© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Seventh-Generation Mustang
When it debuted in 1964, the Ford Mustang was an instant hit. After nearly six decades, the seventh-generation Mustang arrives for 2024 with new exterior styling, powerful engines and a dual-screen dash replacing traditional instrumentation. Mustang created the pony car segment, and while other models have come and gone, Mustang remains constant since its original debut — stronger now than ever. The last two remaining competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, are both scheduled to end production with the 2023 model year. What follows is our review of the 2024 Ford Mustang, based on a test drive we recently had in Southern California.
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Model Lineup
The 2024 Mustang EcoBoost is offered in both Fastback Coupe and Convertible versions, with the EcoBoost Fastback starting at $30,920, followed by the EcoBoost Premium Fastback at $36,445, EcoBoost Convertible at $39,020 and EcoBoost Premium Convertible at $41,945. A Mustang GT is also available in either Fastback or Convertible, starting with GT Fastback at $42,495, GT Premium Fastback at $47,015, and GT Premium Convertible at $52,515. Mustang Dark Horse is only available as a Fastback, starting at $59,270, with a Dark Horse Premium at $63,265.
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Under the Hood
The good news for Mustang: The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine and standard 6-speed manual transmission remain for the Mustang GT. The Coyote V8 features an innovative dual air intake box and dual throttle body design that help minimize induction loss by enabling higher airflow rates. The V8 is rated at 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft or torque. An available active-valve performance exhaust increases output to 486 horsepower and 416 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is optional for Mustang GT. The Mustang EcoBoost gets powered by a new turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine rated at 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission.
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Mustang Dark Horse
Also powered by the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, output for Mustang Dark Horse increases to 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed TREMEC manual transmission. The Dark Horse also features a 3D-printed titanium shift knob and a Torsen limited-slip differential. (Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional.) In addition, Dark Horse adds brake cooling ducts, an auxiliary oil cooler, a transmission oil cooler, a rear axle cooler, as well as a lighter radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans.
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Drive Modes
Mustang offers six available drive modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track and Custom. The different modes allow the driver to adjust steering effort, engine response, transmission and electronic stability control settings for different conditions. When a new mode is selected, the changes are shown graphically on the digital instrument panel.
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Performance Pack
Both Mustang GT and Mustang EcoBoost are offered with an optional Performance Pack that includes enhancements for improved track performance, such as front tower brace, a Torsen limited-slip differential, optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels with wider rear tires, and larger Brembo brakes with 390 mm front rotors and 355 mm rear rotors. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts and an auxiliary engine oil cooler. Mustangs equipped with the Performance Pack are available with optional Recaro seats and active exhaust.
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Electronic Drift Brake
The Performance Electronic Parking Brake comes as standard equipment with the Performance Pack, allowing the driver to use the parking brake handle like a traditional mechanical hand brake to lock the rear wheels and break the rear end loose. A new feature for Mustang is Remote Rev, which allows the driver to use the remote to start the car and then rev the engine using the remote.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2024 Ford Mustang Design
The seventh-gen Mustang is not a huge departure from the outgoing model, although Ford designers added a modern edginess to the traditional heritage-inspired design with sharper edges, accent lines and more aggressive grille and front fascia. The most distinctive element of the new design is the concave shape of the chevron taillights and rear panel, inspired by the design of the 1967 model.
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2024 Ford Mustang Design
Up front, a horizontal brow emphasizes the car’s width, while the grille shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The tri-bar LED headlights continue Mustang’s lighting signature, although they slant backward at a sharper angle than on the previous generation. The Mustang’s profile exhibits a sleek roofline with a dropped beltline for less of a wedge shape, yet more chiseled with strong rear haunches.
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Unique Styling Cues
“Both the EcoBoost and Mustang GT have unique styling cues that deliver on their promise of Mustang Performance,” said Christopher Walter, Ford Mustang design manager. “The new Mustang is more chiseled and edgier, leaning into Mustang’s classic brawniness and timelessness,” observed Walter. The Mustang GT is differentiated from the EcoBoost with larger, more aggressive grille openings to increase airflow, as well as additional hood vents and a redesigned front splitter.
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Inner Space
Inside, the new Mustang is dominated by large dual screens that create the most technologically advanced and driver-centric Mustang cockpit ever, with the ability to quickly customize to display a wide range of content for the driver. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 center stack are positioned behind a single piece of glass angled toward the driver. The digital instrument cluster can be customized by the driver and offers different designs based on the drive mode.
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Premium Cabin
A new racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel adds a bit of flair to the 2024 Ford Mustang, and the standard interior features all-new cloth with optional Micro Suede vinyl inserts. Premium models get upgraded materials and accent stitching on the dash and door panels. EcoBoost trims feature ActiveX synthetic leather with multiple color options, and the GT adds leather seat inserts. Higher trim levels add a full-leather steering wheel, a color choice for accent stitching, perforated seat inserts and color-coordinated accent stripes on the seat belts.
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On the Road
The 2024 Mustang is a good-looking car that is fun to drive. Easily recognized as a Mustang, the new design features crisp, clean lines that are definitely more aggressive than the outgoing model. A unique concave rear panel stands out, and in most lighting conditions creates a shadow that accentuates the pony car’s shape.
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On the Road
We had the opportunity to drive the 2024 Mustang Fastback EcoBoost on twisty mountain roads of Southern California, equipped with standard suspension but not the Performance Pack. The Mustang EcoBoost Fastback is a great entry-level sports car and really fun to drive, possessing plenty of power and a well-balanced chassis. Even without the optional Performance Pack or MagneRide suspension, the new Mustang confirms that Ford engineers really dialed in the ride and performance, and the EcoBoost coupe stays composed and responsive while hustling through mountain curves. The steering ratio has increased slightly and steering is direct and responsive, although without a lot of steering feel.
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EcoBoost Power
While it’s natural to long for the 5.0-liter V8 of the Mustang GT, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is a great engine choice for Mustang, providing plenty of power for spirited driving with 350 lb-ft of torque and well matched with the 10-speed automatic. While a few drivers may lament the absence of the 6-speed manual as an option, it’s still offered in the GT paired with the 5.0-liter V8. The 10-speed automatic does a great job, especially in Sport mode, when shifts are noticeably quicker and more direct, and downshifts come sooner to keep the engine in the powerband during aggressive driving. Manual shifting with paddles is also available for drivers who want more control.
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Mustang EcoBoost
The Mustang EcoBoost really surprised us during our test drive; it is both engaging and fun. Steering is commendable, the standard suspension is impressive, and the car has plenty of power. Although it is heavier than other coupe choices including the Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR 86, the Mustang EcoBoost is a great choice as an entry-level sport coupe. Without a direct comparison it’s difficult to know, but it seems that Ford engineers have also fine-tuned the exhaust note for the EcoBoost and it sounds great. It doesn’t pretend to sound like a V8 — which it’s not — but instead has a great exhaust note that fits the package.
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Drift Brake
During our press drive, Ford offered the opportunity to play with the Drift Brake feature, which included coaching from professional drift driver Chelsea DeNofa of RTR Motorsports, who helped develop of the Drift Brake for the 2024 Mustang. Two exercises were set up to demonstrate what the 2024 Mustang can do: a 180-degree spin driving out under power, and a 90-degree spin to a stop in a box. Really fun but more difficult that they sound, even with professional instruction.
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Autocross
We also drove the EcoBoost Fastback with the Performance Pack on an autocross course to get a better sense of the car at the limit at lower speeds in a controlled environment. The course confirmed that both steering response and chassis balance are excellent for an entry sports car.
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Mustang GT
We were eager to drive the Mustang GT, powered by the 480-horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, with both the 6-speed manual and the 10-speed automatic. Strong and fast, the Mustang GT is more car than anyone needs on the street. With its abundant low-end torque, the Mustang GT is still good for commuting and everyday traffic. However, it’s always egging drivers on to stomp on the right pedal and leave everyone behind.
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Mustang GT
The Mustang GT is a performance bargain, delivering nearly 500 horsepower and an available MagneRide active suspension. On mountain roads of Southern California, the Mustang GT is a perfect vehicle — powerful and fast, but also nibble and controlled. It’s fun to turn off the automatic Rev Matching for some old-school heel-and-toe downshifts, but once drivers realize how good the system is, it’s better to simply let it do its thing. We are loathe to admit it, but today’s electronics are better than human performance.
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Mustang GT
The Mustang GT is still offered with the 6-speed manual as standard equipment, but that doesn’t mean the 10-speed automatic is a lesser choice. As much as we prefer shifting gears when an option, the 10-speed automatic in the Mustang GT is very good. Shifts might be a bit slow in Normal mode, but switch to Sport and it all changes — shifts are direct and precise, and downshifts precede the corner. Opt for manual shift mode and the driver is fully in charge. The Mustang GT is a canyon-carver that is equally at home in everyday commute mode.
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Right for You?
After almost 60 years, the 2024 Ford Mustang continues to offer a sporty coupe and convertible to a range of customers. Drivers looking for an entry-level sports car that can also be a comfortable daily driver may find the Mustang EcoBoost to be an interesting choice. Looking for a high-performance bargain? Mustang GT might fit the bill.
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Rating: 8.5
Pros: Sporty EcoBoost; powerful GT; dual-screen digital instrumentation; coupe and convertible.
Cons: No manual with EcoBoost.
Bottom Line: The Mustang EcoBoost is a fun entry-level sports car, and the Mustang GT is a performance bargain with the powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V8 and available 6-speed manual.
