2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first designed-from-the-ground-up electric vehicle. It draws some styling cues from the iconic Mustang muscle car, but the Mach-E is a five-passenger SUV with useful cargo room, and it’s available with all-wheel drive. The extended-range battery version with AWD has a 270-mile range. It takes over 10 hours to charge the 88-kWh battery from near empty. The Mach-E is quick and quiet, with taut and agile handling, all of which make it fun to drive. The 'Unbridled' drive-mode setting adds artificial engine sounds if you need more excitement. A 15.5-inch vertical touch screen dominates the stark interior; the system has a steep learning curve before familiarity sets in. All Mach-Es come with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW. For 2025, all Mach-Es receive a heat pump to help optimize energy consumption, especially in colder weather conditions. The latest version of Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system adds automatic lane change capability.