed the video above – the Model Y RWD was priced from $65,400 plus on-road costs.

However, Tesla has since rolled out no fewer than three price cuts that have slashed the Model Y RWD down to $55,900 plus on-road costs at the time of publishing – a $9500 saving, and the cheapest it has ever been.

All prices listed exclude on-road costs such as registration, stamp duty and third-party insurance, as well as Tesla's mandatory $400 order and $1400 delivery fees, but include luxury car tax for the Performance variant.

Alongside the price cuts, the Tesla Model Y has been given an update with new colours, a new wheel design, and the deletion of ultrasonic parking sensors – now replaced by software that uses cameras around the car to judge distance.

The $2400 Red Multi-Coat paint on our test car has been replaced by a $2600 Ultra Red finish, though there has been no change to the 20-inch Induction wheels that remain a $2400 option.

In short, it means that at the time of testing, the Model Y in this comparison was $70,200 plus on-road costs, or $75,857 drive-away in NSW, according to the Tesla website – but ordering a comparable vehicle now would cost $62,700 plus on-road, or $66,092 drive-away in NSW.

Rivals include the Toyota bZ4X FWD ($66,000), entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 58kWh RWD ($65,000), and upcoming Kia EV5 (estimated to cost $60,000), as well as the more expensive Kia EV6 Air RWD ($72,590) – all before on-road costs.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels (upgraded to 20s on our test car), LED headlights and tail-lights, a 15-inch touchscreen with FM/DAB radio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and voice control, synthetic leather-look upholstery, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, power tailgate, tinted glass roof, dual wireless phone chargers, and a 13-speaker sound system.

Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, and blind-spot cameras – but there are no blind-spot monitor lights, nor rear cross-traffic alert.

Tesla continues to omit Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio, a tyre repair kit, and a dedicated instrument display from its vehicles.

How much does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select cost in Australia?

There are three models in the Ford Mustang Mach-E range, which gets underway with the Select, steps up to the Premium, and reaches its zenith with the range-topping GT.

On test here we have the entry-level – to give it its full name – 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select.

At the time of testing, the Mach-E Select was priced from $72,990 plus on-road costs – but it has since been slashed to $64,990 plus on-road costs.

Our test car came with no options, other than a shiny coat of Rapid Red premium paint that adds $700 to the bottom line.

All up, our Mach-E Select rolls out of the showroom and into your driveway for $72,909 drive-away (in Sydney) or just a fraction more ($72,962) in Melbourne. The final drive-away price may vary depending on your location.

For that amount, you could buy an all-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y Long Range ($69,900 plus on-road costs, or $75,542 drive-away in NSW).

The Mach-E's palette runs to seven colours, of which six command a $700 premium. The only no-cost colour is Shadow Black, perhaps a subtle nod to company founder Henry Ford who once famously wrote in his autobiography (My Life and Work) of the Blue Oval's revolutionary Model T, "any color the customer wants, as long as it’s black".

Standard equipment for the Mach-E Select includes 19-inch alloy wheels with 'aero' wheel covers, LED headlights, a 15.5-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, wireless/wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, eight-way power-adjustable front seats finished in Sensico artificial leather, panoramic glass roof, a premium Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system, and a Type 2 charging cable.

A full suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), also known as active safety technologies, is also standard across the range: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone monitoring, speed sign recognition, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Compared to the Tesla, the Ford has 19-inch wheels instead of (optional) 20s, a 15.5-inch portrait screen instead of a landscape 15-inch display, blind-spot monitoring lights rather than cameras, and adds the likes of rear cross-traffic alert, a 10.2-inch instrument display, 360-degree camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio and a tyre repair kit.

How big is a Tesla Model Y RWD?

The Model Y has the minimalist interior design we've come to expect from Tesla, with a large 15-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard.

We will discuss this screen in more depth in the next section, but it is frustrating that basic controls – such as the speed display, adjusting the air-conditioning fan speed, moving the mirrors, or even opening the glovebox – are forced through this screen.

The driver has a good view of the road thanks to a high seating position, large windscreen, and a low and short bonnet. The side windows are also large, but rearward visibility is poor due to the high-set rear window.

The panoramic glass roof brings in plenty of light, but it can heat up the cabin quickly. A sunshade is a $180 accessory on the Tesla website.

The heated front seats offer eight-way power adjustment with lumbar, but they are not the most comfortable – with some pain points that caused us irritation on a long drive – nor are particularly supportive in tight corners. The synthetic leather-look upholstery is soft, but it can get sweaty on hot days.

A similar material is used on the small steering wheel, which is heated, and fitted with two dials used to control functions from volume and song/radio skipping, to voice control, and frustratingly the adjustment of the steering column when activated through a menu in the touchscreen – fiddlier and harder to use than a simple lever.

Behind the steering wheel are two stalks, the left stalk controlling the indicators and some basic light/wiper functions – though most of these are buried in the touchscreen – and the right stalk used for changing gears or activating adaptive cruise control.

Perceived build quality in our test vehicle – which is 18 months old, with more than 8000km on the odometer – is good.

There is a learning curve to the door release buttons, and first-time passengers may initially find themselves using the mechanical emergency releases placed next to the window switches.

The driver and front passenger are well accommodated for storage, with two large lidded areas in the centre console, spacious fabric-lined door pockets, and two cupholders, though the glovebox (accessed through the touchscreen) could be bigger.

Amenities include two USB-C ports, one 12-volt socket, dual wireless phone chargers, keyless entry and start, and dual-zone climate control.

Space in the rear is excellent given the Model Y's sloping roof line, with plenty of leg room, head room and toe room for my 186cm (6ft 1in) tall frame sitting behind my driving position.

The seat base is not very long, so under-thigh support is limited, but the floor is flat, the cabin is wide to seat three abreast, and for the middle passenger, the area under the air vents has been scooped out to allow them to slide their feet forward.

Rear amenities include heated outboard seats, two USB-C ports, two map pockets, bottle holders in the doors, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, two ISOFIX anchors, and three top-tether anchor points.

The boot is huge, with a claimed 854-litre capacity spread across the roomy main cargo area, an under-floor area big enough for a carry-on suitcase, and large compartments on each side for smaller items – plus another 117L under the bonnet.

The tailgate is power-operated – though there's no kick sensor – and there is a 12-volt socket and illumination. The load area expands to a claimed 2041L with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats down.

As standard there is no tyre repair kit (it costs $125 extra) – let alone a spare wheel – nor a parcel shelf (a $650 extra), or a home charging cable ($550). These omissions feel stingy in a $70,000 car.

How big is a Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

Interestingly, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is classed as a large SUV despite being dimensionally near-identical to the Tesla Model Y that is classified as a medium SUV.

The Mach-E Select stops the tape at 4728mm long, 2097mm wide (including mirrors), 1634mm tall, and sits on a 2984mm wheelbase.

For context, the Model Y is longer (4751mm), not quite as tall (1624mm), albeit narrower (1978mm) and sits on a 94mm shorter wheelbase (2890mm).

The cabin of the Mach-E is nicely designed without being overtly futuristic. Access is via a small button located on the B-pillar, roughly the size of a five-cent piece, which when pressed opens the door slightly ajar. You then pull on a small wing-like protrusion located on the door frame to gain full access. Different for difference’s sake? Probably. But it does get your passengers talking.

Clean lines and some nice design touches (the Bang & Olufsen soundbar that runs the full length of the dash is a highlight) are enhanced by what feels like solid build quality and nice use of materials.

The front seats, wrapped in artificial leather and power-adjustable eight ways, are more comfortable than those in the Tesla, but they’re not outstanding in terms of support. There's seat heating as well as adjustable lumbar support.

The driving position is good, with plenty of leg room even for taller drivers. The heated steering wheel, resplendent with its pony logo, feels nice in hand. It's adjustable for tilt and reach. Ergonomically, key features and functions fall easily to hand.

In terms of storage, a smallish central storage bin with a retractable cover hides under a floating central armrest. The armrest itself is nicely padded, and a good place to rest weary elbows on long drives.

The obligatory pair of cupholders are joined by a two-tiered storage area near the dash, the top section also hosting the Mach-E's wireless smartphone charging pad.

Underneath, a larger storage area is good for small handbags or laptops and the like, but it's easily visible from outside the car, so not an ideal place to store valuables away from prying eyes.

The door cards offer more storage but, unusually in today's automotive landscape, are not really capable of holding even smaller bottles.

Access to the second row is via the same push-button entry, and once inside reveals a reasonably spacious area for passengers. Toe room and leg room are acceptable, although taller occupants will struggle with the Mach-E's sloping roofline that impacts comfort, and it’s not as roomy as the Tesla.

A fold-down armrest hides a pair of cupholders, while amenities in row two run to a pair of USB points, one each USB-A and USB-C, as well as air vents. Like the fronts, the rear door cards are not suitable for bottles.

For those with kids, the outboard seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat mounts, while all three seat backs are equipped with top-tether anchors.

The second row folds away in 60:40-split fashion freeing up cargo space. With the back seats in use, there's 402 litres (or 519L to the roof), expanding to 1420L. Additionally, storage under the Mach-E's bonnet, aka the 'frunk', runs to 134L.

That's more generous than the Model Y's 'frunk' that measures in at a claimed 117L, but the point-scoring stops there, the Tesla's boot coming in at a claimed 854L with the second row in use and a massive 2041L with the seats folded away.

Don't look for a spare tyre, because you won't find one. Instead, the Mustang Mach-E is equipped with a tyre repair kit.

Does the Tesla Model Y RWD have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The 15-inch touchscreen is the focal point of the Model Y, and it is like using a computer or tablet – with lightning-quick responses, contemporary graphics, and Wi-Fi over-the-air software updates that add new features.

However, nearly every vehicle function runs through the screen. Basic tasks such as adjusting the steering wheel column, opening the glovebox, changing the headlight or wiper settings, increasing the air-conditioning fan speed, or even moving the air vents are at least two taps away.

Admittedly, many of these features are set-and-forget items – steering wheel, seat and mirror positions are tied to the driver's profile. There is initially a learning curve to the system, due to its myriad menus, but it doesn't take too long to get used to.

Tesla fans will argue you can control many functions – including the fiddly air-conditioning menu – with your voice, but this is far from a perfect solution, and disrupts any ongoing conversation in the car. We'd much rather Tesla introduce some traditional dials and switches for key functions.

Popular apps such as Spotify, Zoom and Apple Music are built into the system, and the embedded satellite navigation is easy to use, powered by Google Maps with locations of Tesla Superchargers and, thanks to a recent software update, third-party chargers.

However, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While fans of the brand may argue these are not needed given the base system is fast and well featured, there is no reason why they can't be offered as an option – given they are standard on a $21,000 Kia Picanto.

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also leaves drivers who use apps such as Waze navigation in the cold.

Other features in the system include FM and DAB+ digital radio – but no AM radio, which remains essential for distributing emergency alerts in rural areas without FM or phone coverage.

There is no dedicated instrument or head-up display, so the speed is shown in the top-right corner of the main screen. It is a distracting decision given how strictly enforced speed limits are in Australia.

The front, side and rear cameras are high quality, and the front and rear parking sensors are accurate, with the distances to nearby objects shown on the screen. There is no top-down 360-degree camera, unlike many rivals.

The 13-speaker audio system lacks premium branding, but Tesla poached engineers from brands such as Bang & Olufsen to develop it, so sound quality is excellent, even for hardcore audiophiles – and it’s a cut above the Mach-E’s stereo.

Does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Central to the Mustang Mach-E's infotainment set-up is a portrait-orientated 15.5-inch touchscreen. It hosts wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inbuilt satellite navigation, and the full gamut of radio bandwidths – AM/FM and DAB+.

The menu structure inside Ford's native Ford software is nicely laid out and reasonably intuitive to use.

CarPlay proved a little glitchy over the first couple of days, whether connected wirelessly or via a USB cable (there's one each USB-A and USB-C in the front row), sometimes failing to connect at all or occasionally dropping out mid-drive.

In frustration, I deleted the connection between my iPhone and the Mustang and started again, and this time the connection remained stable throughout the rest of our time with the Mach-E.

Still, the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is something the Model Y cannot match – so it earns plenty of extra marks in our assessment. It’s puzzling why Tesla can’t even offer these features for drivers who do want to use them.

Climate controls in the Mach-E are accessed via the touchscreen, and while we usually decry the lack of physical dials and buttons, Ford's integration is pretty easy to use on the fly, largely because key functions, such as temperature adjustment, are permanently on the lower section of the screen.

Ford's 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is easy to read and displays critical driving data such as speed and the battery's state of charge at a quick glance. A little Easter egg can be found on the digital speedo that reads 'Ground Speed', a subtle nod to the World War II fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang, which gave the original pony car its name. Cute.

The FordPass Connect app lets owners access their Mach-E remotely via their smartphones with features such as climate pre-conditioning, locking and unlocking the doors and tailgate, locate their vehicle, and check on the battery's state of charge, among others.

Is the Tesla Model Y RWD a safe car?

The Tesla Model Y is covered by a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), based on testing conducted in Europe by sister organisation Euro NCAP in 2022.

It earned the highest adult occupant protection score of any vehicle tested under ANCAP's just-superseded 2020–22 protocols – at 97 per cent – while its 98 per cent safety assist technology score is an all-time ANCAP record.

It also recorded 89 per cent for child occupant protection, and 82 per cent for vulnerable road user protection (pedestrians/cyclists).

The five-star rating will expire after 31 December 2028 unless the Model Y is retested under the criteria in place at the time it is submitted.

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select a safe car?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E range, excluding the range-topping GT variant, was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2021.

It garnered scores of 92 per cent for adult occupant protection in the front seats, 88 per cent for child protection in the back seats, 69 per cent for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, and 82 per cent for its advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

What safety technology does the Tesla Model Y RWD have?

The Tesla Model Y ticks most of the boxes for advanced safety features, with one key exception: rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), the system that warns of cars driving past usually not visible to the driver when reversing out of a perpendicular parking space.

The car seemed to go some way to recreating a rear cross-traffic system – mainly using the parking sensors to detect passing vehicles when the Model Y is reversing – and the Tesla is fitted with low-speed rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for car parks, but neither is a true replacement for RCTA.

There are also no blind-spot monitoring lights, though Tesla fits cameras that provide the driver with a view of their blind spot when the indicators are activated – and illuminate with a red glow on the touchscreen when a car is in said blind spot.

There are seven airbags – including one between the front seats to prevent occupants' heads clashing in a severe side impact – plus tyre pressure monitoring, and high-resolution front, side and rear cameras.

The safety systems generally worked well in our testing, with the exception of a false activation of the AEB system while the car was moving on a suburban street, when there was no imminent collision.

Our test vehicle was fitted with the regular Autopilot system – with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist – not the $5100 Enhanced Autopilot pack with automatic lane changes and overtakes, and hands-free parking, or the $10,100 so-called 'Full Self-Driving' package that is available to order in Australia but cannot be used in its entirety yet.

The Autopilot driver aids worked well, though the lane-centring system can be hard to trust on narrow suburban roads with parked cars, so it is better used on wider highways.

What safety technology does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select have?

The Mustang Mach-E doesn't want for safety technologies, carrying a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems.

The entire Mach-E range is fitted with autonomous emergency braking (both forward and reverse), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone monitoring, speed sign recognition, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, as well as tyre pressure monitoring.

Our week with the Mach-E didn't reveal any glaring issues with its safety systems, the technologies nicely calibrated and easier to trust, resulting in no false positives or overly intrusive interventions.

The 360-degree camera, too, projected crisp and clear images into the Mach-E's 15.5-inch infotainment screen.

The Mach-E's airbag count runs to 10 covering both rows of occupants. The suite includes a front-centre airbag that deploys between the front seats and reduces the severity and potential for head clashes between front-row occupants in the event of an accident.

It's worth pointing out the range-topping Mustang Mach-E GT is not fitted with a front-centre airbag.

How much does the Tesla Model Y RWD cost to run?

The Tesla Model Y is covered by a four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty for the RWD (eight years/192,000km for the Long Range and Performance), with Tesla guaranteeing it will retain at least 70 per cent of its original capacity in that period.

While the battery warranty is par for the class, the warranty is short in both time and distance. All of its rivals – and most other top-selling new cars in Australia – have at least five years of coverage, with no distance limit for private buyers not using the vehicle for ride-sharing or other commercial uses.

Tesla does not quote traditional service intervals based on time or distance, rather maintenance is "condition-based", so it is only required when the vehicle detects a fault that needs to be fixed.

Many tasks can also be completed by 'mobile service' technicians who come to your home or office, rather than needing to visit a service centre.

Tesla does list some "recommended" service items on its website:

• Every 10,000km, or if tread depth difference is 1.5mm or greater: Rotate the tyres
• Every year or 20,000km, for vehicles in cold-weather regions: Cleaning and lubricating
• Every two years: Replace cabin filter (a new filter costs $26)
• Every three years: Replace the HEPA filter
• Every four years: Replace the air-conditioning desiccant bag
• Every four years: Check brake fluid health, and replace if needed

For context, five years/15,000km of scheduled servicing costs $780 for a Mustang Mach-E Select, $900 for a Toyota bZ4X, $1089 for a Kia EV6 and $1730 for a Hyundai Ioniq 5.

A year of comprehensive insurance coverage from a leading insurer costs $2861, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circ*mstances.

For context, using the same insurance quote calculator and parameters returns estimates of $1755 for a Kia EV6 Air and $1899 for a Toyota bZ4X FWD.

How much does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select cost to run?

Ford covers the Mustang Mach-E with its standardfive-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Additionally, Ford Australia covers what it refers to in its policy as the 'Electrical Drivetrain Components' (i.e. the lithium iron phosphate battery, electric motor and inverter among others) foreight years and 160,000km.

Scheduled visits to the workshop are needed every12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Unlike some makers of EVs, Ford Australia has kept servicing costs down for the Mach-E. According to Ford, the cost of scheduled maintenance overthree years is $460and overfive years is $780.

Additional services beyond five years run to either $140 (years seven, nine and 11) or $180 (years six, eight, 10 and 12). After 12 years or 180,000km, Ford suggests contacting a dealer for a quote.

While the Ford is more affordable to service than some of its rivals, the Tesla looks to be cheaper still – assuming the car’s computers don’t encounter any issues that cost the owner more than $780 over the first five years.

Comprehensive insurance for the Mach-E Select from a leading insurer is priced at $1912 per annum, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circ*mstances.

What is the range of a Tesla Model Y RWD?

Tesla claims energy consumption of 15.7kWh/100km for the Model Y RWD, according to European WLTP lab testing.

It is frugal for this type of car; a Kia EV6 Air quotes 16.5kWh/100km, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 58kWh claims 16.7kWh/100km, a Toyota bZ4X FWD is said to consume 16.9kWh/100km, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select lists 17.8kWh/100km.

On a 110km/h highway test loop used for this comparison test, we returned 15.8kWh/100km, which converts to 364km of estimated driving range.

Over a full week of testing – including highway driving, and kilometres on country roads exploring the Model Y's performance and handling – we returned 15.6kWh/100km.

We weren't trying to drive the car gently – and in the right conditions, with a softer right foot, you can expect to do a lot better. On flowing, 60km/h to 80km/h suburban roads it isn't hard to get the trip computer into the 13kWh/100km range, which is excellent for the size of this car.

You'll notice that energy consumption is almost identical to the claim, but the driving range is way off Tesla's quoted 455km. For some reason the lab test cycles used in Europe for the energy use and driving range are not identical, so there is a discrepancy.

Tesla also doesn't quote the car's exact battery capacity. For this review we have used a figure of 57.5kWh usable that we've seen reported, but other sources claim 60kWh or 62.3kWh (which may be gross capacity, including upper and lower 'buffers' that owners can't access).

That battery is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, so unlike a conventional nickel-manganese-cobalt battery in other electric cars – charging which beyond 80 per cent frequently can speed up battery degradation – LFP batteries can be regularly charged to 100 per cent without damaging the battery cells.

DC fast charging at up to 170kW is claimed. Tesla doesn't quote a 10 to 80 per cent fast charge time, but we observed 26 minutes and 50 seconds on test (see graph below) – at a peak of 171kW, in a remarkably linear fashion as the car takes on energy.

AC charging at up to 11kW is available, for an estimated zero to 100 per cent recharge in just over five hours.

What is the range of a Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

Ford claims energy consumption of17.8kWh per 100kilometresof driving on the combined cycle. That's on the high side when compared against its cohort of competitors.

Our week with the Mach-E, spent in a mix of peak-hour traffic, suburban running as well as long lopes on the motorway, returned an indicated19.0kWh/100km.

Over the same 110km/h highway test loop used to test the Model Y, we recorded 18.6kWh/100km.

Ford says the Mach-E Select's72kWh batteryis good for470km of rangebased on European WLTP testing. But based on our real-world driving, expect that to drop, and quite significantly, to around 373km.

The Mach-E Select's 72kWh battery is a lithium iron phosphate unit, unlike the nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries in the Mustang Mach-E Premium and GT variants.

Ford says the Select's battery can be charged at a maximum rate of 150kW, giving a 10–80 per cent charge time of 32 minutes.

Our real-world testing resulted in a 10–80 per cent charging time of 31min 20sec and saw a brief peak of 161kW at 12 per cent before falling off a cliff dramatically.

What is the Tesla Model Y RWD like to drive?

Performance in the cheapest Tesla Model Y is not hot-hatch-like, but it's brisk, with sharp accelerator-pedal tuning that pushes you back into the seat off the mark, and plenty of power in reserve for highway overtakes.

Drivehas previously matched Tesla's claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, which is about a second quicker than a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and competitive with Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Toyota electric rivals.

A small steering wheel, quick but precise steering, and minimal body roll make for sharp handling, and the traction-control system suppresses any wheel slip before it disturbs the car's composure.

At low speeds, the steering may be on the heavy side for some drivers' tastes, even in the lightest of its three models, but its fast ratio – just two turns from lock to lock – makes for easy parking. However, at 12.1 metres, the turning circle is large for the class.

While it aids handling, the suspension can be firm over potholed city streets. At high speeds the body is composed and settled, but around town occupants feel more of speed bumps, expansion joints, and ripples in the road than they ought to.

It is worth noting the test vehicle Tesla Australia supplied toDrivewas built in September 2022, so it missed out on the so-called 'comfort suspension' upgrade introduced in vehicles built from early 2023, claimed to have softened the dampers for improved comfort over bumps. We have not tested a Model Y with these changes so we cannot say if it has worked.

That said, while there is still much room for improvement in the Model Y we did test, we did not find it too stiff to live with, and it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for us.

Switched on by default is a 'one-pedal' drive mode, where the regenerative braking of the electric motor will bring the car to a stop on its own once the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, while recuperating energy that's fed back into the battery.

Tesla used to allow you to turn this system off, but the option in the settings menu has now been greyed out. While some drivers may not like this feature, compared to other cars it is very well calibrated, and in an emergency braking situation, the transition from regenerative to the 'friction' disc brakes is seamless.

Insulation from the outside world could be improved – there is a fair amount of tyre roar, as well as some suspension noise, and wind rustle from the mirrors.

The LED headlights are bright, but the automatic high-beam tech is unreliable, flashing the high-beam lights on a well-lit road, and turning them off when they're needed. It didn't rain on test, but we've previously found the rain-sensing wipers in Teslas to be equally hit-and-miss.

What is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Select like to drive?

The most affordable Mustang Mach-E might be the least powerful of the range, but that in no way diminishes its performance.

A single198kW/430Nm electric motorpowers the rear wheels, and while that seems middling for the segment on paper, it feels brisk enough from behind the wheel without being unruly.

Ford claims the Mach-E Select can complete the benchmark sprint from0–100km/h in 6.6 seconds. Previous VBox testing carried out byDrivecouldn't quite match Ford's claim, our Select stopping the clock at 7.2 seconds.

Despite being slower than the claim, the Mach-E Select feels brisk when taking off from traffic lights – though not as immediate as the Model Y RWD – with the surge of acceleration as pleasing as it is rapid, certainly when getting up to city speeds (60km/h).

From here, acceleration is a little more gentle, but perfectly fine for most daily driving scenarios.

The steering feels nicely weighted too, a nice balance between offering tactility and lightness.

But the steering wasn't as precise as we'd like during cornering, requiring micro adjustments to keep the Mach-E in line. Not a deal-breaker, by any stretch, but worth mentioning. The Tesla’s steering is quicker and more precise.

Ride comfort erred on the side of firm, especially over pockmarked urban streets and roads, although not to the point where it marred the driving experience. At higher speeds, the Mach-E felt comfortable and composed.

The Mach-E’s suspension fusses over small bumps and imperfections in the road that the Model Y irons out – but hit a pothole or a speed bump, and it’s the Ford that’s the more comfortable car.

Cornering agility isn't the Mach-E Select's strong suit, its 2104kg kerb weight – compared to the 1909kg (tare) Tesla – keenly felt when hustling some twisties. A tendency for mild understeer didn't exactly come as a surprise.

The Mach-E features regenerative braking and the ability for one-pedal driving. But, it's either on or off, with no mild regenerative steps in between.

Three drive modes provide different characteristics from behind the wheel. Called Whisper, Active and Untame (no, really, they are), they are akin to more conventionally titled Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes.

The three modes adjust parameters like ambient lighting, throttle response, and steering tactility. Additionally, Untame mode ups the ante in terms of 'engine noise', the Mach-E trying its hardest to sound like its V8-powered Mustang namesake. It, umm, falls short, the muffled burble piped into the cabin not at all convincing.

Where Untame does convince is in overall response and tactility, transforming the Mach-E Select from a comfortable suburban electric cruiser into a reasonably sharp, albeit not outright, performance SUV. And that's okay, because there's a more potent Mustang Mach-E GT to fill that role.

Instead, the Mustang Mach-E Select serves as a perfectly fine entry into electric motoring with decent (if not earth-shattering) performance, a comfortable enough ride and a nicely styled and comfortable cabin.

Can a Tesla Model Y RWD tow?

The Model Y can tow up to 1600kg braked, or 750kg unbraked, when fitted with Tesla's official $1970 tow package (available via the Tesla website) that includes a towball rated to a 72kg down weight.

We have not tow-tested the Tesla Model Y, but its performance without a load attached suggests it would not feel strained pulling a small trailer.

The quoted 2448kg gross vehicle weight (GVM) and 1909kg tare mass leaves a payload of 539kg for vehicle fluids (windscreen wipers and brakes), passengers, cargo, and any accessories fitted to the car. That is sufficient for filling the Model Y's five seats and large boot.

Can a Ford Mustang Mach-E Select tow?

Ford does not quote towing capacities for the Mustang Mach-E, and has previously confirmed toDrivethat it is not certified for towing in Australia.

That's not unusual for an electric vehicle, where the added weight of hauling a trailer or small camper-trailer can dramatically reduce driving range.

Should I buy a Tesla Model Y RWD or a Ford Mustang Mach-E Select?

Both of these mid-size electric SUVs are worthy of your consideration, but the result is clear – the Tesla Model Y is the winner of this test.

It’s roomier inside, the boot is bigger, the technology is quicker and more responsive, it’s more energy-efficient, and it’s nicer to drive, both in the daily grind and on a winding road.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E will appeal to buyers who find the Tesla’s minimalism a step too far. It has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio and a digital speed display, as well as more comfortable seats and a longer warranty.

But the price difference – $8000 between the RRPs at the time of testing, or $9000 at the time of writing – is hard to ignore, and will buy an incredible amount of electricity.

Even if these cars were the same price, the Tesla Model Y would still come out on top.

How do I buy a Tesla Model Y RWD? The next steps.

While the Long Range and Performance bring meaningful increases in driving range and performance, the entry-level RWD is our pick of the range so it will be more than enough for most buyers – and its LFP battery means you can use the full battery capacity regularly without accelerating its wear.

At the time of writing in June 2024, the Tesla website says new orders are estimated to be delivered within one to three weeks – and there areplenty of vehicles listed in stockfor immediate delivery in a range of configurations. You can also find Teslas for sale atDrive Cars for Sale.

Before signing on the dotted line, we recommend taking a test drive through Tesla –click hereto find your nearest showroom.

To stay updated with everything that’s happened to this car since our review, you’ll findall the latest news here.

How do I buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E Select? The next steps.

Ford Australia confirmed toDrivethere is "good stock on the ground of the Ford Mustang Mach-E across the range, so while specific dealer stock may vary, customers wanting that model should be available to find one for immediate delivery".

The next step on the purchase journey is to check theFord websitefor stock of your preferred Mustang Mach-E variant. You can also find Fords for sale atDrive Cars for Sale.

We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Followthis linkto find your nearest Ford dealer.

To stay updated with everything that’s happened to this car since our review, you’ll find all thelatest news here.

The post 2024 Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV comparison review appeared first on Drive.