Each year, Consumer Reports releases a list of the top ten vehicles that they recommend in a number of categories. In past years, the Tesla Model 3 has won the top EV pick but this year things are different and the Ford Mustang Mach-E has taken its place. It stands alone as the only American vehicle included in the top ten.
CR’s overall rating takes into consideration their own personal testing, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and advanced safety features. Vehicles that don’t have forward-collision warning or automated emergency braking, including highway AEB as standard equipment across all trims aren’t even eligible for consideration.
That axes a whole group of American metal before the contest even begins and it’s one reason that the Mustang Mach-E was able to overtake the Tesla Model 3. This is the first year that CR has added two points to any vehicle with a driver monitoring system that its team deems ‘adequate’ and the Mach-E is the first (and only) to receive those points. They even say that in the future they’ll remove points for vehicles that don’t have this tech.
Related: Can The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Take On The C8 Corvette?
Consumer Reports, a nonprofit consumer research and advocacy organization, says that it got those points because its active driver assistance features provide appropriate warnings when the driver isn’t focused on the road. In previous announcements, they’ve said that they could still utilize Tesla Autopilot and Full Self Driving features even after covering the camera that monitors the driver’s attention.
In the announcement of its ten best, the publication doesn’t directly compare the two cars when it comes to the Electric Vehicle award itself. Instead, they highlight the main features of the Mustang Mach-E including its good driving dynamics, its long-range capability, and its available all-wheel-drive.
They still think the Tesla Model 3 is a great car
“Make no mistake, the Model 3 is still a great choice, and Consumer Reports recommends it,” wrote CR’s deputy editor Jeff Bartlett. “It shines with the latest technology, a long range, an impressive charging network, and a driving experience closer to a high-performance sports car than a sedan. But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better. Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla,” Bartlett explained.
It’s notable to consider that the Model 3 is much smaller than the Mach-E so it can’t offer the same level of cargo space or the taller ride height that so many buyers seem to prefer today. The publication did not include the total scores for each vehicle considered in their testing so we don’t know how close any two vehicles might be to one another.
