The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2026 Tesla Model Y square off
The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2026 Tesla Model Y are two compact electric SUVs that bring a range of new designs and features to the table. For the Mustang Mach-E’s 2025 production year, Ford is offering lower prices on each of the model’s trims, with the base grade starting at $37,995 without incentives. Last year, the 2024 Mustang Mach-E initially held a starting price of about $41,990. Ford has also equipped each 2025 Mustang Mach-E with a new heat pump — optimizing cabin warmth and vehicle performance in low temperatures — enhanced available systems like BlueCruise hands-free driving with features such as automatic lane changes, and added an optional Sport Appearance package on the Premium Grade — which we’ll explore more below. Separate additions to the 2025 Mustang Mach-E consist of an updated infotainment system, new wheel designs, and three new exterior colors.
However, you shouldn’t let the 2025 Mustang Mach-E’s fresh features steal your attention from what’s new in the 2026 Model Y. The Tesla crossover SUV now features headlamps with a full-width light bar, more premium and softer interior materials, enhanced sound deadening, a rear passenger display, available ventilated front seats, and more. We’re just getting started evaluating the 2025 Mustang Mach-E and the 2026 Tesla Model Y. Check out the rest of our guide below for more information to help you determine which SUV better suits your needs.
How the Mustang Mach-E and Model Y ranges stack up
Efficiency — alongside perks like comfort, style, and practicality — is generally among a driver’s top priorities when considering an SUV. The entry-level 2025 Mustang Mach-E Select offers a maximum range of 260 miles in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 240 miles in electric all-wheel drive (eAWD) with the standard 70.0-kWh battery. In comparison, the Mustang Mach-E Premium offers a 300-mile eAWD range with an 88 kWh extended-range battery pack. The next trim, the Mustang Mach-E Premium, supplies the same range, but you can also get a RWD, 91 kWh extended-range battery configuration with 320 miles of range that’s not available on the base Select grade. After the Mustang Mach-E Premium, you’ll find the Mustang Mach-E GT, providing a 280-mile range in eAWD via a 91 kWh extended-range battery. The peak Mustang Mach-E Rally variant gives drivers 265 miles of range in eAWD using the 91 kWh extended-range battery.
Each Mustang Mach-E features fast charging, with the standard battery charging from 10% to 80% in about 38 minutes at a 115 kW peak rate, and the extended-range attaining the same charge level in about 43 minutes at a maximum rate of 150 kW. The new Tesla Model Y comes equipped with a 60-81 kWh battery that can be recharged at up to 250 kW. A Model Y Long Range RWD supplies 357 miles of range, with up to 182 miles of range added after 15 minutes using the peak charging rate. Getting a Model Y Long Range AWD gives you 327 miles of range and up to 169 miles added after 15 minutes of charging. Tesla has not yet published official range specs for the 2026 Model Y Performance, but the variant has a European WLTP range estimate of 360 miles.
Power and performance spotlight
Ford honors the Mustang name by equipping this electric SUV with ample power. A base 2025 Mustang Mach-E Select produces 264 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque with a standard-range battery and RWD, 325 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque with a standard-range battery and eAWD, and 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque with an extended-range battery and eAWD. You’ll get the same horsepower and torque with the Mustang Mach-E Premium, except for the added option of 272 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque with the extended-range battery and RWD. Moving up to the Mustang Mach-E GT unlocks 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque — or 700 lb-ft of torque with the performance upgrade that’s standard on the Mach-E Rally — along with 480 horsepower. The 0-60 mph times for the 2025 Mustang Mach-E range from 3.3 seconds to 6.1 seconds, depending on your selected trim, with the GT (with performance upgrade) clocking the best figure.
In contrast, the 2026 Model Y Long Range RWD offers 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, while its AWD counterpart produces 397 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Despite Tesla’s online configurator currently missing the Model Y Performance, it’s said to have 460 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. Drivers will find that the Mustang Mach-E feels stiffer than the Model Y, but it does a better job absorbing road imperfections than its Tesla rival, making it feel more suitable for long distances.
What’s new with the exterior of these competing SUVs?
The 2025 Mustang Mach-E’s three new exterior colors include Molten Magenta Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, and Desert Sand. As for new wheel options, you can now get optional 19-inch high-gloss Dark Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels with white graphics for the Rally, as well as 19-inch monochromatic high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels that are part of the Sport Appearance package. The Sport Appearance package’s exterior touches also include the GT front fascia and grille shield, red Brembo front brake calipers, and black-painted door cladding and wheel lips. Tesla mirrors the Model Y’s stretching front-end lightbar on the rear for a more refined appearance, a more angular hood, and a new rear fascia, diffuser, and tailgate.
Neck-and-neck interiors excelling in areas like tech and sound deadening
Inside 2025 Mustang Mach-E models equipped with the Connectivity package, you’ll find new features like a 5G-powered Wi-Fi hotspot, more apps, and optimized navigation with enhancements like improved charging station details. The Sport Appearance package also supplies the interior with sport pedals and red accent stitching. The 2026 Model Y’s heightened interior sound deadening stems from design choices, such as redesigned body castings that reduce parts from 70 to 1, resulting in fewer gaps. The Mustang Mach-E has a rear cargo capacity of 34.4 cu ft behind the rear seats that expands to 59.7 cu ft with the rear seats folded down. In comparison, the Model Y offers 29 cu ft of space behind the rear seats and 71.4 cu ft with the rear seats folded.
Final thoughts
Both SUVs have their strengths, with the Mustang Mach-E receiving price cuts across its lineup, quality performance, and plenty of changes inside and out. At the same time, the Model Y boasts flashy new exterior elements, such as sprawling light bars, and a better range than its Ford rival. Getting behind the wheel of these vehicles will help fill in the blanks regarding areas like touchscreen ease of use, driving feel, and more. The Mustang Mach-E will likely satisfy those seeking the most ride comfort, less interior minimalism, and more conventional handling, while the Model Y appeals to motorists who prioritize more advanced self-driving technology, greater range, and faster charging. Test drive each model before deciding for a fuller perspective.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog