Consumer Reports had the Mustang Mach-E as the only electric vehicle in their 10 Top Picks for the 2022 Auto Issue published in April. 260 vehicle models were evaluated in total.
In the $45k+ BEV category, Mach-E had their top score, beating all Tesla models, ID.4, Polestar 2, Taycan, Étron, and I-Pace.
Mach-E received the highest ratings for “Predicted Reliability” of the bunch, while Y, S & X and the E-Tron received the lowest possible reliability score. Also apparently Teslas have extremely poor “Usability”— a category for which I could find no definition in the entire magazine, so I’ll just trust the expert opinion of Consumer Reports. Mach-E had top marks for predicted reliability for all drivetrain-related features.
Melting high-voltage battery contactors, inadequate windshield and roof glass adhesive bonding, loose subframe bolts, powertrain control module software bugs causing unintended acceleration/deceleration/loss of drivetrain power, and improper rear seatbelt attachments are minor problems, so it makes sense that Consumer Reports gave the Mach-E top marks in all reliability subcategories except climate control and in-car electronics.
Relying solely on the voluntary responses to CR’s Annual Auto Survey is an excellent method for objectively and accurately measuring vehicle reliability. Surveys are the gold standard in science so I commend their choice as well as their decision to leave out any caveats regarding potential sampling bias or response bias influencing the results, because everyone already knows that so saying it would be redundant. The colors in the results tables are very pretty, which is the best indication that the data was compiled by professionals.
CR also rightfully praised the driver monitoring system for Mach-E GT’s Blue Cruise while criticizing Tesla Autopilot for enabling drivers to deliberately break the law by covering the camera, cheating the wheel touch sensor and not paying attention to the road. Consumer Reports provided no evaluation of the capabilities and performance of the various automated driving assistance systems, because that’s obviously not important; forcing adults to make basic responsible decisions is really all that matters. It’s too bad cars today still allow drivers to run red lights, exceed the speed limit, and neglect to use turn signals.
I wonder if their 2023 rankings will differ. Maybe it will be the Taycan’s time to shine.