Big difference in ride between the GT and Rally?

[McSquashy]

For those that have driven both the GT with Magneride and the Rally, is there a significant difference in the ride quality? Most of the posts I've read compare the ride of the Rally to the Premium.

I'm entertaining the idea of upgrading from my 2023 Premium 4X to a 2025 GT and may consider a Rally if it's a lot better.

Even though the look of the Rally has grown on me a bit, I generally prefer the cleaner look of the GT. That, and I really enjoy having the pano glass roof. If the Rally with it's suspension and software tuning is significantly better than a GT, I may change things up.

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[markboris]

For those that have driven both the GT with Magneride and the Rally, is there a significant difference in the ride quality? Most of the posts I've read compare the ride of the Rally to the Premium.

I'm entertaining the idea of upgrading from my 2023 Premium 4X to a 2025 GT and may consider a Rally if it's a lot better.

Even though the look of the Rally has grown on me a bit, I generally prefer the cleaner look of the GT. That, and I really enjoy having the pano glass roof. If the Rally with it's suspension and software tuning is significantly better than a GT, I may change things up.

Josh, I think that will be tough one. Everyone perceives their ride differently. Some might say it's a huge improvement and others might not tell a difference. Since the GT with Magneride is an improvement over non-Magneride's (not huge) I am sure the Rally would be even better having Magneride plus softer springs with more suspension travel. I've installed two sets of Rally springs, one on a GT (non-Magneride) and a premium. Both owners noticed a definite improvement in the ride and I can only imagine if it had Magneride that it would be even better. I think you need to go test drive and report back. ?

 

[McSquashy]

Josh, I think that will be tough one. Everyone perceives their ride differently. Some might say it's a huge improvement and others might not tell a difference. Since the GT with Magneride is an improvement over non-Magneride's (not huge) I am sure the Rally would be even better having Magneride plus softer springs with more suspension travel. I've installed two sets of Rally springs, one on a GT (non-Magneride) and a premium. Both owners noticed a definite improvement in the ride and I can only imagine if it had Magneride that it would be even better. I think you need to go test drive and report back. ?

Hey, Mark. Thanks for your input. I'd be surprised to learn that you haven't driven a Rally yet.?

You're saying, in general, Magneride is an improvement over non-Magneride, but it's not a big one?

The only GT I've had an opportunity to drive drive didn't have Magneride. I felt the ride was noticeably harsher than the premium model that I purchased.

I'll have to see if I can find a dealer close to me with both a GT and Rally so I can do a back-to-back comparison.

 

[markboris]

Hey, Mark. Thanks for your input. I'd be surprised to learn that you haven't driven a Rally yet.?

You're saying, in general, Magneride is an improvement over non-Magneride, but it's not a big one?

The only GT I've had an opportunity to drive drive didn't have Magneride. I felt the ride was noticeably harsher than the premium model that I purchased.

I'll have to see if I can find a dealer close to me with both a GT and Rally so I can do a back-to-back comparison.

No, I have not been in a Rally yet. Only GT’s and premiums with Rally springs which is only part way there for the suspension. Yes the GT rides more firm than the premium due to both stiffer springs and firmer shocks. The Magneride shocks smooth out the ride better but you still have the stiff springs. Since the Rally has softer springs than any other trim, it’s going to ride better. Add Magneride shocks to that and it has to be the best riding Mach-E for sure. ?

I would like to ride in one someday but it would not be a model I’m interested in. Like Steve (Huntingpudel) I feel even the GT with Magneride set to unbridle is still way too soft. I get it that it’s an SUV but it’s a little too sloppy for me (and Steve).

 

[spartan]

The Rally definitely does have a much softer and smoother ride than the GT. Even with MagneRide, the GT's springs and shock tuning are still geared toward a "performance" feel, which unfortunately often means a bit bumpy. The Rally has the softest and smoothest ride out of the entire Mach-E lineup.

 

[McSquashy]

I'm very interested to compare the ride of a GT with Magneride to my 2023 Premium.

Based on what I'm reading, the GT is stiffer than the premium because of the springs, but overall more compliant because of the Magneride shocks. Does that sound about right?

 

[HuntingPudel]

No, I have not been in a Rally yet. Only GT’s and premiums with Rally springs which is only part way there for the suspension. Yes the GT rides more firm than the premium due to both stiffer springs and firmer shocks. The Magneride shocks smooth out the ride better but you still have the stiff springs. Since the Rally has softer springs than any other trim, it’s going to ride better. Add Magneride shocks to that and it has to be the best riding Mach-E for sure. ?

I would like to ride in one someday but it would not be a model I’m interested in. Like Steve (Huntingpudel) I feel even the GT with Magneride set to unbridle is still way too soft. I get it that it’s an SUV but it’s a little too sloppy for me (and Steve).

I test drove a Rally last year. It's funny, the Rally is definitely softer than the Magneride GT. Unfortunately, it still has that weird bound-up herky-jerky feel (at least the 2024 does) from the stupid vulcanized anti-sway bar frame bushings. A set of aftermarket bars (Eibach or Steeda) will make that so much smoother. I wish Ford would get off that pre-loaded vulcanized bushing fetish. It doesn't work. ?‍?

Oh, and while they're at it, Ford needs to put 9.5" rims and 275s on the GT. ??

 

[McSquashy]

I test drove a Rally last year. It's funny, the Rally is definitely softer than the Magneride GT. Unfortunately, it still has that weird bound-up herky-jerky feel (at least the 2024 does) from the stupid vulcanized anti-sway bar frame bushings. A set of aftermarket bars (Eibach or Steeda) will make that so much smoother. I wish Ford would get off that pre-loaded vulcanized bushing fetish. It doesn't work. ?‍?

Oh, and while they're at it, Ford needs to put 9.5" rims and 275s on the GT. ??

Either way, I have a brand new set of Eibach anti-sway bars waiting to be installed.?

Suppose I could always install Rally springs on a GT if I couldn't live with the ride.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I'm very interested to compare the ride of a GT with Magneride to my 2023 Premium.

Based on what I'm reading, the GT is stiffer than the premium because of the springs, but overall more compliant because of the Magneride shocks. Does that sound about right?

Yes and no. The GT is more controlled due to the Magneride so it's less "bouncy." The GT is also more compliant initially on suspension motion but stiffens up with travel in order to control the motion. That reduces harshness (which is really a side-effect of trying to keep weight planted on all 4 corners in as even a manner as possible). ??

 

[McSquashy]

Yes and no. The GT is more controlled due to the Magneride so it's less "bouncy." The GT is also more compliant initially on suspension motion but stiffens up with travel in order to control the motion. That reduces harshness (which is really a side-effect of trying to keep weight planted on all 4 corners in as even a manner as possible). ??

So, any way you slice it, it sounds like Magneride is a more comfortable, compliant ride than the pre 2024 Premium suspension.

I understand that comfort is subjective, but I don't recall anyone saying that the Magneride on the GT was worse than the Premium.

 

[HuntingPudel]

So, any way you slice it, it sounds like Magneride is a more comfortable, compliant ride than the pre 2024 Premium suspension.

I understand that comfort is subjective, but I don't recall anyone saying that the Magneride on the GT was worse than the Premium.

The Magneride is better riding and handling than the non-Magneride. I never got the Premium that I test drove to bounce that much. I didn’t feel that it had a bad ride. Maybe if I rode in the back I would have a different impression. ?‍?

 

[highland58]

How much work and expense would it be to install Eibach or Steeda anti-sway bars on a 25 Rally? I can definitely tell the difference now compared to my previous 21 GT, not sure if it would be worth it to add the anti-sway bars. I'm not capable of doing it myself, but I might be willing to pay to have it done. I'm not sure where a good shop for that would be in the Seattle (south King County) area. I seem to remember that the Eibach were considered better than Steeda.
Edit: What I am looking for is less understeer, more neutral, like I got when doing this on Subarus I previously had - they had a lot of understeer from the factory.

 

[HuntingPudel]

How much work and expense would it be to install Eibach or Steeda anti-sway bars on a 25 Rally? I can definitely tell the difference now compared to my previous 21 GT, not sure if it would be worth it to add the anti-sway bars. I'm not capable of doing it myself, but I might be willing to pay to have it done. I'm not sure where a good shop for that would be in the Seattle (south King County) area. I seem to remember that the Eibach were considered better than Steeda.
Edit: What I am looking for is less understeer, more neutral, like I got when doing this on Subarus I previously had - they had a lot of understeer from the factory.

The work is no different from any other AWD MME. Either the Eibachs or the Steedas are a serious upgrade from the factory bars. It's a mod that can be done in an afternoon in your driveway, so it shouldn't be too expensive for a shop to do it. ?‍?

 

[markboris]

Dave, if you do the sway bars and I highly recommend it, I’d install the Eibach’s over the Steeda’s.

 

[highland58]

The work is no different from any other AWD MME. Either the Eibachs or the Steedas are a serious upgrade from the factory bars. It's a mod that can be done in an afternoon in your driveway, so it shouldn't be too expensive for a shop to do it. ?‍?

Thank you, that helps! I see somebody had them installed for $250 which seems reasonable.

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