The Ford Mustang has continuously evolved for over 55 years, becoming a more refined and sophisticated vehicle. It offers a standard 310-hp turbocharged inline-four EcoBoost engine with a six-speed manual transmission. For a more conventional choice, the Mustang GT is equipped with a 450-hp V-8 engine. Both engine options can be paired with a manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.
The Mustang is available as a coupe or convertible, with rear-wheel drive as standard. While the Camaro may have a more ergonomic interior, the Mustang stands out with its larger back seat and improved visibility. For optimal performance, the growling V-8 engine is the recommended choice, although a High Performance 330-hp EcoBoost is also available as an upgrade for the four-cylinder variant.2023 Ford Mustang – News from USA
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2023?
In anticipation of the next-generation pony car, the 2023 Ford Mustang goes largely unchanged. The 2023 Mustang bookends the fifth generation S550 chᴀssis and an all-new S650 Mustang will go on sale sometime in the summer of 2023 with new looks, more power, and a far more technology-savvy interior.
The Mustang is best enjoyed with its sonorous, 450-hp 5.0-liter V-8, which comes only in the GT or the Mach 1. The latter has an additional 20 horsepower (470 total) versus the regular GT model, and features performance equipment pulled from the Shelby GT500 that makes it more exciting to drive. Unfortunately, its starting price is close to $58,000, so we’d recommend the regular GT coupe. Sticking with the standard manual transmission, we’d opt for the GT Performance package that adds upgraded Brembo front brakes, a limited-slip differential, stickier summer tires, unique chᴀssis tuning, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Ford Mustang offers a powerful turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and an optional High-Performance package with a more responsive engine. GT models come with a strong V-8 engine and optional active exhaust. Both engines can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission, improving the Mustang’s speed. The Mach 1 model stands out with its enhanced V-8 engine and shared components from Shelby Mustangs. The Mustang delivers a comfortable driving experience, with light steering in Comfort mode and well-weighted steering in other modes. The brake pedal has a firm feel, although it can be touchy in stop-and-go traffic.
2023 Ford Mustang – News from USA
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most efficient Mustang is the one powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder with the 10-speed automatic, which earned EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The V-8–powered Mustang earned ratings of 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In our testing, the four-banger with the manual transmission returned 24 mpg—7 fewer than its EPA rating. The V-8 with the automatic saw 24 mpg in our hands, matching its EPA number. For more information about the Mustang’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang interior is an evolutionary design that harks back to Mustangs of old while managing to be fully functional and livable. While it’s available with premium features such as heated and cooled front seats, its mediocre plastics and cramped Headless Horseman-only back seats are demerits.
Stellar performance combined with impressive cargo space makes the Mustang a high-performance daily driver. In our testing, it held the second-most carry-on suitcases and has the most interior storage space among rivals. The back seat stows by pulling a strap and folds easily by hand. Should you need to transport up to 12 carry-on bags, the Mustang can do so. The Ford wins with the biggest center-console bin among compeтιтors we tested.
2023 Ford Mustang – News from USA
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s optional Sync 3 infotainment system has a clean design and a simple interface. While it’s not as responsive or robust as some rivals, it does come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a kickin’ stereo. The Mustang is available with a Wi-Fi H๏τspot. Ford Sync Connect, which allows users to control and monitor their vehicle through a smartphone app, is included as standard.
Safety and Driver-ᴀssistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
The Mustang is also available with more driver-ᴀssistance technology than any rival pony car, so you can go faster and feel safer. That’s how driver ᴀssists work, right? For more information about the Mustang’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Insтιтute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping ᴀssist
Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Mustang has a solid but average warranty. However, unlike Chevy, Ford doesn’t provide a complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance