When the last horse left Ford’s stable last year, the all-electric Mustang Mach-E crossover outsold the classic gas-powered coupe 51,745 to 44,003 vehicles. And, deservedly so.
For way too long, the Mustang was little more than a stylish suit around big V8 and weak V6 engines. And for many owners, they were toys – not roomy enough for kids or luggage and a wonton mess in snow. But the brawny beasts accelerated like rocket sleds. So does the all-electric, all-wheel-drive, kid-coddling 2025 Mustang Mach-E Rally.
So, it’s a crossover. That just means it can support your daily life, taking kids to school, hauling their cellos to music classes, and can do it all while wrestling a blizzard. I’d argue it’s a better Mustang.
Despite the fact it is a tall-bodied five-door, it at least looks part of a sixty-year tradition – albeit one with a drainable frunk so you can ice down soda and other bevs at “hood opening” parties. The classic pony sprints across a plastic grille-shaped facia, but it’s flanked by angry LED headlamps and air intakes that flash visual snarls.
A wide stance and long arching roofline imbue more classic proportions while riding over the Rally edition’s 19” white wheels. Angled triple-barrel taillamps recall history – even if they’re under a hatchback and giant black wing. Black racing stripes finish the Rally suit.
Only cloth patches hint at the Mustang’s iconic twin-cowl dashboard, but it’s cozy inside. Proportions are more sport coupe than pickup and the deeply-bolstered sport seats look like they last sat on the helm of a starship. That’s also true of the thin flatscreen gauges and 15.5” touchscreen. None of that takes away from the driving experience – very easy to use.
Rally editions are pretty luxurious with heated seats, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, and enveloping B&O audio. Connect devices wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charge wirelessly too. Safety is covered by automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane keep systems.
Before you share stories about the glory days of muscle cars, plant your big shoe on the accelerator. It’s all-electric, which means 480 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque tickles the all-wheel-drive system instantly and quietly. Watch 0-60 mph zap by in 3.4 seconds. That’s modern Shelby territory. To keep going, quick charge 10-80% in about 30 minutes or fully overnight on your garage’s 240v charger.
Rally implies this EV is ready to power slide around dirt curves. Maybe not, but while most electric crossovers feel like science projects, the Mach-E connects drivers to roads with quick steering, Magneride adaptive independent suspension, Brembo disc brakes, and all-wheel-drive. Drive modes let drivers adjust accelerator feel and suspension damping. It feels almost analog, ironically through broad use of sophisticated electronics.
And you don’t always have to drive it if you opt for Ford’s hands-off BlueCruise. I endured a couple of hundred-mile round trips while I had the Mach-E and appreciated being able to relax, sip coffee, and watch the road. It will change lanes with the flip of a turn signal, but not automatically. It can also take an excruciatingly long time to confirm a clear lane and scooch over.
If you love traditional Mustangs, they’re pretty amazing. Ford will happily sell you one and you’ll probably love it. However, I prefer this multi-functional all-electric pony with traction to go almost anywhere. Base models start at a reasonably affordable $39,995, but ours rode in at $65,485. Competitors include the Chevy Blazer EV, Nissan Murano, Tesla Model Y, Honda Prologue, and Kia EV6.
Storm Forward!
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