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The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. Each is sales success. Both are vehicles that bring joy to their owners, and on a specification sheet, they could not be more closely aligned. However, they each also have their own personalities, and in the eyes of some test drivers and reviewers, some trends have emerged. A new video by two owners of a Mustang Mach-E falls neatly in line with what we found when we drove these two models back to back.
Related Story: Motor Trend Proclaims The Tesla Model Y To Be Better Than Mustang Mach-E
The video is well done and extremely detailed. The two owners of the Mach-E are familiar with Model Y, having tested it before they opted to instead buy their Mustang Mach-E. One would expect that they have many reasons to like the Mach-E better, but they also have a lot of nice things to say about the Tesla.
Related Story: Consumer Reports: Ford's Mustang Mach-E Tops Tesla Model Y In This Key Area
Why Testers Like Ford Mustang Mach-E Better Than Model Y
There are some clear trends if you read over a handful of comparisons of the Mustang Mach-E and the Model Y. Many who try both find that the Tesla has sacrificed function for form by using one main information and vehicle control screen. The pair of testers in this video fall into that group. They found that the main information screen requires that they look away from the forward “eyes on the road” position to get information. When they do look away and stare at the info screen, they find that the font is too small to be practical for even warnings.
Tesla’s Main Screen Isn’t The Best Solution
They also find, and we agree with this in general, that the HVAC controls should be divorced from the screen and be controllable by hand without looking. We do this in many test vehicles. Large knobs are intuitive and muscle memory works better this way than by trying to look at an icon on a screen. Why not use the Auto function of the HVAC system? Watch the video. The couple explains that in a way that is very easy to understand. Why not just use the voice commands instead of the screen? The couple demonstrates why it didn't work.
Autopilot Pluses and Minuses
The couple found Autopilot to be overall a very good system. Just like almost every driver-assist system on every modern vehicle is a good system. However, they were able to feel the “fantom braking” of the Autopilot system. Why hasn’t Tesla fixed that yet?
Biggest Complaints About Tesla Model Y
One of the two testers in the video has a very stong opinion of the controls to open and close the door on the Model Y. She doesn’t hold back. Her opinion is near the end, so skip ahead to hear why it “pisses her off.” The Model Y’s HVAC system overall is a big negative for the couple. Too loud, hard to operate, not cold enough, and other gripes are aired. The AC system not keeping up, partly due to the glass roof, is a sentiment the two return to frequently in the video.
Related Story: Tesla Model Y vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E - Which EV Requires More Maintenance?
What About Supercharging, Range, and Efficiency?
Supercharging is a definite plus for many Tesla owners. However, this couple, who are EV-advocates, have had no difficulty charging their Mach-E on road trips originating from Colorado. They also find that the range and efficiency of the two are nearly equal. We liked how they summed up that issue very succinctly. We will leave it for you to watch.
What About Tesla’s Poor Fit and Finish Reputation?
The couple complements the Tesla design for being open and fresh. However, they also found the interior to be cheap in many ways. They show you in the video where they feel the Model Y is not up to the standards of modern vehicles. They also found that the solid-surface seating material was too hot, and wished it had the perforated surface the Mach-E comes with. The best comment of the video may be when the passenger says the center console insert feels like a “Dollar Store” item.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y remains a leader in the green two-row crossover segment in both sales and by most other metrics. Its strengths are many, but there are also some great competitors joining this very important vehicle category. If you are shopping for a Tesla Model Y or Mustang Mach-E, this is a great video to watch with a bowl of popcorn.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. Following his engineering program, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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