Ford Mustang Mach E Rally vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: Battle of the unlikely off-roaders
For some, the Ford Mustang Mach E Rally and Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT might be a bit of a mystery. Some of that has to do with the limited audience both vehicles cater to. Rally-enhanced vehicles are not as popular in the United States as they are overseas, as we tend to lean on beefy 4x4s when we imagine off-road augmentation.
Vehicles that are aligned towards difficult terrain (snow, gravel, sand, wet tarmac - etc.) but are not meant for traversing rocky roads are the basics of rally-prepped vehicles. In addition, they tend to allow for some drifting too, which is needed on rally stages.
Both the Mach E Rally and the Ioniq 5 XRT have beefier suspensions and tires, better ground clearance, underside protection, and the ability to drift around a corner. The thing is, though, one is far more serious about high-speed back-roads than the other.Ford has been involved in international rally racing since the 1970s. Few automakers can match its lineage or technical accomplishments on and off the rally circuit. Many of its vehicles, including the Focus RS and some trucks, have featured rally-sourced tech. Still, adding rally tech to an EV is something else.
Weighing just under 5,000 lbs and measuring 187 inches in overall length, the Mach E Rally isn't exactly small. Despite this and a hefty 91 kWh battery, it has no problem dancing on its tiptoes on every flat-ish surface. Part of that is the two electric motors, which make 480 horsepower and a burly 700 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power and weight, the max mileage is still a laudable 265 miles. DC Fast charging capability is a so-so 150 kW.
Remember that this vehicle isn't as aerodynamic as a GT, or other Mach Es. It's lifted 0.78 inches higher than the Mach-E GT, but at a total of 5.8 inches, it's still a bit low. Not only that, but those meaty Michelin CrossClimate2 tires don't have the best low rolling resistance.Aside from the cool looking rally-inspired 19-inch wheels, graphics and tail design, the Mach E Rally's biggest trick is its suspension. It has a "rallycross-tuned" MagneRide damping system that uses magnetic fluid inside the shock absorbers. It rapidly adjusts the damping force, allowing for multiple types of terrain.
While Ford has a history with rally racing, Hyundai is a fast learner and deeply involved in various rally racing groups. The Korean automaker has won both WRC and FIA championships and is always a strong contender. Oddly, unlike Ford, Hyundai opted for a lighter touch with the Ioniq 5 XRT.
Weighing in at just over 4,700 lbs, and with an overall length of 183.3 inches, the Ioniq 5 XRT is a bit smaller than the Ford. Internally, it's roomier, and externally, it looks boxier. With its dual-motor AWD system, it makes a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. That's far less than the Mach E Rally, and its overall, maximum range of 259 miles falls short as well. Its 350 kW DC fast charging capability trounces the Ford.With a ground clearance of 7 inches, it's one inch higher than the standard Ioniq 5 and well over an inch higher than the Mach E Rally. Hyundai added cool-looking 18-inch wheels covered in Continental CrossContact all-terrain tires, which, combined with the higher stance, contribute to the range drop.
Hyundai's suspension is beefed up and lifted, with an additional arm or two underneath, but it's not as complex or advanced as Ford's setup. Then again, it's a bit of a tradeoff, allowing for some fun while keeping it a capable daily driver.
Both EVs are great on dirt roads and have the tools to be driven aggressively on gravel, dirt, sand, and snow. However, neither is built to tackle rocks or obstacles that require real articulation.
Ford's approach is much more aggressive and athletic. Both suspensions allow for a great street ride, but they also lose some traction on the tarmac when pushed. Additionally, as I mentioned before, both vehicles have rubber that is simplyn't geared toward efficiency and makes some noise on the pavement.
One of the best parts to me is that both can hang their tails out and drift. I'm not a big fan of drifting for the sake of drifting, like many saggy hooners do - I like it when it's actually needed in cornering. That is something both cars can do in the right mode.Appearance-wise, both models look downright cool, but I would love to see those rally-inspired wheels from the Mach E Rally on the Ioniq 5 XRT. Regardless of my love of rally cars, I can say with some authority that you will most likely never need the rally version of either. If you buy one of these EVs for the looks, you're buying a less efficient vehicle that is also more expensive than its regular stablemate.
With that being said, they are ridiculous fun to drive on loose traction surfaces, especially the Mach E Rally. Both have real curbside appeal, and a bit of macho swagger too.
Maybe that's worth the price of admission?
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