Mach-E Owners Review a Tesla Model Y

Last month we rented a Model Y for a few days. We drove it all around and compared it to our Mustang Mach-E. There were a lot of things we liked about the Model Y and quite a few things we didn't. Check it out in the video below. (It's quite long!)

In case you don't want to watch the video, here are some of my thoughts:

Positives:

1. It's quick - It was an AWD Long Range. It feels quick. I didn't do any official tests, but it feels as quick as the Mach-E.
2. AutoPilot - It was just basic AutoPilot, but it works well for the most part. It handled some curves that I think the Mach-E wouldn't.
3. Charging integration into navigation - They place a heavy emphasis on showing you where SuperChargers are. It may be a little too much, but I wish the Mach-E favored the 150kW+ chargers more.
4. Glass roof - It was more expansive than the Mach-E.
5. Streaming video on Infotainment screen - I didn't think I would care at all about that, but we actually did use it to watch a concert livestream on Twitch.

Negatives:

1. Looks - First of all, much about why we like a car is how it looks. To me, the Tesla Model Y is just plain ugly. I think it looks like a bloated Model 3 and the Model 3 looks plain to me. Others have said it looks like a catfish. I also don’t like how paint colors are so expensive. Black or blue are $1,000 and red is $2,000.
2. Road Noise - The first time I drove a Tesla Model Y, I was surprised how quiet it was. But I was coming from a loud Subaru WRX. Now, after driving a Mustang Mach-E for a month, the Model Y is a lot noisier at freeway speeds.
3. Ride quality - The ride quality isn’t horrible in the Model Y, but I think the Mach-E is just better. The Model Y felt like a heavy SUV or van. The Mach-E feels like a sporty crossover.
4. Build Quality - I know, I know. Everyone talks about Tesla’s build quality and they swear it has gotten better. But in the Model Y’s I drove, there were gaps & misalignments inside and out. I also heard a few rattles and squeaks that would bug me if I owned the car. So far, the Mach-E has been really solid and everything is lined up perfectly.
5. Lack of parking features - I am quite surprised that the Model Y doesn’t have a 360 camera for parking. I use this feature all the time on the Mach-E. Not only does it help to get into a tight garage, but it helps me line up perfectly in a parking space without getting too close to the curb. The Mach-E also includes an automated parallel parking and perpendicular parking assistant. This is available on the Model Y as part of the $10,000 Full Self Driving software package.
6. Interface - Nearly every reviewer talks about how nice the Tesla interface is on the big center screen in the Model Y. After using both, I can tell you the Mach-E is the better interface for the driver. First of all, the Tesla lacks a driver’s screen with essential information like speed, navigation instructions, and battery percentage. People will argue that it isn’t necessary or this is “the future.” If that is so, why is it included on the higher end Model S and Model X? I believe it was excluded from the 3 and Y as a cost cutting measure.
   The Mach-E’s interface is also a lot easier to use while driving. Tesla’s interface looks good and screenshots and would be nice if you were sitting at a desk. But you are not. You are using these interfaces while driving 75 mph on a freeway. The Mach-E’s design with larger fonts and the use of color makes it easier and safer to use for the driver.
   In addition, the Mach-E provides easy access to things like air vents without having to use the touch screen. The Model Y design chooses form over functionality and it shows.
   The interface is also missing the ability to connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Our phones have become our primary data source and being able to connect seamlessly with my phone is a huge advantage for the Mach-E. It also opens up many options for music sources, maps, and messaging that are just unavailable in the proprietary Tesla system.
   Another area that is lacking is the voice control system. First, you are only given access to the built in Tesla system. With the Mach-E, you can use the Ford system, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. The Mach-E will also respond to hot words, so you don’t need to press a button. I also discovered that Tesla’s voice commands don’t work without cellular data connection. That sounds like no big deal unless you are in the mountains of Colorado or an underground parking garage. Then it becomes an issue.
7. Lack of service centers - Tesla owners like to criticize Ford’s reliance on their dealer network, but they forget that those dealers are also service centers. Tesla has only 120 service centers while Ford has 2,100 certified EV dealers. You may think that it doesn’t matter but when you need them to address one of those rattles or squeaks, it could mean a lengthy trip to a service center. Yes, they also have a mobile service, but that is no replacement for a full auto shop.
8. Interior - We all know the Tesla interior strives for simplicity. If you like that, great. But I think the cabin feels soulless. It also feels a bit cheap. I don’t think they coordinated the materials well. I really dislike the cheap looking wood bar that stretches across the cabin.
   The simplicity also means it is missing the handles above the door. Some people might think they are only for someone to hold onto while going around corners. But they are also essential to help people with mobility issues while getting in and out of the vehicle.
   I also didn’t like the seats in the Model Y. First of all they were too firm. I couldn’t get comfortable and that also made the seats squeak more. I was also surprised to find out that the headrests were not adjustable which could affect the comfort of the seat for many but also affect the safety in preventing whiplash.
9. Door handles - I didn’t like the outside or inside door handles. The outside handles look because they are flush with the body of the car. But they are actually a pain to use - especially if you have dexterity issues or your hands are full. You have to press in the rear of the handle while pulling the front of the handle. It is an awkward movement where once again Tesla chose form over functionality.
   The inside handle is actually just a push button that controls an electronic lock. It opens slightly and you push the door open. No big deal right? But there is also a manual handle that is pretty much where you would normally expect a door handle to be. If you are used to it, you won’t pull the handle. But you have to explain to every passenger how to correctly open the door. If they forget, it will open but will potentially damage the seal or the door glass.
10. Range and charging - This one might surprise a lot of people. Yes, Tesla currently has a great SuperCharger network and the highest EPA estimated range. But let’s look at that a little closer.
    First of all, the CCS network is catching up fast and beats Tesla in many places. Just around here in Colorado, there are more CCS chargers than Tesla SuperChargers. There is a ton of money being invested in the CCS platform that will be used by every manufacturer that isn’t Tesla.I’m willing to bet that over the time I own my Mach-E the CCS network will surpass the Tesla network.
    I should also mention that I dislike proprietary systems. Tesla decided to go with a proprietary plug on their cars to make it a selling point. On European Teslas, they now come with a CCS charging port. Tesla could do the same for their US cars and make their SuperChargers compatible with CCS but they haven’t.
    So what about range? The Model Y Long Range has an EPA estimated range of 326 miles and the Mach-E AWD Extended range is 270 miles. Seems like Tesla is the clear winner right? Not so fast. So far, in real world testing, it looks like the Mach-E exceeds its EPA estimate while the Model Y (like all Teslas) falls short. There have been several head-to-head tests where the Mach-E outperforms the Model Y range.

How did you guys like the driving feel? (Steering, Suspension, Body Roll, etc.)

Also, did you have any opinions about how the driving mode settings compare to the Mach E? My understanding is that they are a bit more granular in that you can independently change Steering vs Accelerator feel for example, but I could be wrong.

Keppler said:

How did you guys like the driving feel? (Steering, Suspension, Body Roll, etc.)

Also, did you have any opinions about how the driving mode settings compare to the Mach E? My understanding is that they are a bit more granular in that you can independently change Steering vs Accelerator feel for example, but I could be wrong.

Click to expand...

Steering - I hate the Model Y steering wheel, so it was hard for me to get past that. It feels too small, almost like a go-cart.

The drive feel of the Model Y was a bit off to me. It felt like it could handle corners well, but the ride was a quite bit harsher than the Mach-E. The Y didn't feel as luxurious going over some rough pavement around town. It doesn't have much body roll at all and just like the Mach-E, you can feel that it is heavy. The Model Y and Mach-E are both well balanced, but you can "walk the rear out" on the Mach-E if you want.

The Y does have more granular control since you can set the steering and accelerator separately. I kept them both in a sporty setting for 99% of the time.

Mach-E VLOG said:

Lack of service centers - Tesla owners like to criticize Ford’s reliance on their dealer network, but they forget that those dealers are also service centers. Tesla has only 120 service centers while Ford has 2,100 certified EV dealers. You may think that it doesn’t matter but when you need them to address one of those rattles or squeaks, it could mean a lengthy trip to a service center. Yes, they also have a mobile service, but that is no replacement for a full auto shop.

Click to expand...

There are 2 other parts to this:

• Here in Phoenix, I have access to a dozen dealers that compete with one another. So if I don't like the service at one, I could go to another and get better service. This actually happened to me. If the local Tesla service center is run by a dipshit, you're pretty much screwed.
• If you break down on a road trip in the middle of nowhere, there is probably a Ford dealer nearby. Tesla has no presence in many parts of the country. So your road trip is over, even for a very easily fixable matter.

shutterbug said:

There are 2 other parts to this:

• Here in Phoenix, I have access to a dozen dealers that compete with one another. So if I don't like the service at one, I could go to another and get better service. This actually happened to me. If the local Tesla service center is run by a dipshit, you're pretty much screwed.
• If you break down on a road trip in the middle of nowhere, there is probably a Ford dealer nearby. Tesla has no presence in many parts of the country. So your road trip is over, even for a very easily fixable matter.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I watched one YouTuber that just had a flat tire & bent rim while driving in rural Colorado. They had to wait hours for a tow truck that would be willing to tow them several hours to Colorado Springs where the nearest service center was located.

This review nails it. I agree with almost every observation. Also agree on the toy-like steering wheel - I’d add that to the main post.

My only slight disagreement would be the interface. I agree the Tesla screen felt a bit too cluttered at times and the fonts a bit too small, but that was probably due to my total unfamiliarity with the system. Overall the Tesla interface seemed a bit prettier and smoother than Sync - something I could grow to enjoy once I became familiar with it.

Oh, and I had no opportunity to test the Tesla app, but I can pretty much guarantee you that it is way better than FordPass.

Mach-E VLOG said:

In case you don't want to watch the video, here are some of my thoughts:

Positives:

1. It's quick - It was an AWD Long Range. It feels quick. I didn't do any official tests, but it feels as quick as the Mach-E.
2. AutoPilot - It was just basic AutoPilot, but it works well for the most part. It handled some curves that I think the Mach-E wouldn't.
3. Charging integration into navigation - They place a heavy emphasis on showing you where SuperChargers are. It may be a little too much, but I wish the Mach-E favored the 150kW+ chargers more.
4. Glass roof - It was more expansive than the Mach-E.
5. Streaming video on Infotainment screen - I didn't think I would care at all about that, but we actually did use it to watch a concert livestream on Twitch.

Negatives:

1. Looks - First of all, much about why we like a car is how it looks. To me, the Tesla Model Y is just plain ugly. I think it looks like a bloated Model 3 and the Model 3 looks plain to me. Others have said it looks like a catfish. I also don’t like how paint colors are so expensive. Black or blue are $1,000 and red is $2,000.
2. Road Noise - The first time I drove a Tesla Model Y, I was surprised how quiet it was. But I was coming from a loud Subaru WRX. Now, after driving a Mustang Mach-E for a month, the Model Y is a lot noisier at freeway speeds.
3. Ride quality - The ride quality isn’t horrible in the Model Y, but I think the Mach-E is just better. The Model Y felt like a heavy SUV or van. The Mach-E feels like a sporty crossover.
4. Build Quality - I know, I know. Everyone talks about Tesla’s build quality and they swear it has gotten better. But in the Model Y’s I drove, there were gaps & misalignments inside and out. I also heard a few rattles and squeaks that would bug me if I owned the car. So far, the Mach-E has been really solid and everything is lined up perfectly.
5. Lack of parking features - I am quite surprised that the Model Y doesn’t have a 360 camera for parking. I use this feature all the time on the Mach-E. Not only does it help to get into a tight garage, but it helps me line up perfectly in a parking space without getting too close to the curb. The Mach-E also includes an automated parallel parking and perpendicular parking assistant. This is available on the Model Y as part of the $10,000 Full Self Driving software package.
6. Interface - Nearly every reviewer talks about how nice the Tesla interface is on the big center screen in the Model Y. After using both, I can tell you the Mach-E is the better interface for the driver. First of all, the Tesla lacks a driver’s screen with essential information like speed, navigation instructions, and battery percentage. People will argue that it isn’t necessary or this is “the future.” If that is so, why is it included on the higher end Model S and Model X? I believe it was excluded from the 3 and Y as a cost cutting measure.
   The Mach-E’s interface is also a lot easier to use while driving. Tesla’s interface looks good and screenshots and would be nice if you were sitting at a desk. But you are not. You are using these interfaces while driving 75 mph on a freeway. The Mach-E’s design with larger fonts and the use of color makes it easier and safer to use for the driver.
   In addition, the Mach-E provides easy access to things like air vents without having to use the touch screen. The Model Y design chooses form over functionality and it shows.
   The interface is also missing the ability to connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Our phones have become our primary data source and being able to connect seamlessly with my phone is a huge advantage for the Mach-E. It also opens up many options for music sources, maps, and messaging that are just unavailable in the proprietary Tesla system.
   Another area that is lacking is the voice control system. First, you are only given access to the built in Tesla system. With the Mach-E, you can use the Ford system, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. The Mach-E will also respond to hot words, so you don’t need to press a button. I also discovered that Tesla’s voice commands don’t work without cellular data connection. That sounds like no big deal unless you are in the mountains of Colorado or an underground parking garage. Then it becomes an issue.
7. Lack of service centers - Tesla owners like to criticize Ford’s reliance on their dealer network, but they forget that those dealers are also service centers. Tesla has only 120 service centers while Ford has 2,100 certified EV dealers. You may think that it doesn’t matter but when you need them to address one of those rattles or squeaks, it could mean a lengthy trip to a service center. Yes, they also have a mobile service, but that is no replacement for a full auto shop.
8. Interior - We all know the Tesla interior strives for simplicity. If you like that, great. But I think the cabin feels soulless. It also feels a bit cheap. I don’t think they coordinated the materials well. I really dislike the cheap looking wood bar that stretches across the cabin.
   The simplicity also means it is missing the handles above the door. Some people might think they are only for someone to hold onto while going around corners. But they are also essential to help people with mobility issues while getting in and out of the vehicle.
   I also didn’t like the seats in the Model Y. First of all they were too firm. I couldn’t get comfortable and that also made the seats squeak more. I was also surprised to find out that the headrests were not adjustable which could affect the comfort of the seat for many but also affect the safety in preventing whiplash.
9. Door handles - I didn’t like the outside or inside door handles. The outside handles look because they are flush with the body of the car. But they are actually a pain to use - especially if you have dexterity issues or your hands are full. You have to press in the rear of the handle while pulling the front of the handle. It is an awkward movement where once again Tesla chose form over functionality.
   The inside handle is actually just a push button that controls an electronic lock. It opens slightly and you push the door open. No big deal right? But there is also a manual handle that is pretty much where you would normally expect a door handle to be. If you are used to it, you won’t pull the handle. But you have to explain to every passenger how to correctly open the door. If they forget, it will open but will potentially damage the seal or the door glass.
10. Range and charging - This one might surprise a lot of people. Yes, Tesla currently has a great SuperCharger network and the highest EPA estimated range. But let’s look at that a little closer.
    First of all, the CCS network is catching up fast and beats Tesla in many places. Just around here in Colorado, there are more CCS chargers than Tesla SuperChargers. There is a ton of money being invested in the CCS platform that will be used by every manufacturer that isn’t Tesla.I’m willing to bet that over the time I own my Mach-E the CCS network will surpass the Tesla network.
    I should also mention that I dislike proprietary systems. Tesla decided to go with a proprietary plug on their cars to make it a selling point. On European Teslas, they now come with a CCS charging port. Tesla could do the same for their US cars and make their SuperChargers compatible with CCS but they haven’t.
    So what about range? The Model Y Long Range has an EPA estimated range of 326 miles and the Mach-E AWD Extended range is 270 miles. Seems like Tesla is the clear winner right? Not so fast. So far, in real world testing, it looks like the Mach-E exceeds its EPA estimate while the Model Y (like all Teslas) falls short. There have been several head-to-head tests where the Mach-E outperforms the Model Y range.

Click to expand...

Great wright up of the pros and cons. I'll be sure to check out your YouTube video as well. There is a Tesla dealership less than I mile from work. I never once even looked at a Tesla because of their completely closed off ecosystem, questionable build quality, and over reliance of software to perform basic tasks. I can appreciate what the company has done for the industry and really pushing EV's forward. I like having choices with my software experience, I don't think I should have to pay luxury car prices for mediocre quality, digging through software menus for something as simple as opening the glove box is a bit over the top for me.

I completely agree with your point about Tesla fanboys saying the driver console isn't needed. As you said, that argument completely falls flat when Tesla's flagship vehicles do include it. The same can be said for opening the glove box. Model S/X have dedicated buttons, Model 3/Y don't. The real nail in the coffin will be when they release the Cyber Truck. If there is driver console and or a glove box button the discussion is over, it is simply a cost saving feature on the cheaper models (as all reasonable people already know).

If Ford can get some meaningful software updates to fix launch bugs, and at least 1 or 2 major user facing software enhancements over the next year the landscape can really shift in Ford's favor (more so than it already has).

Haha... If you check on YouTube, this video now has more 'dislikes' than any video I have released.

? ? ?

Mach-E VLOG said:

Haha... If you check on YouTube, this video now has more 'dislikes' than any video I have released.

? ? ?

Click to expand...

You kicked the hornets nest, the Tesla fanboys are swarming!

On a side note, it is good to know that even the Tesla audience is paying attention to the MME, although they would never admit it .

Eraser said:

You kicked the hornets nest, the Tesla fanboys are swarming!

On a side note, it is good to know that even the Tesla audience is paying attention to the MME, although they would never admit it .

Click to expand...

It's been interesting on Twitter especially. Many of them claim the Mach-E is terrible or can't compete with the Model Y, but they are really obsessed over it and get upset at any Mach-E mention.

Mach-E VLOG said:

Haha... If you check on YouTube, this video now has more 'dislikes' than any video I have released.

? ? ?

Click to expand...

More popular through dislikes.

Mach-E VLOG said:

Haha... If you check on YouTube, this video now has more 'dislikes' than any video I have released.

? ? ?

Click to expand...

Human behavior is so funny... It's like they bought into an exclusive club then found out there's another club that's cooler...

Honestly for me the rear window and lack of visibility was enough of a reason to kill this vehicle for me. With so many people accepting of it though I'm guessing people don't use their rear view mirror or turn and look through the windows as much as I do ?

Don't know what they were thinking with that

We stopped by the Tesla dealer in Mission Viejo while in SoCal and checked out the Model Y again. Presenting their vehicles in a comfortable, indoor environment for first-time EV buyers gives Tesla a significant advantage. Their cars are nice. I told the salesman the reasons why I chose the Mach-E: Tesla's lack of a driver's screen and, except for the Model S, their styling, where the faults show up more when they are seen on the road. When told that the lack of a $7500 tax credit was a major factor, the salesman responded that Tesla's goal was to see more EVs on the road, whether or not they are Teslas.
Over 70% of the Model Ys we saw on the road (or on car carriers) were white, which does slightly upgrade its looks.