2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Ford Mustang: Electric Crossover vs Muscle Car

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20 hours ago

American muscle turned electric crossover
The Ford Mustang is an icon of the automotive industry, with more than 60 years of continuous production and 10 million models sold. The American muscle car is Ford's longest-running nameplate and wields a level of name recognition few other vehicles can match. That made it a prime choice for Ford's electric crossover, and so the Mustang Mach-E was born. While the two models may share a nameplate, that's where their similarities end.
Performance at the ready, regardless of powertrain
The Mustang nameplate has been synonymous with performance for as long as it's been around. No matter the body style or type of powertrain, you can bet any vehicle wearing the pony car's name comes packed with power. While the Ford Mustang muscle car's performance is a given, the electrified Mustang Mach-E manages to match it.
The American muscle car comes with turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 engine options. The base Mustang EcoBoost Fastback's 2.3-liter turbo comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. If your heart doesn't desire higher performance, the Mustang starts at $31,920.
For some, the Mustang just isn't itself without a V8 under the hood. The Mustang GT Fastback answers that call with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out up to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard. The GT Fastback starts at $46,560, which means upgrading to a V8 engine will cost you nearly $15,000.
At the top of the range is the Mustang Dark Horse, which features a modified version of the V8 engine, producing 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. A trim-exclusive version of the six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The Dark Horse will cost you $64,380, but it isn't the most expensive – or exclusive – Mustang on the market.
While it's more of an honorable mention, the Ford Mustang GTD is a rocket of a muscle car. Featuring a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Mustang GTD boasts more than 800 horsepower. A limited production model, the upcoming Ford Mustang GTD is expected to cost around $325,000.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E features a similarly complex electrified powertrain, with performance varying according to drivetrain and battery size. When equipped with rear-wheel drive and 73 kWh standard-range battery, the base Mustang Mach-E Select produces 264 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. Adding a second electric motor increases performance to 325 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the 88 kWh extended-range battery pushes the Mustang Mach-E to 370 horsepower. While the price will vary according to the powertrain setup, the Select model starts at $37,995.
Most of the base model's performance metrics carry over to the Premium trim, with one new combination making its first appearance. Combining single-motor rear-wheel drive with the standard-range battery brings 272 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque to the road. Notably, that combination gives the Mustang Mach-E its peak range of 320 miles on a single charge.
The top-tier trim levels are where the Mustang Mach-E's performance truly shines. The GT model comes with a 91 kWh battery and standard all-wheel drive, producing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the Mustang Mach-E Rally bumps performance to 700 lb-ft of torque. As far as pricing goes, the GT and Rally are available for $54,495 and $58,490, respectively.
Power-packed trim for every driver
The 2025 Ford Mustang comes in nine trim levels, with three switching out the hard roof for a convertible top. Notably, the Premium trim levels add more luxury and tech amenities to the otherwise standard variants. The EcoBoost Fastback is available from $31,920 and wears a sporty aesthetic, with dual exhaust with rolled tips, LED lighting, and aggressive 18-inch wheels. Inside, the base model is about what you'd expect, with the exception of 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital cluster displays. The convertible model starts at $40,120 and includes active noise cancellation and the security package.
2024 Ford Mustang —
Source: Ford
The EcoBoost Premium Fastback, priced from $37,545, puts an emphasis on comfort, with heated and cooled front seats joining the list of standard equipment. The convertible variant, from $43,045, comes with approach detection with welcome and farewell exterior lighting and pony projection lamps.
The Mustang GT is the first trim on the range to come powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual. A dual 3.5-inch exhaust, '5.0' badging, and hood vent add to the aggressive demeanor. Inside, the V8-powered muscle car gets a more upscale interior, with a leather-wrapped shift knob and flat-bottom steering wheel. That V8 engine upgrade will cost you, though, with the GT Fastback starting at $46,560. The GT Premium Fastback pushes the envelope, priced from $51,080, with a more luxurious set of amenities, including leather-trimmed seats, illuminated door sill plates, and aluminum pedals. The convertible sees its price jump by $5,500 to $56,580.
2025 Ford Mustang —
Source: Ford
The Mustang Dark Horse marks the top of the range. Starting at $64,380, the modified 500-horsepower V8 engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A MagneRide damping system comes standard, as does a drift brake. Exclusive Dark Horse badging, a hood accent stripe, and unique front and rear fascias make the high-powered model stand out on the road. The Premium version combines that high performance with a touch of luxury. Available from $69,375, the range-topping trim includes a titanium anodized blue shift knob, heated steering wheel, and 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
Switching gears, the Ford Mustang Mach-E boasts a plethora of tech across the range, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, phone as a key functionality, driver-assist systems, and Ford's connectivity package. BlueCruise hands-free driving also comes standard, but drivers need an active subscription to make use of it. A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 15.5-inch touchscreen display make the list of standard equipment as well. All Mustang Mach-E models also include a drainable frunk, which the automaker advertised by filling it with chicken wings a while back.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E —
Source: Ford
Available from $37,995, the Mustang Mach-E Select rides on athletic 19-inch wheels complemented by LED lighting. Pony badging on the grille and liftgate nod to the nameplate's heritage. Inside, the base model includes a plethora of storage options, including an adjustable load floor with additional space underneath. A vinyl-wrapped steering wheel and black ActiveX upholstery add an upscale aesthetic to the electrified crossover.
Stepping up to the Premium model will cost you $41,995, but it brings a whole host of high-end features, including a power liftgate, power-folding memory side mirrors, and power-adjustable front seats. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system creates a pristine listening experience. Climate-controlled front seats and a heated steering wheel help make the Mustang Mach-E feel more like a luxury model.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E —
Source: Ford
The Mustang Mach-E GT, priced from $54,495, brings the heat, with a 0-to-60 mph time that's on par with that of the Mustang Dark Horse and a standard equipment list to match. Athletic 20-inch aluminum wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, and a GT front fascia with illuminated pony badging give the EV an intimidating demeanor. Inside lies a performance gray interior complemented by silver stitching. Performance front seats and a GT logo on the center console lid complete the powerful interior.
The top-spec Mustang Mach-E Rally boasts a unique grille shield with integrated fog lamps, trim-exclusive graphics, and 19-inch white wheels. A unique raised rear spoiler calls back to the Ford Focus RS performance model. The Mach-E Rally's interior matches the wheels with white interior accents. Sport pedals and an exclusive Rally logo mesh well with the RallySport drive mode. When all is said and done, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally starts at $58,490.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally —
Source: Ford
Final thoughts
Whereas the Ford Mustang muscle car comes in trims with varying levels of luxury, the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover has a simpler lineup. The American pony car may have evolved over the years, but it still maintains the visceral spirit the original muscle car brought to the road. The Ford Mustang Mach-E marks the beginning of a new generation, with an electrified powertrain and upscale tech and amenities across the board. While neither model appeals to the same type of consumer, they both offer performance that the original pony car would be proud of.
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