February 19, 2022: -Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, the automaker’s bold bet to lead its transformation, which sells more electric vehicles, replaced the Tesla Model 3 as Consumer Reports’ “Top Pick” for an electric car in 2022. 

The designation further validates CEO Jim Farley’s belief that Ford can compete with Tesla and beat Elon Musk when it comes to EVs.

Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive that tests at Consumer Reports, says he was pretty much impressed with the Mach-E as soon as the nonprofit group bought it. “Not only is it an enjoyable vehicle to drive, it is sporty, but it is also extremely mature,” Fisher told CNBC.

Consumer Reports say that reliability data it has collected shows the Mach-E has very more problems so far. That data, along with owner reviews and testing conducted by Consumer Reports, prompts it to make the Mach-E its 2022 “Top Pick” for an electric vehicle, which replaces the Tesla Model 3.

Consumer Reports is still recommending Model 3. Still, Fisher says the small electric car fails to match the Mach-E in certain areas, mostly when it comes to hands-free driving and alerting drivers who fail to pay attention. Ford’s BlueCruise system uses a camera that monitors and alerts drivers when they do not pay proper attention. The Model 3 also has a camera watching the driver, but Consumer Reports says that the camera could be more effective.

“In our tests, we cover up the camera, we could not look at the road, and it doesn’t give any alerts to the driver to make sure they are looking where they are going,” says Fisher.

Overall, Tesla decreases seven spots to 23rd place in Consumer Reports, ranking 32 major auto brands. It’s the poorest showing in the seven years Tesla is included in the “Top Picks” issue.

In addition to concerns regarding Tesla’s Autopilot system, Consumer Reports is critical of the automaker’s steering yoke. A change from the steering wheel in the Model S and Model X. Fisher said that using the collar is frustrating. “It is not just about making it harder to turn the wheel, but they got rid of the turn signal stalk,” he said.

Fisher adds that the quality of the “Top Picks” for 2022 is better than ever, with the brands once again dominated by Japanese automakers. This year, Mitsubishi and GMC are at the bottom of the list, just above Jeep, which was the lowest-rated brand. Subaru was rated No. 1, followed by Mazda, BMW, Honda, and Lexus.