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Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first EV, debuting in 2019. Since then it has racked up an impressive list of firsts, none more important than its EV safety record. In 2023, it is the only midsize EV SUV to top all of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test categories. 

How many 2023 midsize EV SUVs are in the safety test?

IIHS test
IIHS test of 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | IIHS

The IIHS conducts specific EV safety crash tests measuring specific impacts through sensors located in critical areas of test dummy bodies. Head, neck, chest, abdomen, and thigh impact sensors detect impacts. There are 11 categories in all, including this year’s newest tests for side impact protection and front pedestrian crash prevention.

This year 13 midsize SUVs qualified for IIHS testing. IIHS President David Harkey noted that while drivers are the safest in a crash, there is “inadequate front crash protection for passengers seated in the rear.” And the only EV to ace this and the other 10 tests is the Mach-E. 

How many IIHS EV safety tests are there?

The Tesla Model Y, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent all earned a “Good” rating. Three others, the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas all received “Marginal” grades. Taking up the rear are the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wagner four-door, Mazda CX-9, and Nissan Murano. 

Overall EV safety crash tests cover crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, seat belts and child restraints, and testing of offered safety features. Within each of those general categories, there are individual tests for things like front overlap crash, side crash, roof strength, and head and seat restraints. The four possible grades are Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. 

What safety features does the Mustang Mach-E EV come with?

IIHS test
IIHS test of 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | IIHS

The 2023 Mustang Mach-E features a number of safety and driver-assist technology. Called Ford C-Pilot 360, it includes these standard EV safety features:

  • BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert.
  • Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist.
  • Lane-Keeping System with Road Edge Detection.
  • Rear View Camera.
  • Auto High Beams.
  • Reverse Brake Assist.
  • Rear Parking Sensors.
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.

Moving up to the Premium and California Route 1 trims, Ford adds a 360-degree camera system, BlueCruise hand-free driving system, and active park assist. The Mustang Mach-E has nine airbags. They include dual front, driver’s knee, front side, rear side, and side curtain airbags. 

What are the wait times for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E?

2023 Mach-E
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV | Ford

Right now, Ford says ordering wait times are between 18 and 22 weeks for all models except the Premium trim. For it, Ford extends the wait time to 24 months. Why the potential for longer wait times for Premium Mach-Es has not been explained. Suffice it to say that if you order now, you’ll be waiting for a year and a half up to two years. It’s assumed that the model year of your Mach-E will be designated by the year it is delivered, but check with Ford for details. 

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Staff Writer

Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.