Ford Mustang Mach E vs Volkswagen ID 4 American Muscle vs German Efficiency width

2021 Mustang Mach-E vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Comparison Test

Since Dieselgate, Volkswagen has been loudly proclaiming its electric future, with multiple planned electric vehicles in the next few years. The first one of its new ID-branded EVs for the United States is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 compact crossover. Meanwhile Ford slowly killed off most of its passenger cars in favor of SUVs and trucks its American customers crave, a move that could easily cause consternation about its overall fleet fuel economy. To ease that, however, Ford had its own green solution: the all-electric Mustang Mach-E.

Weve driven both electric SUVs individually, but comparing them back-to-back gave us an opportunity to more closely examine these very different takes on the future of SUVs. Specifically, were comparing the VW ID.4 Pro S and Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1. These are both the long-range, rear-wheel-drive versions of their respective nameplates.

After considering their efficiency, charging speed, interior quality, cargo space and storage solutions, comfort and value, we discovered that each does certain things better than the other, particularly when it comes to driving dynamics. We also found that these long-range, RWD EVs would make good daily drivers, but one is great, beating the other in enough important ways to clearly be the one wed choose to buy.

Second Place: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S

The Volkswagen has a couple advantages before you even sit inside of one. First is the price. It rings in at $45,690, including $1,195 in destination fees. The Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 starts at $50,900 including $1,100 in destination. At these prices, theyre optioned similarly, though the ID.4 gets heated and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel and power passenger seat. Both also qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, in addition to whatever state or local incentives that may be available.

Second is interior cargo volume. With the rear seats up, the ID.4, at 30.3 cubic feet, just barely beats the Mach-Es 29.7. That differential expands with the seats down, with boxier VW offering 64.2 cubes to the Ford's 59.7. Also, there is a couple extra inches of depth below the rear cargo floor of the ID.4, and you can slide that floor panel into a lower slot rather than have to store it elsewhere. As for humans in those rear seats, they feel almost identical, with just a slight edge given to the Mustangs legroom with a modestly tall person sitting behind a same-size driver. Headroom wasnt noticeably different for a 6-foot-tall passenger. For our purposes (mostly moving kids in car seats around), these rear seats are practically identical.

The infotainment system isnt quite as robust or in-depth as that on the Mach-E, which some people might actually prefer. The ID.4s touchscreen interface is more intuitive than the Mach-Es, at least for the vast majority of customers who have grown used to a smartphone interface. Its hard buttons, however, arent as instinctive to operate. Most of them are disagreeable touch-sensitive buttons on the piano black trim, or touch sensitive sliders to do things like change the volume, adjust temperature or even open or close the sunroof shade. (To be fair, the Ford doesnt have a ceiling shade to close at all.)

Both of these cars handle well thanks to their battery packs dragging their centers of gravity as low as possible. However, even if we'd rather have the Mustang's superior acceleration (more on that below), it's the Volkswagen that has more impressive chassis behavior. Not by much, but in a tight comparison, these things count. Its ride and handling feel more dialed in and buttoned down, with well-controlled rebound and body roll. Its just better suited to throwing its weight around, and its excellent steering only makes it feel more precise. Turn-in is sharp, which makes quick maneuvers a snap. We didnt have a Moose Test scenario, but it reacted quickly, effortlessly and precisely when we had to dodge some unknown, pokey-looking object in our path.

The Mustang can feel a little sluggish in pointing its bow sharply in either direction at rural highway speeds. And though its a hoot to flop the Ford's tail out around a corner, it would be the ID.4 we'd choose when trying to nick an apex. In addition, its also the car wed rather take Grandma across town in during construction season.

Braking is one dynamic element that does not fall in Volkswagen's favor, however. We didnt do any stopping distance tests, but we felt significantly better about the braking feel of the Mustang. The ID.4s pedal feels oddly mushy and inconsistent when hauling it down from high speeds an oft-endured trait in electrified vehicles that blend regenerative braking of the e-motor with the mechanical brake mechanisms at the wheels. The Mach-Es feel much more natural, and doesnt draw attention to itself beyond performing smoothly and confidently.

Finally, there's the element most important to so many would-be EV buyers: range. This longest-range Mach-E is rated to go 305 miles on a charge. VW ID.4 is rated at 250 miles, which helps us remember one reason its less expensive up front. All said, the ID.4 is a pleasure to drive and sit in it's just outdone here.

First Place: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1

While the ID.4 is quite a good electric crossover, the Mustang Mach-E is a great one.

The ID.4 is attractive, but the Mach-E is magnetic. This was the car that caught looks on the highway, and questions from passersby in the parking lot. Theres something to be said for the ID.4s mature looks and ability to more or less blend in, but the Mach-Es muscle-car-derived design language shouts louder. And while I did encounter some holdouts that seemed uneasy about the Mustang name being applied to a crossover, its evocative nonetheless, and generally in positive way.

The Mach-Es acceleration is much quicker than the German rival's, with its 6.1-second 0-60-mph time beating the ID.4 by more than a second. That translates to a much more invigorating feeling from the drivers seat, at least in a straight line. We also mentioned the range difference in the section above, which is a big deciding factor for many buyers, especially if its their first EV.

In addition to having a better brake feel than the VW, Fords offering also allows for true one-pedal driving. Flip a digital switch in one of the menus, and the Mach-E will bring you to a full stop when you lift completely off the accelerator, and it will hold you there. The closest the ID.4 gets is a B mode on the gear selector, which doesnt provide nearly enough regenerative braking force to stop without stepping on the brake pedal. If you've ever driven an EV in stop-and-go traffic, we're confident you'll agree that the option to forgo the left pedal almost entirely is an indispensable one. The Mach-E gives you an excellent version of that. The Volkswagen does not.

Level 3 charging in the Ford is slightly faster, with the Mach-E capable of 150 kW, while the ID.4 does 125 kW. At Level 2, which is likely how most of the charging will occur (generally at home), the ID.4 takes the advantage at 11 kW compared to the Fords 10.5. We call this one wash. Still, youll be able to go longer between charges with the Ford, so long as you arent constantly taking advantage of that quicker 0-60 time.

Efficiency is a practical tie, too. The Mach-E is rated at 108 city, / 94 highway / 101 combined mile-per-gallon equivalent. The ID.4 is just a touch lower, at 104/89/97 MPGe. Thats close enough to be statistically insignificant. Both are mid-pack in that regard, with fuel economy ranging from from 68 MPGe combined for the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, to 142 MPGe for Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD. Both the ID.4 and Mach-E are far better than internal combustion cars.

Yes, the Volkswagens ride is more refined than that of the Ford, but the Mach-Es is perfectly suited to daily driving and spirited motoring alike. Outside of a comparison test, its easy to praise the Mach-E for its driving dynamics. When you compare it back-to-back with the VW, though, its easy to see how the ID.4s handling betters the already good Ford.

While the Mach-E's gigantic infotainment touchscreen wows in comparison to the ID.4's more conventional unit, Ford's driving assistance tech is also superior. It calls ID.4 on its adaptive cruise control, and raises with its simultaneous lane centering, as well as a nifty Intelligent Cruise Control that will automatically adjust the cruise control setting based on the speed limit. With Cruise Control Tolerance, you can even set a maximum speed up to 20 mph over or under the speed limit. So if you want to go 5 mph over the limit, for instance, the cruise control speed setting would automatically change to 60 mph from 75 mph after you enter a 55-mph zone.

Another neat tech trick: You can use your phone as a key, and its easy to set up.

We mentioned earlier the VWs slightly superior cargo space at least in the traditional sense. The Mach-E does provide something the ID.4 lacks: a frunk under the hood good for an extra 4.7 cubic-feet of storage. You can even pack it with ice and use it as a cooler; the resulting water will automatically exit via a drain in the bottom.

So, which rear-drive electric crossover would you rather have in your stable? Do you want the fast one with more range and better tech, or do you want the merely quick one with more refined driving dynamics, more space and a lower price tag? The choice is yours, but even with the $5,000 price difference, we know which were choosing.

Related Video:

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Comparison

As both Ford and VW turn increasingly toward electric power, each company has introduced an EV crossover to the American market. Lets take a closer look at the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting Price: $43,995 | Price yoursor View listings near you

Above Average: 300-mile maximum range; crossover practicality; loaded with tech; optional all-wheel drive; fun to drive.

Below Average: Unknown reliability; top trims are nearly $20,000 higher.

Consensus: A brand new crossover EV, the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers loads of practicality and space, a maximum range of 300 miles, and your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. Given that its a new model, both reliability and resale values are unknown.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4

Starting Price: $41,190 | Price yoursor View listings near you

Above Average: 250-mile range; optional all-wheel drive; 2,700-pound towing capacity; great standard safety features.

Below Average: Heavy; no spare tire; no volume knob for the stereo.

Consensus: A brand-new compact crossover EV, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is comfortable, practical, and boasts a 250-mile range. The weight keeps it from being the sportiest member of the segment, but the interior is quiet and comfortable.

Mach-E vs. ID.4: Sport or Comfort

Ford Mustang Mach-E

With Ford planning to unveil a large number of EVs in the next few years, it wanted to make a splash with the first crossover in the lineup. Hence, the Mustang name, formerly reserved for the brands legendary sports car, has been chosen to launch the brands EV effort.

Four trims provide a few different ranges or levels of driving, with the base having a very usable 230 miles of range and the rear-drive extended range having 300. The GT is the much sportier and quicker variant, with an estimated range of 250 miles. But 230 miles is still plenty for daily driving and even some road trips if the stops are planned carefully.

Having named it Mustang, Ford knew the crossover had to be sporty, and it is, with a suspension that can easily handle a canyon road and even a little performance driving if youre up to it. In Whisper mode, the Mach-E becomes serene and quiet.

Inside, the 2022 Mach-E is innovative and modern, with plenty of storage options and ample space even for taller passengers. The cabin is airy and spacious. With just under 30 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats that expands to nearly 60 with them folded, the Mustang Mach-E is practical as well.

There are numerous available options in the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, but standard features are comprehensive, including FordPass Connect (allows your phone to operate as a key), a 15.5-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and front and rear USB ports.

Also included are Sync4A with navigation and Fords CoPilot360 suite of safety tech. This includes reverse brake assist, reverse sensing, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, a rear camera, and automatic high beams. Optional is Co-Pilot360 Active, with a semi-autonomous driving mode. Prices can climb above $60,000, but the Mach-E is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Volkswagen ID.4

Like Ford, Volkswagen is also putting its eggs into the EV basket, and the 2022 ID.4 is the first of the companys new generation of EVs to come to the U.S. The base model is rear-wheel drive, with a rear-mounted electric motor making 201 horsepower and giving the ID.4 250 miles of range. An all-wheel-drive variant has motors in both axles and makes 295 horsepower, but range is reduced to 230 miles.

Acceleration is smooth rather than spritely, perhaps owing to the ID.4s considerable weight, although there is a Sport mode with a bit more punch. Mostly the crossover is focused on comfort, with a very quiet cabin thats well insulated from the outside. Properly equipped, the ID.4 can tow up to 2,700 pounds.

Inside, the interior is minimalist but spacious, with ample space for four and a usable 33 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. That area expands to 64 with them folded. Unlike many of its EV competitors, however, the ID.4 does not have space in what would normally be the engine compartment in front.

Standard features include heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 10-inch touchscreen. Also included are several drier assist and safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert, among others.

Not only does the ID.4 qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, but ID.4 owners get three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America fast chargers, which can bring the battery to 80% in about 40 minutes.

Similarities

Rear- or all-wheel drive; good standard safety features; cargo capacity.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Advantages

Extra storage in front trunk; sportier manners; base power.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Advantages

Lower starting price; towing capacity; three free years of Electrify America charging.

Which One is Right for Me?

If you prefer something a bit sporty, quick and fun to drive, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E lives up to its namesake, with style and practicality but also some entertainment from behind the wheel.

If youre the sort who prioritizes a ride thats not only steady but calm and quiet, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a great choice. It offers nearly 250 miles of all-electric range, a cosseting cabin, and decent options in its available upgrade packages.

Ready to buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen ID.4? Shop for one on sale now near you.