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- Highs Driver engagement is standard, most livable muscle-car cabin, excellent performance packages.
- Lows Some cheap interior bits, optional Recaro seats are intrusive, base four-cylinder is underwhelming.
- Verdict The Mustang has evolved into the best all-around muscle car of the 21st century.
Overview
Arguably one of the most recognizable cars of all time, the 2020 Ford Mustang continues to deliver eye-catching style and driving excitement. Its ability to be personalized and performance-enhanced also have endeared Ford's pony car to the public for more than 55 years. While the standard turbocharged four-cylinder might sound like a blasphemous choice for a muscle car, the EcoBoost model is legitimately enjoyable and affordable. The Mustang GT continues to carry the V-8 torch against crosstown rivals from Chevy and Dodge, but it bests them with a better combination of athleticism and livability. Sure, some of the Stang's interior materials are subpar and its back seat is tight, but this legendary muscle car has evolved and consistently lived up to that title.
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, Ford gifts the four-cylinder Mustang with a more desirable engine and legitimate track-ready equipment. The former is included with the new High-Performance package, which adds a 330-hp EcoBoost four-banger and other hardware from V-8–powered models. The setup is available on the coupe and convertible, but the new EcoBoost Handling pack can only be had on the coupe. It transforms the four-cylinder Mustang from "enjoyable to drive" to "exciting to drive" thanks to unique suspension tuning and add-ons that will make for shorter laptimes on the racetrack. Newly standard equipment includes the FordPass Connect smartphone app and redesigned 17-inch wheels on EcoBoost models. The entire Mustang lineup also adds four new exterior-color choices: Iconic Silver, Twister Orange, Red Hot Metallic, and Grabber Lime. Ford has announced that the high-performance Mach 1 model will reappear for the 2021 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We're mightily impressed with the EcoBoost Mustang's available performance packages, which finally give its powertrain a personality and something to compete with Camaro's track-ready models. Still, we're far from over our love affair with the V-8–powered Bullitt model, which we enjoyed in our long-term fleet. It may not be available as a convertible and costs significantly more than the base GT, but its unmistakable style and divinely balanced ride and handling make it the Mustang to get. Every Bullitt has standard features such as unique 19-inch wheels and exterior trim, customizable digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a fully loaded touchscreen infotainment system. In addition, it also has all the goodies that are included with the Level 1 Performance Pack. This is chiefly responsible for making the Bullitt such a treat to drive and live with every day. The only option we'd add is the MagneRide adaptive dampers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Don't be fooled by its cylinder count—the standard turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder has enough punch to embarrass V-8 Mustangs of old. Likewise, the optional High-Performance package adds a more melodic and responsive EcoBoost engine derived from the defunct Ford Focus RS. The GT models are motivated by a 460-hp V-8 with an optional active exhaust that trumpets a thunderous roar. Both of these compelling engines pair with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic that makes the Mustang quicker than before. The V-8 version is also available with a transformative package (called Performance Pack Level 2) that adds track-ready equipment courtesy of the Shelby GT350. The optional EcoBoost Handling package also delivers racetrack readiness to the four-cylinder coupe. Still, the special-edition Bullitt model may be the best all-around Mustang for sale today. Its enhanced V-8 engine makes an extra 20 horsepower (480 total), and it includes all the top-shelf performance parts available. This latest Mustang generation brought with it a much needed independent rear suspension, which replaced the archaic solid rear axle. The switch-up improves its handling and takes its ride quality to another level. Even with the less powerful engines, the Mustang's modernized chassis delivers a comfortable and controlled driving experience. For added sportiness, there is an optional Performance package for EcoBoost and GT models. The electrically assisted steering is appropriately light in Comfort mode and nicely weighted in the other two. The Mustang's brake pedal has a firm feel that we felt to be touchy in stop-and-go traffic, but it's easier to apply smoothly at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While the V-8 Mustang has competitive EPA estimates and real-world fuel economy, the Mustang's four-cylinder woefully underperformed in our highway test. 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, just 1 mpg off of its EPA number.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang interior is better than ever, with 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 seat 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 competitors we tested.
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 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford Sync Connect, which allows users to control and monitor their vehicle through a smartphone app, is included as standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Mustang earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but its ratings are average from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Stang is also available with more driver-assistance technology than any pony car, so you can go faster and feel safer. That's how driver assists work, right? Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2020 Mustang has a solid but average warranty. However, unlike BMW and Chevy, Ford doesn't provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
