Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD

Overview

The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 RWD was the long-legged explorer of the Mach-E family, trading some outright punch for maximum miles. This all-electric SUV cleverly blended Mustang-inspired swagger with five-seat practicality. Discontinued after 2022, it aimed at US buyers wanting impressive range without necessarily needing all-wheel drive. Key highlights included its extended-range battery and efficiency focus. On the used market, you might find one for around $20,794, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing range and a touch of pony car flair in their EV.

What's New for 2022?

For its 2022 model year swan song, the California Route 1 RWD got some tasty upgrades. Most notably, usable battery capacity was beefed up to a proper 88 kWh, unlocking more range. Ford also made heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard kit – a welcome touch for chillier drives. Plus, it came standard with the hardware for Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist, ready for activation. This model year solidified its position as the range champ within the RWD Mach-E lineup before its discontinuation.

Design & Exterior

This Mach-E definitely turns heads with its Mustang DNA – think aggressive front, swooping roofline, and iconic tri-bar taillights, all wrapped in a practical SUV body. The California Route 1 trim kept things sleek, often with unique aero-style 18-inch wheels designed to eke out extra miles. It’s a sizable machine, measuring 186 inches long, 74 inches wide (mirrors excluded), and 63 inches tall. It’s less about shouty performance bits and more about a clean, efficient look that still packs plenty of curb appeal for the US street scene.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and you're greeted by a modern, minimalist cabin dominated by a massive 15.5-inch central touchscreen running Ford’s slick SYNC 4A system, paired with a neat 10.2-inch digital driver display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, naturally. Passenger space is generous for five. Material quality is decent, and for hauling gear, you get a useful 29 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a hefty 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Don't forget the handy 4.8 cubic foot frunk for your charging cables or a bit of extra shopping!

Performance & Driving Experience

The California Route 1 RWD isn't the quickest Mach-E, but it’s no slouch, zipping from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.1 seconds. Power comes from a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) at the rear, delivering 210 kW (around 281 hp) and a solid 317 lb-ft of instant torque. Being rear-wheel drive, it offers a more traditional Mustang-esque feel, though it's tuned more for comfort and composed cruising than track day heroics. The ride is smooth, and its one-pedal driving mode makes city commutes a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

This is where the California Route 1 RWD truly shines! It packs a substantial 88 kWh usable battery, translating to Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world range estimate of 290 miles – plenty for road trips. Efficiency is a strong 3.3 mi/kWh. At home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can top it up fully in around 9-10 hours. On the go, it supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW via its CCS Type 1 port (located on the driver-side front fender), getting you from 10-80% in about 45 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Ford didn't skimp on safety for the 2022 Mach-E, which earned a coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. The California Route 1 trim came loaded with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0. This means you get adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and evasive steering assist as standard. Even better, it included the hardware for BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving system, requiring a subscription to activate its impressive capabilities.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Ford backs the Mach-E with a fairly standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery and electric drive components are covered for a more reassuring 8 years or 100,000 miles, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (typically retaining 70% capacity). While Ford didn't offer extensive complimentary maintenance, new owners often received FordPass Rewards points that could be used for public charging, sweetening the deal. Reliability has been generally decent, improving since its launch.