Ford’s popular all-electric Mustang Mach-E, now in its third year, adds some extra miles for its best-selling Premium trim, as well as spiffy new wheels and some standard safety features that are now included on all five Mustang Mach-E trims.

Ford’s growing EV stable

Ford estimates the 2023 range is now up to 290 miles (an increase of 13 miles) as it competes in an expanding SUV EV (electric vehicle) market headed overwhelmingly by Tesla, followed by Ford, Hyundai and Kia.

With electrification of the Mustang, Ford F-150 pickup and Transit van for businesses, Ford wants to quickly become a major player in the EV marketplace.

Helping sales is Kelly Blue Book awarding the Mach-E a Best Value Award in 2022, although Consumer Reports has cited reliability issues.

Traditional Mustang external DNA continues in the Mach-E, with dual three-bar taillights and an aggressive front end, with the iconic pony logo centered on the solid front fascia plate above active grille shutters. Pony logos are scattered about, including pony puddle lights.

Our test vehicle

Our Premium test-drive was a trim above Select and below California Route 1 and GT (the priciest Mach-E).

It wore a carbonized gray metallic exterior, mildly sculpted hood, slanted headlights, steady beltline, tiny rear spoiler and gloss-black six-spoke 19-inch wheels with all-season tires—not as visually distinctive as the original ’Stang.

Cargo area is ample, with rear seats dropped and automatic liftgate.

Under the hood is a 4.7-cubic-foot drainable “Frunk” storage area with four sections, one that can hold ice for tailgating or keep drinks cool on long trips.

Our MSRP included one option—the more powerful of two batteries—the 91kwh usable extended battery for $8,600, later reduced by Ford to $7,000 in response to Tesla’s price drop for its 2023 SUV Model Y.

Safety options

We utilized Ford’s now standard vaunted Co-Pilot360 cutting-edge driver safety aids. Mach-E received a Top Safety Pick (second best) in Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.

A 90-day free BlueCruise trial is offered for hands-free driving on 130,000 miles of designated divided highways.

The test drive

When using dynamic cruise control, technology warnings—as needed—say to watch the road. Brakes were sharp.

With two motors (front and rear) and the powerful battery, the Premium was peppy quick, and the ride velvety smooth on good pavement with independent Macpherson front struts and rear independent multi-link, both with hollow stabilizer bars.

Handling was responsive and accurate in tight turns, feeling sportier than most crossover SUVs with its three drive modes: Whisper (driver’s pace), Engage (normal), or Unbridled (like urging the racehorse to run fast). It’s a fun vehicle to drive.

EV charging

One pedal driving lets the battery lightly recharge when the foot is off the gas.

Home charging is recommended, but with fast charging, Ford says it takes only 33 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charged, which I confirmed. From 80% to 100% an additional 50 minutes was predicted. Ford claims 79,000 charging plugs in its BlueOval Charge™ Network.

Mach-E interior

The spacious cabin boasts high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and is dominated by a 15.5-inch vertical info touchscreen with sharp graphics. It is easily reachable and richly loaded with phone apps and more, and is capable of receiving over-the-air updates. Storage is adequate, with a deep center spine bin.

Voice recognition is good, navigation accurate and audio superior with a 10-speaker Bang and Olfusen sound system.

Seats are synthetic leather, perforated, stitched and comfortable under a cloth headliner.

For 2023, a new Mustang Nite Pony package is offered for some Premium and GT models.

Assembled in Cuautitlan, Mexico, the Mach-E is eligible for U.S. federal tax discounts.

Overall review

LIKES: Power, quiet, green mileage, handling, ride, luxurious cabin, upscale tech, dashboard screen, 8-year warranty for electrical components

DISLIKES: No complimentary maintenance, no blackout for two-row glass sunroof, charge time slower than some rivals

BOTTOM LINE: Mustang moniker carries weight, Mach-E is best 2023 Tesla challenger in its niche, competition gap tightening

Car fact file