For the past two years, Tesla’s Model 3 has been a top EV choice on Consumer Reports (CR), until now. Currently, the publication is ready to declare a new champion. The CR has revealed that Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has ousted the Model 3 as its EV Top Pick.
Mustang Mach-E Heritage
In its annual Top Picks, Consumer Reports highlights the standout cars, SUVs, and trucks across 10 distinct categories. Tesla has dominated the electric vehicle category, with the Model 3 holding the EV Top Pick honor for the past two years. But now the Ford Mustang Mach-E has earned the accolade based on its Overall Score, which factors road-test score, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker. We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.
According to the editors, the Mustang crossover is not only more practical but has better first-year reliability and a far easier infotainment system that doesn’t require multiple steps for basic tasks. Moreover, the former offers a better ride and reduced noise help as well.
Ford’s BlueCruise Driver Assist
Ford’s BlueCruise driver assist technology also gave the Mustang Mach-E an edge thanks to a more effective drive monitoring system that now counts toward vehicle scores. Tesla’s Autopilot was docked for functioning while drivers look away.
Consumer Reports still recommended the Model 3, owing to its sports car-like performance, long-range, charging network and technology. However, the outlet couldn’t recommend Mustang Mach-E’s more direct rival, the Model Y, as an EV Top Pick. Tesla’s SUV-like ride has much worse reliability than average vehicles in the lineup and is noticeably worse than the average-rated Model 3.
Less-than-amicable Relationship with CR
However, this is not going to please Tesla which has had a less-than-amicable relationship with Consumer Reports over the years. The two have disputed test results, and CR has temporarily pulled recommendations for some models. However, it also reflects lingering concerns about Tesla’s reliability.
The EV producer has issued a string of recalls in recent months, and owners have frequently reported build quality issues. This might not have cost Tesla the lead by itself, but it certainly didn’t help the company’s chances.
