The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E GT SUV is displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California on November 18, 2021.
(Photo : FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Consumer Reports selected the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top pick for an electric vehicle in 2022, replacing the Tesla Model 3, which claimed that honor last year. The designation further validates Ford CEO Jim Farley's belief that his company can compete with the world's leading electric car maker in Tesla and beat Elon Musk when it comes to building EVs.
Jake Fisher, the senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports, told CNBC that he was impressed with the Mach-E as soon as the nonprofit group bought the electric vehicle. Fisher said, "Not only is it a really fun vehicle to drive, it is sporty, but it is also extremely mature." Fisher added that the car is very quiet and feels well built.
The reliability data that Consumer Reports has collected thus far shows the Mach-E having very few problems. That reliability data, coupled with testing conducted by Consumer Reports and other owner reviews, prompted the organization to make the Mustang Mach-E its "Top Pick" for an electric vehicle this year.
Tesla Model 3 drops due to steering wheel issue
It was a disappointing result for the Tesla Model 3, which lost the top spot to the Ford Mustang Mach-E in the prestigious rankings and fell behind the Kia Niro in the EV model race for Consumer Reports.
The Model 3's drop was attributed mainly to the vehicle's difficult-to-use yoke steering wheel, which Tesla recently debuted on the updated versions of the car. Consumer Reports said that the steering wheel problem was enough of an issue to lower Tesla Model 3's road-test scores.
That being said, the group still recommends the Model 3 to consumers, saying that Tesla's electric vehicle is still a great choice. The organization adds that the Tesla Model 3 "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."
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Tesla plunges to 23rd in overall car brand rankings
Model 3 continues to be the only Tesla model that is part of Consumer Reports' recommendations. The Tesla vehicles that did not make the list are the Model X large SUV, the Model S large sedan, and the Model Y small SUV.
It is not a complete surprise then to see Tesla drop seven spots in the overall ranking of best car brands, with Elon Musk's company now sitting in 23rd place. It is the poorest showing for Tesla in the seven years the car brand has been included in the "Top Picks" issue.
The list of top car brands was once again dominated by Japanese automakers, with Subaru and Mazda rating first and second, respectively. They were followed in the top 5 by BMW, Honda, and Lexus. At the bottom of the rankings this year are Mitsubishi, GMC, and Jeep. Despite having the Mustang Mach-E as the top EV for this year, Ford just placed 22nd in the overall car brand rankings.
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