Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Is An Absolute Hooning Machine

The Mustang name has long been synonymous with American muscle, with aggressive styling, on-road prowess, and the unmistakable rumble of performance. So when Ford introduced the Ford Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric crossover sharing the same nameplate, enthusiasts were understandable up in arms.

Love it or hate it, the Mustang Mach-E is here to stay, and Ford continues to improve on it. In fact, Ford recently introduced a new trim level called the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, which may look like a simple appearance package with racing stripes, bold fog lamps, and rally-style wheels. But as we found out, there’s MUCH more to the Mach-E Rally than meets the eye.

We recently spent a day with Ford at Monticello Motor Club in New York, where we got to get behind the wheel of with this unique crossover on a dirt rally course built for sideways action. And let me tell you, it left quite an impression. It’s raw, it’s rugged, and it rips through a rally course like you wouldn’t believe!

A Bold Evolution of the Mustang Legacy

At first glance, the Mustang Mach-E Rally doesn’t hide its off-roading intentions. It is a bold take on the Mach-E GT, with styling cues that borrow from Ford’s rally heritage. Sporting a distinct Focus RS-inspired rear spoiler, 19-inch white rally-style wheels wrapped in Michelin CrossClimate2 rubber, and black-painted roof set it apart visually.

If that’s not enough, the car is accented by dual racing stripes and rally fog lights embedded in the aggressive front fascia to further drive the point home that this isn’t any ordinary Mach-E. Paired with bright color options like Grabber Yellow, Eruption Green, and the always-classic Shadow Black, the Mach-E Rally looks ready for adventure even before it moves.

This is the first Mustang built with dirt roads in mind. And while that might sound like a crazy contradiction, Ford has pulled it off in a way that feels authentic—thanks in large part to what’s under the skin.

Powertrain and Suspension: What’s Different?

Underneath its striking exterior, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is equipped with a dual-motor electric powertrain that delivers 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. What sets it apart is how it’s tuned. The suspension has been raised by 20 millimeters and features specially calibrated springs, MagneRide dampers, and 385mm front brake rotors with Brembo calipers.

Combined with Michelin CrossClimate2 tires, the Mach-E Rally is designed to perform on loose surfaces without sacrificing on-road comfort. It’s also equipped with Ford’s RallySport Drive Mode, which allows for increased yaw (read: more sliding), linear throttle response, and more aggressive damping to give drivers greater control in variable terrain.

Our Drive Experience: Dust, Drifts, and Plenty of Grip

Monticello Motor Club built a purpose-designed dirt track where we got to explore the Mach-E Rally’s capabilities. And while it may look like a family-friendly crossover on the outside, the experience behind the wheel is something else entirely.

The car felt surprisingly agile, especially for its size and weight, as she’s a big girl. The moment RallySport Mode was engaged, everything clicked—the throttle became more responsive, the rear end was eager to rotate through corners, and the chassis stayed composed even when we were pushing the limits.

Drifting around loose corners felt natural and controllable, not forced. The suspension soaked up bumps and uneven terrain without feeling unsettled, and the tires provided a good balance of grip and give. Most impressive was how intuitive the experience felt. It didn’t take long to build confidence, and the car encouraged us to explore its limits safely. The car made me look like a pro, drifting around the course with ease!

Built for More Than Just Fun

Ford didn’t stop at performance upgrades. The Mach-E Rally is built to handle real-world abuse with thoughtful features like underbody shielding to protect the motors, protective film on door cladding and fender arches, and available mud flaps to help reduce debris spray. There’s even a front recovery point with a tow hook, just in case your off-road ambitions get you into trouble.

Inside, the Rally stays true to the Mach-E’s modern design, but with subtle nods to its rally character. Gloss white trim accents the dash and steering wheel, matching the wheels outside, while Ford-designed performance seats with white seatbacks and “Mach-E Rally” debossed into the material add a bit of sportiness. The layout is clean, comfortable, and tech-forward.

Everyday Practicality Meets Weekend Thrills

While the Mach-E Rally is clearly aimed at enthusiasts, it doesn’t leave out the daily driver. With a usable 91 kWh battery, the Rally is targeting an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles, and can charge from 10% to 80% in just over 36 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Ford’s BlueCruise 1.3 hands-free highway driving system is available as well, making long road trips more comfortable. The system has been refined over previous versions, with improved lane change assist and better performance in curves and narrow lanes.

In other words, it’s just as ready for your Monday commute as it is for a Saturday spent kicking up gravel.

Final Thoughts: A Versatile Electric Crossover

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally might seem like an oddball at first – a performance EV with rally ambitions? But after spending time with it, it becomes clear this is more than a niche experiment. It’s a well-executed evolution of the Mach-E platform, offering something that’s both fun and functional.

Ford has built something that feels fresh without being gimmicky. It’s fast, capable, and built with real driving enjoyment in mind—on and off the pavement. And with a starting MSRP of around $65,000, it’s certainly not entry-level, but it does offer a unique package for drivers who want to embrace EVs without giving up personality or capability.

For those looking to break free from the daily routine, hit the dirt, and do it all without a drop of gas, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is worth a serious look.