Ford Mustang Mach E GT vs Ford Mustang Mach E California Route 1 Performance vs Range

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs GT

How different are the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 and Mustang Mach-E GT trim models? Lets take a look at each of these crossover EVs.

Power & Performance

Both crossover EVs were designed to balance premium speed with an excellent electric battery range. However, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 and GT will appeal to slightly different kinds of drivers.

Of all the Mustang Mach-E models, the California Route 1 supplies the longest-lived battery, giving you up to 306 miles of battery range. But its also a speed demon in its own right, shooting from zero to 60 mpg in 4.8 seconds with all-wheel drive.

On the other hand, if you want to prioritize speed above all else, youre going to want the Mustang Mach-E GT. This crossover EV comes standard with all-wheel drive and the extended range battery, helping it go from zero to 60 in a blistering 3.8 seconds.

California Route 1:

• Extended-range battery (290 hp, 317 lb-ft with RWD; 346 hp, 428 lb-ft with eAWD)
• 305-mile range (RWD)
• 306-mile range (eAWD)
• 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds (RWD)
• 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds (eAWD)

GT:

• Extended-range battery (480 hp, 600 lb-ft)
• 270-mile range (eAWD)
• 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds

Exterior Features

From the outside, its easy to tell the difference between the Mustang Mach-E GT and California Route 1. The latter comes with 18-inch Carbonized-Gray painted wheels and a panoramic glass roof, much like you see on Tesla models. The former has bigger, 20-inch wheels painted a glossy black. The GTs standard roof is also black, but the panoramic glass roof is optional.

Both Mustang Mach-E trim models come with a drainable frunk, or front trunk, located where the engine bay would be in a gas-powered model. Its drainable so you can fill it with ice and use it as a cooler during tailgate parties.

Both:

• Phone as a Key
• Drainable Frunk

California Route 1:

• 18-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels
• Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof with Infrared Reflective Windshield
• Manual liftgate

GT:

• 20-inch machined-face aluminum with High Gloss Black-Painted Pockets and Aero Cover
• Optional Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof with Infrared Reflective Windshield
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
• Black painted roof

Interior Features

These Mustang Mach-E models are handsomely equipped with luxury features. Both treat you to the latest infotainment gear, with Fords Sync 4 system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And both are roomy and cozy, with heated front seats and vegan leather ActiveX seats.

Although these models have many common features, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is ultimately more luxurious. It adds the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, for starters. Not to mention, its vegan leather seats are more refined, with Copper Metallic stitching and soft Miko inserts.

Both:

• Sync 4A with Enhanced Voice Recognition and Built-In Connected Navigation
• 15.5-inch touchscreen
• Wireless charging pad
• Heated front seats
• Drivers seat and side view mirror memory settings
• Heated, soft vinyl-wrapped steering wheel

California Route 1:

• Six-speaker stereo
• ActiveX Black Onyx seating

GT:

• 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
• ActiveX seats with Miko Insert and Copper Metallic Stitching

Safety Features

Here, the California Route 1 actually comes standard with more features than the GT. It includes the automated parking system, which makes it easier to guide the Mustang Mach-E into any space, even if youve got a cabin full of anxious kids or an aversion to parallel parking. And the Ford BlueCruise system offers hands-free driving on thousands of miles of pre-mapped highways. These features are optional for the Mustang Mach-E GT.

Standard on both models:

• Forward Sensing System
• Automatic High Beams
• Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rearview Camera
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition

California Route 1:

• Active Park Assist 2.0
• Ford BlueCruise
• 360-Degree Camera with Split View and Front Washer

GT:

• Optional Active Park Assist 2.0 (requires Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof)
• Optional Ford BlueCruise (requires Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof)
• Optional 360-Degree Camera with Split View and Front Washer

Choose Your Mustang Mach-E

If youre looking for a sporty crossover EV with a long-lasting battery and lots of high-tech safety features, youre going to love the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1. On the other hand, if you prefer an even faster performance and a longer list of luxury features, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is the right choice.

What Does the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 Trim Add?

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an innovative take on the modern EV. With its advanced powertrain and pony car styling, the Mach-E mixes advanced technology with retro looks. And with so many trims to choose fromlike Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GTbuyers can get just what theyre after.

But what does the California Route 1 trim add? Lets look at what it includes and how it compares to other Mach-E trims.

2023 Ford mustang Mach-E California Route 1 features

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 sure sounds cool. Like something from the 60s muscle car era, the name exudes images of open roads and beautiful places. But even though California Route 1 sounds special, it adds and removes features compared to lower-end models.

The $56,995 Mach-E California Route 1 includes the following:

• Dual-motor AWD powertrain with 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque
• Extended range battery (312 miles)
• Front pony badge and pony with California Route 1 badge on liftgate
• 18-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels with low-gloss black aero covers
• Sync 4A infotainment system

Compared to the lower-end $46,995 Premium trim, the California Route 1 adds dual-motor AWD and an extended-range battery. But it also removes key features like :

• Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker premium audio system
• Power liftgate
• LED projector headlamps with LED signature lighting
• Ambient lighting
• Perforated ActiveX seating material

The top-of-the-line 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $59,995, and offers ultimate performance, along with premium equipment. Heres what you get:

• Dual-motor AWD powertrain with 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque
• Available MagneRide damping system
• Front-row sports seats
• Ambient lighting
• Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker premium audio

Though $3,000 more than the California Route 1, the GT adds substantial features for the money. And with its excellent performancelike 0-60 in less than four secondsthe GT trim seems worth the cost.

With so many trims to choose from, Mustang Mach-E buyers have a lot to consider. U.S. News recommends initially selecting a battery pack and going from there. That way, customers know their Mach-Es range and which trims have what they need.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E: which trim is best?

When Mach-E buyers choose between Premium, California Route 1, and GT trims, it comes down to cost, luxury, and performance.

Drivers who want an upscale ride at a lower price might prefer the Mach-E Premium. Even though it has an RWD powertrain and reduced range, the Premiums audio system, ambient lighting, and projector headlamps make it a strong value.

For retro nostalgia and upgraded technology, the California Route 1 trim makes sense. With its standard dual-motor AWD configuration and substantial 312-mile range, this trim mixes driving dynamics with long range efficiency. And the California Route 1s badging and details add classic style.

The Mustang Mach-E GT offers maximum performance and luxury thats worth the cost. Its 480 hp dual-motor setup can hang with anything on the road, and its optional MagneRide damping system is taut and smooth. A premium interiorwith Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lightingand an athletic exteriorwith 20-inch aluminum wheels and styled front fasciaround out the package.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a well-rounded EV. And with several trims to choose from, buyers can find the ideal mix of cost and features. For some, that could be a full-featured interior and RWD setup at a reasonable price. For others, that might be top-of-the-line technology and racy styling. Either way, the Mach-E is a fine vehicle.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Overview

With its various configurations and range of equipment packages, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E has plenty to offer for those who want a crossover but are eager to get behind the wheel of an EV. Those customers will also be able to decide between the content-rich Premium model or the elevated performance of the GT. Sure, despite the name it's no Mustang, but the Mach-E can still be described as agile and quick. Plus, it has fetching looks, a well-appointed interior with all the latest gizmos and gadgets, and sufficient range and capability. On that subject, Ford says the Mustang Mach-E can travel more than 300 miles before needing a charge, and the GT Performance model leaped to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds at our test track. It performed well enough to win our inaugural EV of the Year award in 2021 but has since lost its crown to the cheaper and similarly impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5.

What's New for 2023?

For its third model year, the Premium trim sees a slight increase in its estimated rangeup 13, to 290 milesand more standard content, including the automaker's Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance tech for the entire lineup. A new Mustang Nite Pony package is available for some Premium and GT Performance Edition models. On the Premium, it adds black exterior touches on the bumpers and door cladding and gloss-black 19-inch wheels. For GT Performance Edition models, the package includes 20-inch gloss-black wheels and black GT badging. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof is now standard on the GT and the GT Performance Edition. The Mach-E also gets two new exterior color options: Carbonized Gray Metallic and Vapor Blue Metallic. During the second half of 2023, Ford added new batteries fro standard range models that promise to increase its EPA range and add power for all-wheel-drive Mach-E. Ford switched out the previously offered lithium-ion batteries for lithium iron phosphate units. The 70.0-kWh capacity remains the same, but its EPA estimates raise to 250 miles and 226 miles for all-wheel drive cars. The new technology raises the standard range all-wheel-drive Mach-E output to 311 horsepower. Extended range models are unaffected by the updates.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the Premium model is the Mach-E to get. Ford says it's good for 306 miles of driving range when paired with the extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, but we'd still choose the all-wheel-drive version, which knocks its estimated range down to 290 miles. Compared with the base model, the Mach-E Premium has more powerful fast-charging capability, 19-inch wheels, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with either a standard-range 70.0-kWh battery or an extended-range 91.0-kWh pack. These feed an electric motor mounted on the rear or both axles. That latter combination creates all-wheel drive, and on the sporty GT and GT Performance models, the motors combine to make 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque. Ford claims this will send the Mach-E GT Performance from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Less powerful models have 266 to 346 horsepower and 317 to 428 pound-feet of torque. The Mach-E rides on wheels that range in size from 18 to 20 inches, and it can be had with adaptive dampers for adjustable ride firmness. The earlier version we drove in 2021 was an extended-range all-wheel-drive model that was quick and better to drive than most ordinary crossovers. Drivers shouldn't expect the Mach-E to be nearly as engaging as the traditional Mustang. However, the Mach-E's quiet operation and super-smooth ride were most impressive.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a Ford-estimated range between 226 and 312 miles, depending on the battery pack and the configuration of electric motors. That isn't nearly as impressive as the longest-range Tesla models. Every model also has fast-charging capability, and they all come with a mobile charging device that can add up to 30 miles of range per night with a 120-volt outlet and up to 80 percent of battery life overnight with a 240-volt outlet. A Ford charge station can be ordered online and installed by certified electricians, with the ability to replenish 32 miles per hour and recharge the battery overnight.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ford says the 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of up to 312 miles in its California Route 1 trim, which is exclusively all-wheel drive. The midlevel Premium model with rear-wheel drive follows, with a Ford-estimated driving range of 306 miles. Of course, there are a wider variety of ranges depending on the model and equipment, with the lowest being 226 miles for Standard Range battery models configured with all-wheel drive. We haven't yet had the 2023 Mach-E on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, so we haven't evaluated its real-world range. For more information about the Mustang Mach-E's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Mustang Mach-E's battery is located under the floor of the car, which allows for maximum cargo and passenger space. Unlike its exterior, the inside of the Mach-E has little in common with the regular Mustang. Its streamlined dashboard hosts an attractive digital gauge cluster and is dominated by a huge vertically mounted touchscreen. A floating flip-up armrest on the center console allows a purse or other items to be stored between the front-seat passengers. There are also many slick features that include customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The front trunk is made of durable plastics that can be rinsed and then drained, which allows for storing ice and messy things. The Mach-E has 29 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 60 with the back seats folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Ford's next-generation Sync infotainment system uses machine learning to fully customize each driver's experience. Currently, it supports three driver profiles and one guest. The Mustang Mach-E runs the software through a vertically mounted 15.5-inch touchscreen that allows for easy access to the system's array of apps and features. A benefit of the system is that Ford will roll out over-the-air updates over time, constantly improving the system and adding new content. Top features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2023 Mustang Mach-E is available with a wide array of driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Mach-E's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford's current limited and powertrain warranty are competitive, albeit unspectacular. Notably, the company covers the Mach-E's electrical components for eight years or 100,000 miles, which it does for all its EVs, but complimentary maintenance isn't included.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E 4

VEHICLE TYPEfront- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED$56,200 (base price: $46,695)

MOTORS2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC; combined output,346 hp, 428 lb-ft; 88.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSIONS2 direct-drives

CHASSISBrakes (F/R): 14.3-in vented disc/12.4-in discTires: Michelin Primacy A/S, 225/55R-19 103H M+S

DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 117.5 inLength: 185.6 inWidth: 74.1 inHeight: 64.0 inPassenger volume: 104 ft³Cargo volume: 35 ft³Curb weight: 4856 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 5.1 sec100 mph: 13.5 secRolling start, 560 mph: 5.2 secTop gear, 3050 mph: 2.0 secTop gear, 5070 mph: 2.8 sec1/4 mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mphTop speed (governor limited): 114 mphBraking, 700 mph: 165 ftRoadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 gStanding-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMYObserved: 60 MPGe

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/city/highway: 90/96/84 MPGeRange: 270 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E4X GT Performance EditionVehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICEBase/As Tested: $66,000/$70,040

MOTORS2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC; combined output,480 hp, 634 lb-ft; 88.0-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSIONS2 direct-drives

CHASSISSuspension, F/R: struts/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 15.2-in vented disc/12.4-in discTires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect 245/45R-20 103Y

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 117.5 inLength: 186.7 inWidth: 74.1 inHeight: 63.5 inPassenger Volume: 106 ft³Cargo Volume, F/R: 5/30 ft³Curb Weight: 5001 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 3.7 sec100 mph: 12.4 sec1/4-Mile: 12.7 sec @ 101 mphResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.Rolling Start, 560 mph: 3.8 secTop Gear, 3050 mph: 1.5 secTop Gear, 5070 mph: 2.2 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 120 mph Braking, 700 mph: 158 ftBraking, 1000 mph: 310 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMYObserved: 65 MPGe75-mph Highway Driving: 74 MPGe Highway Range: 220 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 82/88/75 MPGe

More Features and Specs