Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium: Which Trim Should You Get?

Key Points

• The Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 and Premium are two trim packages of the Mustang Mach-E EV.
• The Premium trim package has more power and better sound quality compared to the California Route 1.
• Both trim packages have similar operational ranges and battery capacities.
• The Mustang Mach-E comes with standard driver-assistive technologies and a standard warranty package.
• The overall winner of this shootout is the Mustang Mach-E Premium.

Which trim wins between the Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium? If you’re splashing out for a Ford Mustang Mach-E, you want to pick the best one you can get. You might be scratching your head at the multiple trim levels and wondering which is the overall best.

Well, you can go ahead and discount the basic Mach-E, you deserve better. That leaves a couple of different choices, which are the focus of today’s shootout. The California Route 1 is a plush EV trim package, that offers excellent mileage per charge and power.

The Premium is a little more affordable and has great extras to help tempt your overall decision. You’ve already decided to switch to an EV, so you might as well treat yourself to something excellent. The Mustang Mach-E is one of the best EVs on the market, so let’s find the best one for you.

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium: Side-by-Side Comparison

There are quite a few similarities between the two of these EVs, which makes sense given they are the same model. It is, honestly, quite close when looking just at the raw specs between the two trim packages on offer.

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium: What’s the Difference?

Bot the Mach-E California Route 1 and Premium come in at similar price points. You’ll essentially be splitting hairs when it comes to deciding which is the better fit for you.

Performance

The California Route 1, oddly, has less power than the Premium, despite costing more. You’ll find it has 311 horsepower on tap. This means it isn’t a slouch by any real measure, but the Premium is just that little bit more powerful when it comes to acceleration.

The operational range on the two is also quite close, with both getting around 250 miles on the standard range 71kWh battery. This range can be extended with the 91kWh battery, where the results are largely identical. Both vehicles are going to max out at around 310 miles on a single charge.

The Premium does have more power on tap, but it’s inconsequential when it comes down to it. Instead of 311 horsepower, you’ll be getting around 346 horsepower. It is a definite increase, but it’s only roughly 10% more compared to the California Route 1 trim package.

These are both capable vehicles, so it’ll really come down to the other criteria to help guide your decision.

Extras

Both the California Route 1 and Premium trim packages for the Mustang Mach-E can use your phone as a key. There are some key departures in some of the extras, however.

Premium has the better sound system, with ten speakers and a subwoofer provided by Bang & Olufsen. The sound system in Ford’s California Route 1 is quite good, but there is a certain depth and richness to the Premium trim package’s sound system.

Both vehicles also feature powered lift gates and an all-glass roof. Interior materials are also identical, with both using a proprietary material called ActiveX. This is Ford’s take on synthetic leather and it is a premium material that feels rather convincing to the touch.

Electronics Suite

Both trim packages feature the same infotainment panel and functionality, as you might expect. A 10.2-inch display rests behind the primary controls to give instrument readings. The user interface for this is clear and concise, you won’t have any issues discerning how range is left or how fast you’re going.

The infotainment panel itself is quick to navigate and certainly carries the lessons Ford has learned from smart interfaces with previous vehicles. It is a large panel, measuring almost 16 inches in diameter. You won’t be streaming movies on it, but it is large and easy to reach for both the driver and the passenger.

Smartphone functionality is the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It isn’t wireless, as that is a more recent innovation. There are USB ports near every seat for charging, as well as general connectivity to the vehicle.

Safety Features

All Mustang Mach-E trim packages come with a fair standard array of driver-assistive technologies. You’ll find it has adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving. Ford calls this BlueCruise and new purchases get a 3-year subscription to the service.

Both the California Route 1 and Premium trim packages also come with automated emergency braking. There is also blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The Mustang Mach-E ranks well enough through crash test ratings via the NHTSA and IIHS rankings. All said these are fairly standard features for mid-range EVs, so nothing too out of the norm here.

Warranty Information

All Ford EVs come with a fairly standard warranty package. The terms and coverage of the warranties offered with both the California Route 1 and Premium Mustang Mach-E are nothing spectacular.

It is very much in line with current offerings on the market. If you’re looking for premium warranty coverage, Hyundai is the winner.

Ford offers limited warranty coverage for up to three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain is covered for five years or up to 60,000 miles. All electrical components, like the battery, are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Disappointingly, there is no scheduled service maintenance coverage. As it is an EV, this might not be overall necessary. Routine maintenance for most EVs consists of battery checks, drivetrain inspections, tire changes, and brake changes.

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium: 6 Must-Know Facts

1. The California Route 1 is the most expensive trim package available for the Mustang Mach-E.
2. The California Route 1 is actually less powerful than the Premium trim package.
3. The California Route 1 has a stock sound system compared to the Premium trim package.
4. The Premium Mustang Mach-E has better speakers than all other trim packages.
5. The Premium trim package costs $9,000 less than the California Route 1 when looking at MSRP.
6. The Premium trim package is an excellent choice for users looking for a plush EV.

Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 vs. Premium: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?

As with most vehicle purchases, it really comes down to what your needs are in a vehicle. Users looking for a great EV have made a stellar choice when looking at the Mustang Mach-E. In terms of the overall winner of this shootout, the tip of the hat has to go to the Mustang Mach-E Premium.

It offers the same great mileage, more power, and better sound quality. You spend a fair amount of time in your car during the week for commutes, trips to the store, and everything else that pops up.

You might as well get a vehicle that you enjoy with all the bells and whistles. The California Route 1 is a fantastic EV, make no mistake. However, the higher overall price when compared to other trim packages makes it an odd choice unless you feel compelled to get it.

As with any EV purchase, make sure you check your location’s infrastructure and give it a test drive before purchasing.