2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD: The Brand’s Alluring All-Electric Crossover

 

Highlight: The Mustang Mach-E has almost a 70 percent conquest rate, which are buyers new to the Ford brand, according to a Ford source, as of June 2022.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $59,800 (Base 4-Door Model: $44,995)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; electronic stability control system; electronic traction control system; audible vehicle alert system; and a stop and go radar activated cruise control system

Standard Equipment (Base): 18-inch wheels; a rear-wheel-drive configuration; rear spoiler; a manual liftgate; laminated glass; a dual zone automatic temperature control system; a power driver’s seat; second row split bench seat; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; storage cargo area; a co-pilot assist driving system; a navigation system; and in-car Wi-Fi capabilities  

Standard Equipment (Premium): 19-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; a secondary electric motor; black painted front and rear door cladding; a panoramic fixed glass roof; multi color ambient interior lighting; perforated seating material; adjustable front headrests; front door scuff plates with aluminum inserts; power heated folding exterior mirrors; a 360-degree camera; LED headlamps; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; memory operated driver’s seat; and a 9-speaker Bang and Oulfsen audio system

Test Vehicle’s Options: Rapid red metallic; an extended range battery; brushed aluminum unique pedal covers; front door scuff plates aluminum inserts with first edition lettering; perforated seating material; and red painted brake calipers

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Base Vehicle: a 6-speaker system with AM/FM radio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Electric Battery Warranty:

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.3-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/300-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/21-hwy

Standard Towing Capacity: N/A

What’s New:  For the 2022 model year, Ford has changed the name of the front storage area, which was once reserved for the hood, as the frunk. Also Ford’s packaging team makes a few package tweaks. Moreover, the driving range on the Mach-E RWD and AWD models increases by 17 and 13 miles, respectively, when compared to the 2021 models.

Pros:

Fully battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit

Zippy and powerful

An automatic brake hold feature is available

Ability to use one pedal to serve as both an accelerator and brake

Stylish exterior design

Great ride and handling capabilities

Rear-wheel drive platform standard

All-wheel drive available

Tesla-like infotainment screen

275-charging range in our test vehicle and up to 303-range, depending upon trim

Offers an optional oversized roof

The GT trim offers more power and handling

Vehicle can become quite pricey depending on trim

A range of driving motors

Attractive wheel options

A high level of safety driving features

Additional cargo storage without traditional hardware under the front of the vehicle, just like the frump in Ford’s electric truck.

But: 

No internal gauge display, when charging, alerting the driver of charging times and the like

Fixed rear seat doesn’t slide back and forth, or tilt like in some competitors

Front cabin is not as spacious as other competitors due to the design of center floor console

No illuminated exterior button on the vehicle to lock the door (would be helpful at dusk)

No power operated sunroof or liftgate

Verdict: Despite saving the sporty gasoline burning Mustang, Ford’s product planning team made the risky move of walking away from the car segment, focusing on profitable crossovers, SUVs, F-Series trucks and now electric vehicles.

With the arrival of the Ford Mustang Mach-E during the 2021 model year, it seems as though Ford has a hit on their hands. While GM has offered the compact Bolt, as both a car and a crossover, it hasn’t generated the same appeal, as the four-door midsize Mustang Mach-E. The alluring design, features, electric power, engaging driving experience, price point and the driving range have literally fueled, no pun intended, the success of Ford dominating the mainstream electric vehicle segment. Its cross town rivals from both Stellantis, the former Chrysler Corporation, and General Motors, have got some catching up to do.

The Mustang Mach-E, which retains some of the naming rights of the brand’s iconic two-door sports coupe, is available in a rear-wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration. While many automakers have yet to jump in the electric vehicle segment, Ford has created a stylish and affordable path for others to follow. Although its Korean rivals from Hyundai and Kia have quietly jumped in the game, they haven’t received the same attention as Ford. However, there are features on Korean vehicles that Ford lacks, such as sliding and tilting rear seats to the inability to disconnect the charger, while being electrified, in public places. We hope Ford are making plans to address those concerns to enhance the ownership experience of their successful all-electric vehicle.

Competition: 2023 Indi EV; 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5;2022 Kia EV6; and 2022 Tesla Model 3