- Strong power from both the four-cylinder and V8 engines
- Civilized ride and low noise levels
- Cabin blends modern convenience with retro style
- Impractical back seat
- Performance-package ride quality can be harsh
- Long, heavy doors yet mediocre cabin access
- Expected to carry on unchanged before a new Mustang launches next year
- Likely part of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015
The 2023 Ford Mustang is one of the three muscle cars on the market, providing lots of horsepower and an exciting driving experience at a reasonable price. We think it's the best in its class: It is more engaging to drive than the Dodge Challenger, and it's more comfortable and easier to drive day to day than the Chevrolet Camaro. Whether you're considering the base turbocharged four-cylinder or the high-octane Shelby GT500, there's a Mustang variant for anybody with a need for speed.
The current-generation Mustang is now in its ninth year of production, which is a long time in car years. Indeed, judging by recent spy photographs, a fully redesigned Mustang is coming in the near future. Rumors abound about the new Mustang, which could get a hybrid powertrain or all-wheel drive. We're also not sure if this seventh-generation Mustang will debut for the 2023 or 2024 model year. Our prediction is that it'll be for 2024, which means the 2023 Mustang will be the last year for the current-gen car. Check out the Expert Rating below for our test team's complete evaluation of the car's performance, comfort and more.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds has had a few long-term Mustangs over the past few years, including a 2015 Mustang GT coupe and a 2019 Mustang GT convertible. We've racked up nearly 30,000 miles between the two vehicles, so check out our coverage to learn more about things like comfort, fuel economy, maintenance and performance. The Mustang has been updated since our last long-termer, but our overall impressions still apply.
Performance
The steering effort changes depending on the drive mode you've selected. Regardless of mode, there's a good amount of feedback for the driver. Even without high-performance summer tires, the Mustang handles corners well thanks to well-managed body roll and impressive overall stability. The 10-speed automatic works very well too. It picks the best gearing without seeming overly busy.
Comfort
The climate controls are front and center, and well-placed vents evenly distribute cooled air for front passengers. The automatic climate control rarely needs any adjustment once set. The ventilated seats are quick to cool you down on hot days and keep you comfy on long drives.
Interior
Backseat space is limited even for children. Outward visibility is pretty good, though, with relatively narrow windshield pillars and a large enough rear window for a near-full view of what's behind you.
Technology
The advanced safety features (blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, etc.) are well tuned to avoid false alarms. The forward collision warning is appropriately startling. The adaptive cruise control executes with smooth inputs and maintains the set speeds on steep downhills.
Storage
Inside, there's just enough space for personal items but not much else. The cupholders and door pockets are merely average. Installing a child's car seat will be tough because of the limited backseat space and the restricted room you have to load it in.
Fuel Economy
Value
Wildcard
Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?
Ford Mustang models
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Mustang. We expect the 2023 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Ford Mustang is available in five basic trims: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Mach 1. The EcoBoost and GT models are available as both a coupe and convertible; the Mach 1 is only available as a coupe. The Mustang offers both four-cylinder and V8 engines, both of which are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. No matter which model you choose, the Mustang sends every bit of its power solely to the rear wheels. The 760-horsepower Shelby GT500 is covered under a separate review.
EcoBoost
The entry-level Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is available as an option. Feature highlights include:
- 17-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Limited-slip rear differential
- Line lock (locks the front wheel brakes to allow for drag-strip burnouts)
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app
- 4.2-inch center display
- Six-speaker audio system
- Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Automatic high beams
The 2.3L High Performance package is available for the EcoBoost and Premium trims. It adds:
- Increased power output of 332 hp
- 19-inch wheels with performance tires
- Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
- Upgraded brakes and engine cooling
- Sport suspension
- Shorter rear differential gear ratio
- Active exhaust system
- Paddle shifters (automatic only)
- Upgraded gauge cluster with oil pressure and boost gauges
- Unique exterior and interior trim elements
The EcoBoost Handling package can be added to the High Performance engine option and adds:
- Wider wheels and tires
- Upgraded brakes
- Larger rear spoiler
- Torsen limited-slip differential
- Adaptive suspension dampers (MagneRide)
EcoBoost Premium
Adds many convenience, technology and comfort features, such as:
- 18-inch wheels
- Heated mirrors
- Upgraded interior materials
- Partial leather upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver's and passenger seat
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Interior ambient lighting
Three appearance packages are available on the EcoBoost Premium trim, though none are available with the High Performance or Handling package:
- Ice White package
- Oxford white paint
- 19-inch white-painted wheels
- White badges
- White spoiler
- Clear taillights
- White leather interior
- Lighted doorsill plate
- Stealth package
- 19-inch black painted wheels
- Black badges
- Performance rear spoiler
- Black mirror caps
- Clear taillights
- Lighted doorsill plate
- Coastal package
- 19-inch dark-painted wheels
- Body-colored grille
- Side scoops
- Vinyl stripe
- Lighted doorsill plate
GT
The Mustang GT receives a 5.0-liter V8 (450 hp, 410 lb-ft). A six-speed manual is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. The GT has the same features as the standard EcoBoost trim and adds:
- 18-inch wheels
- Rear parking sensors
- Upgraded brakes
- Limited-slip differential with higher gearing
- Rev-matched downshifts (manual transmission)
- Power-adjustable driver's and passenger seat
GT Premium
Includes the EcoBoost Premium features plus full leather upholstery. It's also available with the Ice White, Stealth and Coastal packages, though none of these packages are available with the GT Performance package.
Both GT trims are eligible for the GT Performance package that adds:
- 19-inch wheels with performance tires
- Brembo brakes
- Sport suspension
- Improved engine cooling
- Torsen limited-slip differential
California Special
The California Special package is available on Mustang GT coupes or convertibles and primarily consists of unique interior and exterior badging and trim pieces.
- 19-inch wheels
- Strut tower brace
- California Special exterior, interior and underhood badging
- Unique front splitter and grille
- Unique lower side scoops and stripes
- Rear spoiler (coupe only)
Mach 1
The track-focused Mustang Mach 1 increases power output over the GT to 470 hp and includes several aesthetic and mechanical enhancements pulled from the Shelby GT500. You also get:
- Special 19-inch wheels with performance tires
- Special active exhaust system
- Mach 1-specific sport suspension with adaptive dampers
- Mach 1-specific styling details
- Brembo brakes
- Torsen limited-slip differential
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Digital gauge cluster display
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cue-ball shift knob (manual transmission)
All Mustangs are eligible for the Ford Safe and Smart package that includes:
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Navigation system
Some extra features that come with the Premium trims, such as the 8-inch touchscreen, are available on the base EcoBoost and GT trims as options. Other significant stand-alone options include:
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Recaro front sport seats (heating and cooling are not available)
- Heated steering wheel
- Exterior and interior styling packages (e.g., the Pony package)
- Mach 1 Handling package (wider wheels and tires, adjustable top front strut mounts, and special front bumper and rear spoiler)
