The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the Blue Oval’s first-ever electric vehicle. The Mach-E was initially met with plenty of pushback, but it won the hearts of many gearheads over time. The Mach-E boasts performance worthy of the Mustang name. The small electric SUV has encountered some reliability issues. Is it still worth getting?

Should you get a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E shocked the world when it first hit the scene. Many Blue Oval fans hated the idea of an electric Mustang, let alone an electric Mustang SUV. It was blasphemous until the small electric SUV proved that it could hang with ICE Mustangs.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. According to MotorTrend, the performance edition of the small electric SUV makes a whopping 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque.

There’s no doubt that the EV is impressive, but is it worth getting for the average driver? Let’s break down Mach-E pricing and EV tax credit eligibility.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select base model starts at $45,995. It has 224 miles of driving range. 2023 Mach-E models are currently eligible for a federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500. So drivers can get the Mach-E Select for close to $38,495 before the EV is no longer eligible for the tax credit. The Mach-E Select is a great deal for under $39K, as long as drivers are willing to install a home charger. That being said, consumers should consider the small electric SUV’s reliability as well.

Is the Mustang Mach-E a reliable SUV?

Thus far, the Mach-E nameplate has only had one major mechanical issue to date. Ford issued a stop-sale on the Mach-E because batteries were overheating and rendering the EVs immobile.

Ford seems to have resolved the issue, but this isn’t the only problem that Mach-E owners have encountered. Drivers also experienced infotainment system issues. Ultimately, the Mach-E hasn’t yet earned the reputation of an unreliable SUV, but Consumer Reports no longer recommends it.

Competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 haven’t had any major reliability issues yet. So, consumers that are looking for their first electric vehicle may find more satisfaction in owning a small electric SUV with a history of reliability.

How the Mach-E can beat the competition

The Ford Mustang Mach-E nameplate is still incredibly young. The small electric SUV still has the potential to become the most popular small electric SUV in America long term. It may not beat rivals in terms of affordability, but the Mach-E’ s distinct aggressive design language and driving verve are what set it apart. The Blue Oval is currently competing at the highest level in the small electric SUV segment, but models like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have made a greater impact.

If Ford wants the Mach-E to take market share from competitors, it needs to nip reliability issues in the bud. Once the Mach-E proves to be reliable, it’ll be a force to be reckoned with in rankings. So, unless you’re a die-hard Mach-E fan, it could be lucrative to wait on getting the nameplate until the kinks are worked out.