2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2020 Buick Encore

Eager to prove that it’s serious about electric cars, Ford applied the iconic Mustang name to its new electric SUV. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is not only the first electric vehicle to wear the Mustang name, it’s also the first production Mustang model with more than two doors.

Ford has made electric cars before (the Focus Electric ended production just a few years ago), but the Mach-E is much more ambitious. It’s the first Ford electric car based on a dedicated platform, and aimed at a mass audience.

Ford believes style and sportiness will help it sell more EVs, but the emphasis on performance also puts the Mach-E in direct competition with the similarly-sized Tesla Model Y. As a small electric crossover, the Mach-E could also get cross-shopped against the upcoming Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya crossovers.

Mach-E buyers must choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), Standard Range and Extended Range battery packs, and four trim levels—Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT Performance Edition. Our test car was a sold out First Edition model, which is identical to the Mach-E Premium trim level aside from cosmetic differences like red brake calipers. It featured the Extended Range battery pack and all-wheel drive.