Electric vehicles: Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

Quick Verdict

The Tesla Model 3 (Highland) offers superior range and charging speed, making it a strong choice for long-distance travel. However, the Ford Mustang Mach-E provides a more spacious interior and a potentially more user-friendly interface for those who prefer physical controls. The best choice depends on individual priorities, such as range, charging infrastructure, and interior preferences.

The Tesla Model 3 (Highland) generally offers a longer EPA-estimated range and faster charging times compared to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Mustang Mach-E boasts more cargo space, while the Model 3 has a slightly smaller cargo area.
Both vehicles offer RWD and AWD options, similar infotainment screen sizes, and over-the-air software updates.
The Model 3's Autopilot and Supercharger network are key advantages, while the Mach-E offers BlueCruise and access to an extensive charging network.
The Mach-E provides a more traditional interior with physical controls, whereas the Model 3 heavily relies on its touchscreen interface.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Ford Mustang Mach-E	Tesla Model 3 (Highland)
Starting MSRP	$37,995 (2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select)	$44,130 - $56,630 (2025 models)
EPA-estimated range (miles)	240 to 320 miles (depending on battery and motor configuration)	303–363
Battery capacity (kWh)	Standard Range: 70.0 kWh (2024) / 75.7 kWh (2025), Extended Range: 91.0 kWh (2024) / 98.8 kWh (2025)	RWD: 57.5 usable, Long Range/Performance: 75 usable. Some Long Range models may have LG 78/79 kWh or Panasonic 82 kWh batteries.
0-60 mph acceleration (seconds)	Under 4.0 seconds (GT and Rally), 3.3 seconds (Mach-E Rally)	Long Range RWD: 4.6, Long Range AWD: 4.2, Performance: 2.9 (some tests report closer to 2.7)
Maximum charging rate (kW)	Extended Range: 150 kW DC, Standard Range: 110 kW DC	250
Cargo space (cubic feet)	29 cubic feet (behind rear seats), 60 cubic feet (with rear seats folded), 4.7 cubic feet (front trunk)	21-24.1
Seating capacity	5 seats	5 adults
Drivetrain options (RWD, AWD)	RWD, AWD	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Infotainment screen size (inches)	15.5-inch	15.4-inch center touchscreen, 8-inch rear touchscreen
Driver-assistance features	Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving tech, Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode, Active Park Assist 2.0	Autopilot (includes lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic lane changes), standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning
Warranty (years/miles)	Limited Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 Miles, Electrical components: 8 years/100,000 miles	Basic Vehicle: 4 years or 50,000 miles, Battery and Drive Unit: 8 years or 100,000-120,000 miles (depending on the model)
Fast charging time (10-80% SOC)	Standard Range: ~38 minutes at 115 kW, Extended Range: ~43 minutes at 150 kW	Approximately 27 minutes at a 250kW Supercharger
Pros	Spacious front seating, Comfortable front and rear seats (GT trim), Improved functionality with large infotainment screen, Over-the-air software updates, Available heat pump for cold weather performance, Extensive charging network access	Responsive infotainment system, Intuitive infotainment system, Frequent over-the-air updates, Tesla smartphone app integration, Generally comfortable and supportive front seats with available ventilation, Effective Autopilot on highways (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic lane changes), Improved suspension provides a smoother ride, Extensive Supercharger network, Fast charging capabilities
Cons	Range can drop significantly on long motorway drives, Large infotainment screen can be distracting, Springy rear ride quality	Lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Controls heavily rely on the touchscreen, Rear seats may be less comfortable for adults on long trips due to a low seating position

Overall Comparison

Tesla Model 3 (Highland) offers a longer range (303-363 miles) and faster charging (27 minutes 10-80% SOC) compared to the Ford Mustang Mach-E (240-320 miles range, 38-43 minutes charging time).

Pros and Cons

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Pros:

Spacious front seating
Comfortable front and rear seats (GT trim)
Improved functionality with large infotainment screen
Over-the-air software updates
Available heat pump for cold weather performance
Extensive charging network access

Cons:

Range can drop significantly on long motorway drives
Large infotainment screen can be distracting
Springy rear ride quality

Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

Pros:

Responsive infotainment system
Intuitive infotainment system
Frequent over-the-air updates
Tesla smartphone app integration
Generally comfortable and supportive front seats with available ventilation
Effective Autopilot on highways (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic lane changes)
Improved suspension provides a smoother ride
Extensive Supercharger network
Fast charging capabilities

Cons:

Lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Controls heavily rely on the touchscreen
Rear seats may be less comfortable for adults on long trips due to a low seating position

User Experiences and Feedback

Ford Mustang Mach-E

What Users Love

Exceeds EPA-estimated range in real-world tests
Comfortable seats (GT trim)
Effective driver-assistance features like BlueCruise and Active Park Assist 2.0
Easy to locate charging stations and plan routes using the infotainment system

Common Complaints

Range can be affected by motorway miles
Public rapid charging can be expensive

Value Perception

Home charging provides the cheapest per mile cost

User Recommendations

The Mustang Mach-E has exceeded its EPA-estimated range in every real-world test.
On motorways, the Mach-E's battery also seems to suffer from too many motorway miles, and it'll start to run out of charge quickly.
The Mach-E's jumbo screen improves functionality over Ford's smaller infotainment touchscreens.
The screen is big, which can be distracting, but its size, design, and layout mean your eyes can find what they need quickly, resulting in less time spent on the screen.
The Mustang Mach-E feels pretty spacious up front, while that coupe-like roofline might suggest it's tight in the back, but it's actually reasonably comfortable.
The seats, too, are an improvement over the standard Mach-E offerings. Lifted from the GT, they're both comfortable, without being too soft, and supportive while still managing to be easy to get in and out of.
BlueCruise allows drivers to navigate certain highways without holding the wheel.
Active Park Assist 2.0 helps you park perfectly every time by doing most of the work.
In general, home charging provides the cheapest per mile cost, and public rapid charging tends to be the most expensive option due to higher energy tariffs.
The Mach-E rides with reasonable dexterity. It's a bit springy at the rear if we're being picky, and not exactly soft, but then it needs to be taut enough to maintain control through corners and to give at least a passing nod to the Mustang badge.
A benefit of the system is that Ford will roll out over-the-air updates over time, constantly improving the system and adding new content.
All Mach-E models now come standard with a new heat pump to help warm the cabin and improve performance in cold temperatures.
As an EV, the Mach-E excels too, providing up to 320 miles of driving range in its most efficient setup, the single-motor rear-wheel-drive model with the larger Extended battery pack.
Ford's extensive charging network, accessible through the Mach-E's infotainment system, helps drivers easily locate charging stations, plan routes, and even monitor charging costs.

Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

What Users Love

Real-world range can exceed EPA estimates (Long Range model)
Frequent over-the-air software updates add new features and functionality
High score in fast-charging test, adding miles of range quickly

Common Complaints

Real-world range can vary based on weather and driving style

Value Perception

Cost of ownership factors include insurance, maintenance, and charging costs