2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

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.

Last year, the first electric Ford Mustang SUV was a bit of a traffic-stopper, but people seem to be used to it now. The design concept remains sound, however. Take the name and general design cues of the brand's most famous badge and apply them to a four-door EV crossover. We appreciate the overall design. The way the front tapers downward works well with the upright rear end that incorporates the Mach-E's take on the famous Mustang rear lights.

The blocked-off front grille is a bold move, but we like that Ford highlights the positive attributes of an EV rather than shying away from them. Few things irk us as much as a fake grille on an EV. The hidden door handles are also a nice touch.

As standard, the Mach-E comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and LED reflector headlights. The California Route 1 adds a panoramic fixed-glass roof, but it's the Premium that's a notable step up in sporting appeal. This trim comes with 19-inch alloys, a front grille applique insert, and LED signature lighting for the headlights. The quick GT and GT Performance Edition ride on larger 20-inch wheels and have an illuminated front Pony badge.

The Mach-E has a smaller footprint than the regular old-school Mustang. It's shorter and narrower, yet it can carry five people easily. It's 185.6 inches long and 74.1 inches wide, and the wheelbase extends to 117.5 inches. That's Mach-E's big secret. A bigger wheelbase means more space for people and things, and with no physical connection between the front and rear wheels, you get a flat floor as well. The GT models are marginally longer at 186.7 inches. The 64-inch height provides enough headroom for all passengers; California Route 1 and GT models are slightly lower at 63.5 inches, though.

Base RWD models have a curb weight of 4,318 pounds but the GT Performance Edition is far heavier at 4,989 lbs.

One of the most significant updates for 2022 is the color palette. The wilder options like Grabber Blue Metallic and Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat were previously limited to the top-spec GT, but now they're available across the range. No pricing is available because the 2022 Mach-E is already sold out.

There may be a few left on dealer floors, plus you can buy a used example in a few months. Either way, you won't have to worry about what the colors cost, as you'll have no say in the matter. Other available colors include Space White, Iced Blue Silver, Star White, Dark Matter Gray, Rapid Red, and Shadow Black.

The performance depends on the configuration you opt for. The Select, California Route 1, and Premium are available in RWD and AWD, while the GT models are only available with the eAWD system. The next factor that determines the performance is the battery choice. The Select trim is only available with the standard range (SR) battery, while the California Route 1 is only available with the extended range (ER) battery. The Premium can be ordered with either, while the GT only has access to the extended range battery.

The slowest model is the Premium RWD with the ER battery. It takes 6.1 seconds to get to 60 mph, while the GT Performance Edition with eAWD and an ER battery will get there in 3.5 seconds. The other models all fall somewhere between these two extremes. What jumps out is that AWD makes a big difference with the ER battery; these models are 1.3 seconds quicker to 60 mph compared to RWD models with the same battery.

The power output of the models also depends on everything mentioned above. The Select models are equipped with a 70-kWh battery (standard range), and in RWD configuration, it provides 266 hp and 317 lb-ft. Add the eAWD system, and the torque figure increases to 428 lb-ft. The California Route 1 comes with a 91-kWh (extended range) battery as standard. The single electric motor produces 290 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque in RWD guise. Add another motor to the front, and the power increases to 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Premium trim can be ordered in every configuration mentioned so far, and the power outputs are precisely the same.

The GT and GT Performance get the ER battery. The standard GT has 480 hp and 600 lb-ft, while the Performance dials the torque up to 634 lb-ft. These two are the potent models capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.8 and 3.5 seconds respectively.

On average, you're looking at a 0-60 mph time in the mid-fives, though these figures can be misleading. Due to the nature of the power delivery, the Mach-E tends to feel much faster, especially when it comes to in-gear acceleration.

The base setup is one electric motor at the rear mated to a single-speed transmission. This direct drive system and the immediate power delivery is why the Mach-E is able to get off the line so quickly, even though heavier models weigh nearly 5,000 lbs.

Opting for the eAWD system adds another electric motor to the front axle. There is no mechanical coupling between the two motors, which opens up an entirely new world of AWD performance. Instead of splitting the power front and rear, an AWD system like this could potentially deliver 100% power at the same time at both axles. The more motors you have and the bigger the battery pack, the more power you can play with. It's that simple.

We mentioned some performance figures earlier, but they don't tell the whole story. While the base select model takes a leisurely six seconds to get to 60 mph, it feels much faster off the line. And at speed, it feels even quicker. While a regular ICE car has to wait for the gearbox to drop a few cogs and a turbo to spool, an electric motor simply unleashes full power the moment you touch the throttle. This year, we spent some time with a Mach-E in New York, which made us realize just how big a selling point instant power delivery is. If you only have a block to change lanes and need to get in front of the other guy, an EV is the way to go.

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.

The Mach-E with a standard-range battery and RWD can achieve 110/96/103 MPGe city/highway/combined. It has a claimed range of 247 miles. Adding the AWD system lowers the gas mileage figures to 99/86/93 MPGe and the total range to 224 miles. An RWD model with an extended-range battery can do 104/90/97 MPGe and 303 miles on a full charge, while an AWD system drops those figures down to 97/84/91 MPGe and 277 miles.

The two top performers in the range have similar consumption figures. The standard GT's claimed EPA estimates are 90/77/84 MPGe and 270 miles of range, while the GT Performance can do 88/75/82 MPGe and 260 miles of range.

The California Route 1 is built to offer the longest range. Initially only available in RWD with the extended range battery, you can now have it with eAWD as well. In RWD format, its EPA-estimated figures are 108/94/101 MPGe, while the AWD system drops it down to 105/91/98 MPGe. The RWD California Route 1's 314-mile claimed range makes it the most practical trim. Adding the eAWD system takes the range down to 312 miles. By comparison, the Tesla Model Y can manage 330 miles on a full charge.

Realistically, you also need a house in the suburbs if you want to run a Mach-E. The mobile charger can only add 20 miles of range from a 240V outlet. If you go for the Ford Connected Charging station, you can add 30 miles per hour. On the go, you can use 150-kW DC fast charging. According to Ford, you can charge it from 10 to 90 percent in 45 minutes.

Tesla might still be in the lead in range and charging, but Ford hits back hard by giving customers a quality interior. To explain what we're on about, a quick anecdote about a recent trip to Dubai. The taxi from the airport to the hotel was a Model S, and we couldn't help but notice the exposed front seat bolts. They were right there, staring you in the face. That's just one example of how a poorly built interior can drag a car down.

The Ford's interior is both functional and pleasing. You'd think the large infotainment screen dominates the experience, but once your smartphone is connected and streaming music, you soon forget about it. Thanks to the small digital instrument cluster, the view from the front is superb. The Mach-E does have some blind spots, as we found cyclists sneaking up behind us on more than one occasion. Thankfully, a full suite of driver assistance features is standard.

The first thing you notice is the impressive space in the second row. Unlike the Model Y, the Mach-E is not available as a seven-seater, but there's not enough space for that.

Being an EV, the Mach-E does have an ace up its sleeve. It has a flat floor, which means acres of legroom up front, and a rear middle seat you can use. But don't take our word for it. Just look at the numbers. In the 4-door Mustang, front passengers get 43.3 inches of legroom, while those in the rear get 38.1 inches. The front headroom is at least 38.9 inches, while the rear headroom is between 38.2 and 39.3 inches depending on whether or not the glass roof is equipped.

The Select and California Route 1 models come standard with Black Onyx ActiveX leatherette. The Premium trim is also available with Black Onyx ActiveX seats, but you can opt for Light Space Gray perforated leatherette. Go for the Ice White package (only available for the Premium trim), and the door armrests and center armrest are also wrapped in Light Space Gray.

The standard GT has Black Onyx leatherette with Miko inserts and Smoked Copper metallic stitching. The GT Performance Edition comes with Performance Gray leatherette with reflective perforated Miko inserts and Metal Gray Metallic stitching.

The Mach-E has various upmarket upholstery inserts instead of the usual wood, carbon fiber, or faux metal trim. These look incredibly cool, but the big question is whether they will age well. You may wonder why there is no real leather option - it's likely an attempt to make the Mach-E appealing to folks who are serious about environmentalism. No cows were peeled to make the interior of this car, and 90% of it can be recycled.

The Ford Mustang SUV is built on a skateboard platform, with the batteries mounted low down. The electric motors are also mounted low, freeing up a lot of space that would otherwise be occupied by mechanical bits. The Mach-E has both a traditional trunk and a frunk, which Ford now officially calls a frunk and not a front trunk. The conventional trunk has 29.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Fold the rear seats forward, and you get 59.7 cubes, or 59.5 in the case of the GT Performance Edition.

The frunk provides 4.7 cubes, which doesn't sound significant but is quite smart. It's divided into small compartments, perfect for a quick grocery run. These compartments also keep stuff from rolling around, but if you break an egg, the frunk is water-resistant and comes with a drain plug.

Storage space on the inside is another highlight. Front passengers get two cupholders and two smartphone storage slots. Thanks to the flat floor, you get another semi-hidden storage compartment underneath that. Rear passengers get large door pockets and dual cupholders hidden in the middle rear seat.

Ford is extremely generous when it comes to standard features. Even from the base Select trim, you get keyless entry and start, smartphone as a key, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a digital instrument panel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. Higher up in the range, Ford adds a panoramic fixed glass roof, a heated front seats and steering wheel, a hands-free power tailgate, and ambient lighting.

All Ford Mach-E models come as standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, consisting of front collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. Ford also includes Co-Pilot 360 Assist as standard, and this package adds adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and intersection assist.

From the California Route 1 and upwards, BlueCruise is standard. This allows for some hands-free driving on selected highways. A 360-degree camera system and active park assist are further additions on upper trims.

All models use the same 15.5-inch central touchscreen interface with one physical button integrated into the screen. It comes as standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports in both rows, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and connected navigation with traffic updates and predictive guidance. Select and California Route 1 models get a basic six-speaker sound system, while Premium and GT models ship as standard with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The SYNC4A operating system allows for over-the-air updates, but for now, it comes with enhanced voice recognition, 911 Assist, and adaptive dash cards.

In a previous test, we noticed a few glitches with the wireless Apple CarPlay, and this time even the wired connection gave problems. It could just be that the phone is highly outdated, but we refuse to pay the price of a used Miata for a new iPhone.

We usually don't like it when a manufacturer removes physical buttons for the climate control, but the screen in the Mach-E is so big that you constantly have the climate on display. The physical button at the bottom is a nice touch, as is the tiny digital instrument cluster. The small 10.2-inch screen does a much better job of displaying the speed and relevant driver assistance information. In a Tesla, you still have to glance over at the main screen, but in the Ford, all the information is readily available within your eyesight.

Like most cars, the Mustang Mach-E had a few teething problems. The first recall was for loose subframe bolts, followed by inadequate panoramic roof glass panel bonding a few months later. Ford also issued a recall for inadequate front windshield bonding on the same day. Other recalls for 2021 models included improperly attached rear seat belt buckles and a software error that could lead to unintended acceleration. So far, the 2022 Mustang Mach-E has only faced one recall for the same rear seat belt issue.

The Mach-E's 2022 J.D. Power Survey results were not favorable, however. With an overall score of 73 out of 100, it placed eighth in the compact SUV segment. That's well below its more traditional ICE rivals. Owners rated the driving experience highly, but it scored a disappointing 60 out of 100 in the quality and reliability department.

All Mach-E models in the US ship as standard with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an industry-standard eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery.

The Mustang SUV still hasn't been rated by the NHTSA, which is a missed opportunity. Tesla's Model Y scored the full five stars, giving the EV company the upper hand.

Ford sent a 2022 model to the IIHS, and it scored yet another Top Safety Pick Award. However, this award does not apply to Select and California Route 1 models. The entry-level models are equipped with LED reflector headlamps, which the IIHS gave a "marginal" rating. The Premium and GT have more powerful LED projector headlamps with LED signature lighting, qualifying them for the award.

Ford has been generous with the Mustang Mach-E's safety specification. The base Select comes with the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 suite that combines auto high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep alert with a lane-keeping aid, driver alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and reverse brake assist. As if that's not enough, the Mach-E also has intelligent adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, lane centering assist, and speed sign recognition. Other advanced driver aids include evasive steering assist and intersection assist.

The California Route 1 adds to all of that with a 360-degree camera system and Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 that bundles together the BlueCruise hands-free driving system and active park assist.

All models come with nine airbags. These are made up of dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and side curtain airbags.

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.

The Mach-E is wholly sold out for 2022, but we can at least provide you with a rough estimate of what you can expect in terms of prices. At the time of writing, dealers were charging roughly $5,000 more than the MSRP for cars already standing on dealer floors.

The price of a Ford Mach-E started at $43,895 for the Select, increasing to $48,775 for the Premium. The California Route 1 had an MSRP of $52,450, while the GT retailed for $61,995, though we've seen dealers charge as much as $70,000 for the fastest model. As mentioned, the $7,500 federal tax credit that the Mach-E qualifies for gives it a clear advantage over the Tesla Model Y.

There are four trim levels to choose from: Select, California Route 1, Premium, and GT.

From the Select specification, you get 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with connected navigation, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A six-speaker sound system is standard.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, front collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, speed sign recognition, connected navigation, evasive steering assist, and rain-sensing wipers.

The California Route 1 adds BlueCruise and active rear park assist. A welcome extra at this level is the panoramic fixed-glass roof that makes the interior feel a lot airier. This trim also adds a memory setting for the driver's seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system.

The Premium trim adds 19-inch alloys, more sound insulation, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ambient lighting, a hands-free power tailgate, and a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The GT loses out on BlueCruise and the panoramic roof, but Ford is willing to put them back as optional extras. As the sportiest Mach-E, it gains several features to enhance the looks and driving experience. These include 20-inch alloys with performance tires, a sports suspension setup, a black grille and roof, red brake calipers, and sportier front seats with additional side bolstering.

Since all 2022 Mach-E's are sold out, there's no way you can add options. We can at least tell you what options to look out for.

As Ford chose to include most luxury goodies as standard, your best chance of finding a unique Mach-E is looking for either a GT model with the GT Performance Edition Package or a Premium with the Ice White Appearance Package.

The Ice White Package is purely cosmetic and adds Star Metallic White Tri-Coat exterior paint, mirror caps, and lip moldings. The front door badges, pony badges, and 19-inch alloy pockets are painted Oxford White. On the inside, it adds a gloss white dashboard insert; Light Space Gray door armrests, center armrest, seats; and an Oxford White pony badge on the steering wheel.

The GT Performance Package is also mostly cosmetic, consisting of model-specific interior trim, Ford Performance front seats, and 20-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels. Ford also upgrades the front motor to provide more power, and MagneRide active damping is added to improve the handling.

At the time of writing, all 2022 Mustang Mach-E's were unavailable to order. If you decide to buy an almost-new one, we'd search for a Premium, but not because of the added luxuries. It unlocks the extended range battery, which you can then couple to the RWD or eAWD platform. The California Route 1's longer range is a unique selling point, plus it has the nifty BlueCruise system.

The GT is a riot, but the rest of the models provide enough grunt to make the driving experience entertaining.

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.

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.