2024 Ford Mustang Car Review

2024 Ford Mustang has released the seventh chapter of its legendary Mustang muscle vehicle, which has a reworked but familiar appearance, revamped chassis components, an all-new interior, and two better powertrains. While the new pony is loaded up for the future with a slew of enhancements, the end of its closest competitors, the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, isn't looking so bright. The new-generation automobile is still powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, but with 480 horsepower. A 315-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is also a minor upgrade over the previous model. Both engines have a 10-speed automatic transmission; however, only the V-8 is available with a six-speed manual transmission. There are also hardtop coupe and softtop convertible body types available. The Mustang's redesigned cockpit and upgraded engine options keep the muscle car legend alive.

Engine

The new 2024 Ford Mustang comes with a number of strong engines. The standard EcoBoost engine is a 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and this combination gets the Mustang going quickly and allows for quick passing power. However, the transmission is occasionally overly quick to upshift and too reluctant to downshift, which can dampen the excitement, particularly on vehicles lacking the optional shift paddles.

The V8 vehicles are more expensive, but they are ultimately more entertaining. The GT boasts a 480-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, while the top-tier Dark Horse gets a 500-horsepower version. These vehicles take off with furious speed and sound, reaching 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds and roaring past other cars like they're standing still. Both come with a 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission that is praised for its smooth operation and accurate throws.

2024 Mustang Engine Options:

Base engine: turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque; starts at $30,920 (EcoBoost)

Available engines:

• 5.0-liter V8 with 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque starts at $42,495 (GT)
• 5.0-liter V8 with 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque; starts at $59,270 (Dark Horse)

Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive

Transmission: standard 10-speed automatic; available six-speed manual

2024 Mustang Performance Packages and Options:

• 2.3L High-Performance package ($3,475; available in EcoBoost): adds paddle shifters, Brembo brakes, an electronic drift brake lever, 19-inch wheels, a larger rear sway bar, heavy-duty front springs, a strut tower brace, a black grille, front tow hooks, a limited-slip rear differential, and summer tires
• GT Performance package ($4,995; available in GT and GT Premium): includes all of the 2.3L High-Performance package content plus additional chassis bracing and a performance rear wing
• The Dark Horse Handling package ($4,995; available in Dark Horse and Dark Horse Premium): adds adjustable strut top mounts, front tow hooks, an adaptive suspension, a performance rear spoiler with a Gurney flap, and additional chassis bracing

2024 Mustang Appearance Packages:

• Mustang Nite Pony package ($1,995; available in EcoBoost, GT, and GT Premium): adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, special badging, black exterior accents, and a spoiler
• Dark Horse Appearance package ($1,500; available in Dark Horse Premium): black roof, blue brake calipers and a hood graphic

Ride and Handling

The Mustang is a lot of fun to drive, with sporty handling and a relatively smooth ride over rough ground. Because of its precise steering and well-controlled body movements, the Mustang easily carves through curving roadways. It's also easy to get around tight bends and along city streets. The brakes, particularly the available Brembo versions, give great stopping strength, and the optional Performance Electronic Drift Brake (a new-for-2024 modification) allows for nearly failsafe drifting.

At the time of writing, Ford has not released acceleration data for the 2024 Mustang, but we anticipate that the standard Mustang EcoBoost can achieve 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds, while the GT and Dark Horse variants can do it in around 4 seconds.

Interior

The new interior of the 2024 Ford Mustang replaces the outgoing car's classic dashboard with a more contemporary appearance aimed at a younger generation of consumers. More soft-touch materials, revised upholstery choices, and a pair of huge screens for the infotainment system and gauge cluster are included in the cabin. It's a stylish modern makeover that looks and feels upmarket.

With adjustable colors, gauges, and even a "calm" screen that exposes only the most important facts, the configurable display may be tailored to the demands of most red, white, and blue patriots. Ambient lights and a driver's display adjust to the drive style you've chosen. The base Mustang has cloth seats with optional micro-suede vinyl inserts, while the premium version adds stitched trim from the door trim to the dashboard. Leather inserts are available for the Mustang GT. Ford has also included a Remote Rev option, which allows the car's engine to rev up the RPMs with a simple click of the key fob while you enjoy the noises outdoors.

For a sports vehicle, the Mustang offers adequate luggage room. The fastback coupe has 13.5 cubic feet of room, while the convertible has 11.4 cubic feet. When the convertible top is folded down, it does not obstruct trunk space. The front seats are suitable for adults, with enough support and room to keep you comfortable for several hours. The back seats, on the other hand, are quite tight and should only be used for children or storing goods.

Infotainment

The Mustang's infotainment system is elegant and simple to use, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard and a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Higher trim levels combine both of these screens on a single glass panel. The SYNC 4 system offers a simple structure, clear visuals, and huge on-screen icons. Because there are few physical buttons in the interior, you'll have to rely on the central touch screen to make most music and climate settings. On the bright side, there's a row of shortcut icons at the bottom of the touch screen that make switching between menus a breeze.

• Standard infotainment features: a 13.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a USB port, and FordPass Connect (which lets you lock and unlock the car using your smartphone)
• Available infotainment features: navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless device charging, a nine-speaker audio system, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and additional USB ports
• Additional standard features include a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control and proximity keyless entry
• Other available features: dual-zone automatic climate control and remote start

Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, the four-cylinder Mustang gets 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the interstate. Adding the optional Performance Package reduces fuel economy slightly for the sake of power, but not much (21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway). The previous-generation Mustang's V-8 growled its way to an EPA-rated 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (automatic gearbox), and the same holds true for today's model. The Mustang GT with a six-speed manual gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the interstate. The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse consumes the most petroleum, achieving only 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the interstate. Visit the EPA's website for additional information on the Mustang's fuel efficiency.

Safety

The Mustang also has more driver-assistance technology than any competing pony car, allowing you to travel faster while feeling safer. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on every Mustang. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) websites for further information on the Mustang's crash-test performance. The following are important safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control is a standard
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are standard.
• Active pothole mitigation (included with the Performance Pack) is an optional feature.

Warranty

The warranty on the Mustang is adequate but not exceptional. However, unlike Chevrolet, Ford does not provide a free planned maintenance visit.

• Three years, or 36,000 miles, is the length of the limited warranty.
• The powertrain warranty is valid for five years or 60,000 miles.
• There is no free planned maintenance.

Competitive Cars

Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is another hard-charging pony car with quick handling, stylish two-door styling, exhilarating acceleration, and a broad engine choice. However, whereas the Mustang is completely new for 2024, the Camaro is nearing the conclusion of its life cycle. It has a cheap and antiquated interior, a small trunk, and limited outside visibility. In addition, there are relatively few basic convenience or driver-assistance features. Except for the Camaro's aggressive ZL1 variant, there aren't many reasons to prefer the Chevy over the new-and-improved Ford.

Ford Mustang vs. Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 is a strong contender in the sports car segment. The GR86 is a delight to drive, due in part to its responsive handling, quick acceleration, and simple technology. It's also reasonably fuel-efficient. The GR86 is faster and more agile than the Mustang, but the Ford has more power and acceleration, as well as greater baggage room and a swankier interior. With one of these sports vehicles, you can't go wrong. Personal preference will most likely determine the best option for you.