Rivals: Electric SUVs Compared

Electric SUVs may share batteries and software, but personality still matters. In this Rivals comparison, we line up three of Canada’s most talked-about premium EV crossovers: Ford’s performance-leaning Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai’s design-forward and tech-savvy IONIQ 5, and Polestar’s upscale, Scandinavian-flavoured Polestar 3.

Each targets a slightly different buyer, but overlap enough that many shoppers will realistically cross-shop all three.

The Benchmark: 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium eAWD (As Tested)

Ford’s Mach-E remains the most emotionally driven EV in this trio, leaning heavily into the Mustang nameplate while delivering real-world EV usability.

Your Premium eAWD Extended Range tester is powered by an 88 kWh usable NCM battery, driving all four wheels through a single-speed transmission. Ford Canada rates it for 483 km of driving range, with official efficiency figures of 2.3 Le/100 km combined (2.1 city / 2.4 highway).

With a total MSRP of $73,720 CAD (excluding GST/HST), this particular build sits squarely in premium EV territory, especially once equipped with features like:

• Panoramic fixed-glass roof
• BlueCruise hands-free driving (7-year term)
• Bang &Olufsen premium audio
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 360-degree camera system

Ford also includes practical touches such as a front trunk, vapor injection heat pump, and 11 kW onboard AC charging, along with DC fast-charging capability up to 150 kW.

Mach-E personality: Sporty, confident, and unmistakably Ford. It still feels like the EV most interested in being fun.

Rival One: Hyundai IONIQ 5 — The Smart Daily Driver

Where the Mach-E plays the emotion card, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 wins hearts with clever design and real-world efficiency.

IONIQ 5’s calling card remains its 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast DC charging when conditions are right. That alone makes it one of the most road-trip-friendly EVs in Canada. Interior space is generous, visibility is excellent, and Hyundai’s interface is among the easiest to live with day to day.

Driving dynamics lean toward comfort rather than aggression, but AWD versions still offer strong off-the-line response. Compared with the Mach-E, the IONIQ 5 feels calmer and more neutral; less theatrical, more serene.

IONIQ 5 personality: Modern, practical, and quietly clever. It’s the EV you recommend to friends who want minimal friction.

Rival Two: Polestar 3 — The Premium Statement

The Polestar 3 enters from a different altitude altogether. Bigger, heavier, and significantly more expensive, it positions itself as a luxury performance SUV rather than a mainstream EV with premium options.

With a large battery pack and dual-motor AWD configurations, Polestar 3 delivers strong straight-line performance and a planted highway feel. Interior materials, ride composure, and overall refinement clearly exceed the other two, but so does the price.

Where the Mach-E feels youthful and the IONIQ 5 feels clever, the Polestar 3 feels deliberate and architectural, appealing to buyers who value design minimalism and brand ethos as much as specs.

Polestar 3 personality: Confident, minimalist, and unapologetically premium.

 

 

Range, Charging & Ownership Reality

• Mach-E Premium eAWD Extended Range:
  483 km rated range, 150 kW DC fast charging, strong cold-weather considerations thanks to its heat pump.
• IONIQ 5:
  Comparable range depending on trim, but faster charging potential gives it an advantage for frequent long-distance drivers.
• Polestar 3:
  Competitive range figures, but higher curb weight and performance tuning can impact efficiency. Best suited to buyers less concerned with cost-per-kilometre.

Value & Positioning

• Mach-E:
  The most emotional buy of the three, especially in this Premium eAWD configuration. You’re paying for character as much as capability.
• IONIQ 5:
  The value leader in everyday livability. Excellent tech, strong warranty confidence, and broad appeal.
• Polestar 3:
  The luxury choice. It justifies its price with design, refinement, and brand cachet, but it’s not chasing value.

Verdict: Which EV SUV Wins for You?

Choose the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you want an EV that still feels like it has a pulse. This as-tested Premium eAWD Extended Range model strikes a compelling balance between performance, range, and premium features, without losing its sense of fun.

Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if your priority is seamless daily use, fast charging, and smart packaging. It’s the easiest EV to recommend.

Choose the Polestar 3 if luxury, design integrity, and brand identity matter more than price. It’s the most grown-up, and the most expensive, option here.