The pricing in this segment hints at how competitive the market is for compact crossover EVs. The Mach-E, ID.4, and Ariya hover just under the $40,000 mark, while the EV6 and the Model Y cross that critical benchmark with MSRPs approaching $43,000.
Besides price, an EV’s range is generally the most critical factor for consumers. Here, the Mustang Mach-E and the Model Y are close contenders, with the Ford offering up to 250 miles on a full charge compared to the Tesla’s 260 miles. The EV6 follows with an EPA-estimated range of 232 miles. Meanwhile, the Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4 fall behind with respective ranges of 216 and 206 miles. Going beyond our apples-to-apples comparison of the base trims, the Mustang Mach-E Premium with the Extended Range battery can travel up to 320 miles, while the Model Y Long Range delivers up to 310 miles of capability (which matches that of the Kia EV6 Light Long Range RWD).
What makes the Mustang Mach-E a standout is that its superior range doesn’t come at the expense of performance. With an electric motor output of 266 horsepower and 366 lb.-ft. of torque, the Mach-E is considerably more powerful than these key rivals. The Ariya’s 214 horsepower comes the closest but still represents a 20% shortfall. Meanwhile, the EV6’s torque output of 258 lb.-ft. represents a similar deficiency, and this Kia only delivers 167 horsepower.
Edmunds’ ratings support the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s superiority, with a professional review ranking of 8.2 out of 10. The Model Y is the closest, with an 8.1 rating. The Kia EV6 is the next highest, with an 8.0 rating, while the ID.4’s 7.8 score gives it third-place status. The Nissan Ariya sits in fourth place with 7.2.
At the same time, consumer reviews from Edmunds’ website favor the Mustang Mach-E as well. Based on factors like quality, reliability, value, performance, and comfort, those who actually own the Mustang Mach-E give it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The EV6 receives a 4.2, while the Ariya has earned 4.0. The ID.4 and the Model Y are tied with an owner score of 3.8.
While all four of the EVs compared here fall into the compact crossover category, the Mustang Mach-E is larger, making it more comfortable and spacious. To start, the Mach-E’s longer wheelbase (117.5 inches) translates into a larger cabin, while the greater distance between axles helps smooth out speed bumps and roadway imperfections. The EV6 has a 114.2-inch wheelbase, while the others fall even shorter.
The Mustang Mach-E stays ahead in the cargo-space department with a generous 34.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Model Y is close on its heels with 34.3 cubic feet of storage capability. The ID.4 drops down to 30.3 cubic feet, while the EV6 dips to 24.4 cubic feet in the back. The Ariya is the smallest, with cargo room of just 22.8 cubic feet.
Comfort begins with front-row legroom, another category in which the Mustang Mach-E’s 43.3 inches is a winner (the competitors’ measurements range from 41.1 to 42.3 inches). The Mustang Mach-E’s 38.1 inches of rear legroom also beats that of the ID.4 and Ariya but falls short of the EV6 by less than an inch.
EV buyers looking for neck-snapping performance will gravitate to the Mach-E, Model Y, and EV6, which offer lightning-quick variants. The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade boasts supercar-like characteristics, including a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. The Kia EV6 GT requires just 3.4 seconds for the same feat, while the Model Y Performance is ever so slightly slower at 3.5 seconds. On another note, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is unique among this group of EVs with GT-level performance combined with off-road capabilities.
