Which EV is right for your rugged Colorado lifestyle, the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model Y? While some might describe this as a choice between Detroit performance and Silicon Valley technology, we’d argue it’s more complicated — much more complicated! Keep reading to see what we mean.
Key Takeaways
- Inside, the Mach-E is the roomier option and the best choice for your road trips.
- While the Model Y could use a few updates, the Mach-E delivers an incredible list of cutting-edge tech features.
- Choose the Tesla Model Y for the longest possible battery range and the Mach-E for maximum speed!
- Both EVs qualify for certain tax credits — just make sure you qualify for them in return!
Modern Comfort: 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Both the new Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y get high marks for their stylish, comfortable cabins. But Ford’s sporty EV has the edge here. The Mach-E doesn’t just come with roomy, supportive seating and world-class comfort features (including soft, faux-leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control). It also delivers excellent all-around visibility and redundant dash controls to bolster your on-road confidence, thereby creating the most relaxing ride!
Inside the Model Y, you’ll find a similarly stylish setup (with synthetic leather seating and dual-zone automatic climate control). But this EV also gets serious deductions for its lack of controls. You need to use the central touchscreen for almost everything, including shifting into drive. Not only is this layout annoying, but it makes any issues with the central touchscreen potentially catastrophic. No one wants to break down in the Rockies because their touchscreen is frozen.
And while the Tesla Model Y is perhaps the only compact SUV brave enough to offer a third-row seat, we don’t especially recommend it. Not only is it a tight fit for passengers (even petite passengers can’t extend their legs back there), but it cuts back on everyday utility. With two standard rows, the Tesla Model Y has nearly had much cargo space as its Ford competitor. Outfitted with the optional third row, cargo space is reduced to 12.8 cubes.
Road-Trip-Ready Technology: 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Believe it or not, the Mustang Mach-E’s tech features take a healthy lead here. When it set out to compete with the Model Y, Ford made sure every Mach-E offered a high-tech cabin. Standard features include a 15.5-inch central touchscreen, digital instrument panel, built-in navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and more! Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system delivers a quick, user-friendly experience. Plus, the Mach-E comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone integration technology that isn’t available from Tesla!
When you think of the Tesla brand, you probably picture a high-tech ride. And while the automaker pushed plenty of boundaries at the outset, the rest of the auto industry moved fast to catch up. Competitors have also left many of Tesla’s gimmicky features (like the lack of instrument panel) for dead. However, the Model Y does come standard with quite a few high-tech items, including a 15-inch central touchscreen, wireless device charger, and 14-speaker sound system.
While Tesla’s infotainment software is mostly fine, its Google-based navigation is sometimes slow and spotty. You can use Bluetooth to connect your smartphone to the system, but the experience isn’t as streamlined as it would be if Tesla offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who spend a lot of time in parking lots, Tesla offers an internet plan that lets you watch Netflix or YouTube videos on the central touchscreen while parked. If you’ve got reason to be streaming shows in a frozen parking lot, more power to you — but we’d personally rather Netflix-and-chill at home.
Longest Range: 2025 Tesla Model Y
For both EVs, performance and mileage vary according to trim level and equipment.
The Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive trim model stays on the road the longest, with a battery range of 337 miles. Of course, if you’re shopping for electrified speed, this Tesla SUV has plenty of that, too. The quickest option, the Performance trim model, goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The Mustang Mach-E’s thriftiest trim model is the Platinum, which travels up to 320 miles on a full battery. Meanwhile, its quickest trim model — the Mustang Mach-E GT with the Performance Upgrade — leaves the Model Y behind, traveling from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds!
Best EV Incentives: It Depends
Looking for the best deal? The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E (starting at $37,995*) comes at a much better price than the Tesla Model Y (from $44,990*). However, you can reduce either price tag if you qualify for state or federal tax credits!Right now, only the Tesla Model Y qualifies for the federal tax credit of $7,500. If you also qualify, this credit makes the Model Y’s price much more competitive with the Mach-E.
On the other hand, both EVs qualify for Colorado’s state tax credit, which can save you $3,500 on a new model. If either model’s MSRP were to slip under $35,000, you could also qualify for an extra $2,500 off your lease or purchase. In any case, you can check with your local dealership for eligibility!
*Price as of 5/10/25.
Electrify Your Colorado Adventures
In the end, the Mustang Mach-E is the cutting-edge choice. Ford’s sporty EV treats your fun-loving family to more speed, style, and modern features. Get behind the wheel of the most innovative EV on the road — visit us at Brighton Ford in Colorado to test-drive the Mach-E!