Companies that can combine passion with a trend usually have a surefire winner; that’s what automobile manufacturers have been attempting for a century. The rapid march toward electrification has reinvigorated the auto industry as old-school car makers meet head-on with upstarts.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the match-up between Ford Motor Company and Tesla. Arguably, Tesla is long-past being a newcomer, as it is primarily responsible for shaking up the status quo and still has a 65% EV market share, according to insideevs.com.
With this competition in mind, let’s see how the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and Tesla Model Y stack up. We’re highlighting the top-tier GT trim for the Ford as it comes the closest to matching the Model Y’s specifications and performance. In addition, both crossovers were subject to recent repricing (lowering) from their respective manufacturers, which has added a wrinkle to used EV prices.
Pricing: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Vs. Tesla Model Y
| 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Extended Range: $63,995 Performance Edition: $69,995 |
2023 Tesla Model Y
Long Range: $54,990 Performance: $58,990 |
Price excludes destination charges and tax rebates.
Following Tesla slashing as much as $13,000 off a Model Y in January, Ford followed suit by reducing the base Mach-E GT by $5,900 (the Performance Edition is still a $6,000 upgrade). Just by looking at the numbers, there’s a clear mismatch. Ford dealers will have a tougher time selling Mach-E GT models when there’s at least a $9,000 advantage in the Model Y’s favor.
Used Mach-E And Model Y Pricing: It's Complicated
Before Ford's and Tesla's repricing, the Mach-E and Model Y commanded a premium as used EVs. Because of limited availability, it wasn't unusual to find second-hand retail prices close to what brand-new versions cost. Those wanting a used Ford or Tesla EV crossover without waiting had to turn to the pre-owned market, which kept prices inflated.
But lower new-car prices quickly caused the equivalent used models to cost less. CoPilot data reveals that the average pre-owned Mustang Mach-E model now sells for $12,472 less than at its highest point. But that pales in comparison to the $20,021 hit a typical used Model Y underwent thanks to the pricing adjustments on the new car side.
Key Specifications: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Vs. Tesla Model Y
With the pricing discussion out of the way, let’s compare the major specifications for each vehicle.
| 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Extended Range 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds Horsepower/Torque: 480 hp/600 lb-ft Range: 270 miles Maximum Cargo Capacity: 59.7 cubic feet Performance Edition 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds Horsepower/Torque: 480 hp/630 lb-ft Range: 260 miles Maximum Cargo Capacity: 59.5 cubic feet |
2023 Tesla Model Y
Long Range 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds Horsepower/Torque*: 390 hp/376 lb-ft Range: 330 miles Maximum Cargo Capacity: 76.0 cubic feet Performance 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds Horsepower/Torque*: 420 hp/481 lb-ft Range: 303 miles Maximum Cargo Capacity: 76.0 cubic feet *Tesla does not provide horsepower and torque information; these specifications are based on KBB-supplied estimates. |
A glance at the specs shows that the base Mach-E GT would easily trounce the comparable Model Y in an acceleration challenge. However, the same Tesla gets top marks when it comes to range and cargo space.
Moving up a notch to the top-tier versions makes it a closer match-up. Both EVs accelerate at a similar rate, while the Tesla's range takes a larger proportionate drop to accommodate the extra speed.
Wrap-Up: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Vs. Tesla Model Y
What was once a closer fight due to similar (pre-adjustment) pricing now leans toward the Model Y over the Mach-E GT. Lower pricing and mostly better specifications give the nod to Tesla, for now.
