Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E a Better Adventurer Than the Subaru Solterra?

Early electric vehicles might have put the focus on efficiency, but that’s all starting to change. While today’s EVs are just as efficient as ever, automakers have started exploring new niches in a bid to create a range of all-electric models that appeal to a wider customer base. Take the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which does its pony car namesake proud with a 3.3-second sprint to 60 mph. But the Mustang Mach-E isn’t just about speed. The crossover is also one of Ford’s most versatile offerings, transforming from a reliable daily driver to a go-anywhere adventure vehicle that competes with EV offerings from more traditional adventure brands like Subaru.

The Mach-E’s off-road resume gets a bump for 2024 with the introduction of the new Rally trim, which offers improved ground clearance, upsized brakes, tow hooks, and an off-road driving mode that’ll allow any driver to tackle challenging road conditions with confidence. The Rally is a great option for any outdoor enthusiast who’s looking to explore the EV segment, but how does it stack up against some of its competitors? We’ll pit the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2024 Subaru Solterra and see which EV can keep up with your active lifestyle.

Power and Range

When you’re wearing the name of one of the most iconic sports cars to ever grace Ford’s production line, performance can never be treated as an afterthought. Ford certainly kept this in mind when designing the Mustang Mach-E, packing this EV with a potent powertrain that’s sure to provide plenty of thrills. Output varies by powertrain configuration, but no matter which option you choose, you’re unlikely to find yourself yawning when you’re behind the wheel.

The entry-level standard-range battery with rear-wheel drive posts the most modest performance figures, topping out at 264 hp, but that increases to 325 hp with the available all-wheel drive option. The Mach-E’s Premium trim allows you to upgrade to an extended-range battery, which provides 290 hp with rear-wheel drive or 365 hp with all-wheel drive. The GT and Rally trims are where the Mach-E really gets the chance to showcase its performance chops with an extended-range battery and performance all-wheel drive producing 480 hp.

How does the 2024 Solterra compare? In all honesty, it’s not even close. The Subaru does have a small edge as all-wheel drive is offered standard on every trim, but when you’re talking about pure horsepower, the Solterra is a distant second. Unlike Ford, which offers a range of powertrains across the Mach-E’s four trims, Subaru has limited the Solterra to just one option: a dual electric motor setup that maxes out at just 215 hp. This results in a zero-to-60-mph time of around 6.5 seconds, which is a good second slower than even the pokiest version of the Mach-E. It’s a poor showing for Subaru and one that could leave drivers feeling a little underpowered, especially when navigating off-road terrain or cruising at highway speeds.

Subaru’s SUV also lags behind in terms of range, maxing out at 227 miles. This falls noticeably below the current average for the segment, which could be a little frustrating if you’re looking to make the most of your weekend and aren’t in the mood to make several pit stops en route to your destination. The Mach-E fares a lot better in the range department. The standard powertrain provides 250 miles per charge, while the extended-range versions give drives up to an estimated 320 miles of range to play with.

Off-Road Chops

The arrival of the Rally trim has allowed Ford to turn its electric crossover into a brawny off-roader that’s ready to get down and dirty. While other automakers are content with slapping some all-terrain tires, plastic cladding, and badges on their existing models and calling it a day, Ford has taken the task to heart, upgrading the Mach-E GT trim with some robust equipment that should serve you well out on your local off-road trails. It all starts with a suspension lift that gives the Rally a ride that’s nearly an inch higher than the garden variety model. That ground clearance will come in handy when dodging off-road obstacles, but it’s just one feature protecting the Rally from the worst the trail has to offer. The off-road-focused Mach-E also comes standard with extra cladding on the wheel arches, mud flaps, and a protective film to guard against flying rocks, while the EV’s two electric motors are guarded by a sturdy set of skid plates.

Like the GT, the Rally comes standard with Ford’s MagneRide shock absorption technology. These shocks use magnetic fluid to tune the Mach-E’s ride as needed, enabling the suspension to shift from firm to supple in the blink of an eye. It’s the perfect complement to a long day of backwoods driving, improving comfort without sacrificing performance. Speaking of comfort, the Rally rides on a set of Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that effectively toe the line between on-road enjoyment and off-road traction. These tires are wrapped around a set of distinctive gloss-white alloy wheels inspired by some of Ford’s most famous World Rally Championship (WRC) race cars.

The Rally also comes with a set of 15.2-inch front brake rotors, not to mention an eye-catching pair of red-painted Brembo brake calipers. The EV’s one-pedal driving mode is ideal for off-road applications, combining the functions of the accelerator and brake into a single pedal, thanks to a little regenerative braking. With one less pedal to worry about, drivers can pay more attention to the trail ahead, which can make all the difference when the going gets tough. The Rally’s most intriguing and exclusive feature would have to be the RallySport drive mode, which tailors the crossover’s electronic control system to provide better damping and handling for off-road driving. Ever wanted to slide around corners like your favorite WRC driver? It’s easier than ever, thanks to RallySport mode, which also comes in handy when facing slick winter driving conditions.

The Solterra comes packed with its own set of driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Power, and X-Mode. Power mode increases responsiveness for improved acceleration, but it’s the multifunction X-Mode that probably holds the most interest for the off-road set. Drivers can choose between Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, which subtly shift the SUV’s power delivery and traction through the use of brake-based torque vectoring. The Solterra has also been treated to Grip Control, a new X-Mode feature that can’t be found on most Subaru models and works like a kind of off-road cruise control. However, these features are better suited to slow and methodical driving and don’t provide the thrills behind the wheel that the Mach-E offers.

Cargo Space and Storage

Shopping on the compact end of the crossover spectrum often means sacrificing cargo and passenger volume in the name of handling and efficiency, but this is less true of new EV offerings. The lack of an internal combustion engine and all the associated components, like gas tanks, transmissions, and exhaust systems, means that automakers can maximize interior space to provide a roomier ride than would be possible in a traditional gas-powered vehicle. An EV’s battery pack does eat up some space, but it’s nothing compared to all the parts and systems it takes to keep an ICE vehicle running.

Cargo volume is a particularly important metric for those looking to use their EV as an adventure vehicle. From mountain bikes and tents to climbing gear and kayaks, your outdoor accessories can eat up plenty of real estate. You could always install a roof rack if you’re looking for a little extra space, but luckily, the 2024 Mustang Mach-E is actually pretty roomy when stacked up against many of its rivals. The EV comfortably seats five, and with over 100 cu.ft. of passenger space, it won’t leave anyone feeling cramped. The Solterra is a bit cozier at 95.7 cu.ft., and while that difference might not seem like a dealbreaker on shorter rides, it could prove to be a real bother on longer excursions.

The Mach-E also offers 29.7 cu.ft. of cargo space, which gets even more expansive with the second row of seats folded down. This will increase the EV’s total cargo volume to some 59.7 cu.ft., which should be more than enough room for all your gear, groceries, dog, or whatever else you might need to pack for your next off-the-grid excursion. Subaru’s EV comes with some pros and cons when discussing cargo volume. The Solterra’s rear cargo area is much smaller than average at 23.8 cu.ft., though stowing the second row brings its total capacity up to 63.5 cu.ft. It’s an odd approach and one that might get a little annoying when you want to bring along more than one passenger.

The Mach-E has one more thing that the Solterra lacks: a frunk. Front trunks are a popular feature on many of today’s EVs, repurposing the space normally occupied by the engine to give drivers a little extra cargo room under the hood. It’s not a cavernous cubby––the Mach-E’s measures in at 4.7 cu.ft.––but it is handy for certain applications. Headed to a summer barbecue and need to pack some burgers and beverages? The Mach-E’s frunk doubles as a cooler with an integrated drain plug that’ll make for easy clean-up. Just load in a few bags of ice, and your favorite summer drinks will be nice and chilly by the time you get to the beach.

The EV for Adventure Seekers

Excelling in performance, cargo room, off-road capability, and style, the 2024 Mustang Mach-E is unlike any Ford to come before. Once upon a time, drivers had to choose between these features, but today’s all-electric vehicles are opening up the door to a world of possibilities when it comes to fun and functionality. The Mach-E was already capable of holding its own on the asphalt, but the introduction of the new Rally trim took the EV’s off-road credentials to a whole other level. Riding higher than the stock Mach-E and packed with a treasure trove of heavy-duty equipment and technology, the Rally is a welcome surprise from one of America’s favorite brands. Those who are new to the EV lifestyle might have a hard time imagining just how thrilling this new generation of earth-friendly vehicles can be, but DePaula Ford is here to help. Stop by today and see why the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the perfect choice for adventure seekers who are on the hunt for their next thrill.