The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E might have a familiar name but this new Ford model? It’s an electric SUV that’s here to take on models like the 2021 Tesla Model Y. But does this new electric SUV have what it takes to best its Tesla competition? It just might. Let’s find out what each of these electric SUVs has to offer, how they compare, and which is the right fit for you.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is new to the scene

Price: $42,895 – $59,000
Max. Range: 305 miles

First things first, let’s talk about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. After all, this electric SUV is fairly new to the scene. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that starts at $42,895 and is available in four different trim levels. 

At its highest price, the Mustang Mach-E costs approximately $59,000. However, that price tag can be deceiving. Much like other EVs on the market today, the Mach-E is eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.

Pricing aside, there’s no denying that the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has a lot to offer. When introducing the electric SUV, Ford hoped to make a splash, and it most certainly did. In fact, this year’s new model comes powered by an all-electric powertrain that delivers up to 305 miles of estimated range.

And when it comes to safety and interior features? This electric SUV doesn’t make any compromises. It’s standard with driver-assist technologies like Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. According to Kelley Blue Book, its interior is also innovative, modern, and practical. It’s stocked with standard features too, including a 15.5-inch touchscreen display featuring navigation.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a luxury three-row electric SUV

Price: $53,990 – $60,990
Max Range: 326 miles

Much like the Mach-E, the Model Y is an electric SUV. It starts at $53,990 and is available in Long Range and Performance models. Opt for a Performance model, and you can expect to spend upwards of $60,990.

Similar to the Mach-E, the 2021 Tesla Model Y offers up plenty of range. While Long Range models deliver up to 326 miles of range, Performance models can go up to 303 miles on a single charge. 

The 2021 Tesla Model Y offers no shortage of safety features and interior amenities either. In fact, all Tesla Model Y models are standard with confidence-inspiring safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. 

While the Model Y is not an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the NHTSA did give it a five-star safety rating. And when it comes to interior features? The Model Y is standard with a premium audio system and a 15-inch touchscreen display.

How the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E bests the Tesla Model Y

Pros: Lower starting price, eligible for federal tax credits, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility

When it comes to comparing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the new Tesla Model Y, it’s clear that the Mach-E bests its Tesla competition in multiple ways. Not only does it boast a significantly lower starting price but, unlike the Tesla Model Y, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E also offers interior features that the Tesla Model Y does not. Take, for example, sought-after features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While many cars these days come standard with both, the Tesla Model Y does not. The good news, however, is that the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E does.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E earned slightly better safety ratings than its Tesla competition too. In fact, while the Mustang Mach-E is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Tesla Model Y is not. However, the NHTSA did give the Model Y a five-star overall safety rating. Unfortunately, the organization has yet to post safety ratings for the Mach-E.

But the 2021 Tesla Model Y has plenty going for it too

Pros: Longer EPA-estimated range, more horsepower, better acceleration

While the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a cheaper alternative to the Tesla Model Y, the Tesla Model Y has plenty going for it too. In fact, when it comes to range, the Tesla Model Y can go significantly further than the Mustang Mach-E. While the Mach-E can drive up to 305 miles on a single charge, the Tesla Model Y can drive a maximum of 326 miles on a single charge.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is also significantly faster than the new Mach-E. In fact, this year’s model can achieve 447 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Performance models are also able to move from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. On the other hand, the Mach-E is capable of 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque and can move from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds when you opt for the more expensive GT model.

Here’s how to determine which electric SUV is right for you

While there’s no denying that the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is ready to compete with the Tesla Model Y, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best fit for you. However, if you’re shopping on a budget and value features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is likely the best fit for you. And if you’d prefer that added range and better acceleration? Then it might be time to schedule a test drive behind the wheel of the 2021 Tesla Model Y.