2026 Ford Mustang Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

8 hours ago

Overview
While hybrid and electric people-movers are all the rage these days, the Mustang proves that American muscle is alive and well—in Ford's stable, at least. America's favorite pony continues to deliver on its 40-plus-year reputation as an affordable sports car in either fastback or convertible form. A 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder offers a more contemporary approach to tire-roasting, but a 480-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is still available for eight-cylinder loyalists who can't live without a baritone soundtrack. Both EcoBoost and GT models are potent enough steeds, but the 500-hp Dark Horse is the way to go if performance is a top priority. Regardless, the Mustang's tasteful blend of retro and modern touches is the perfect example of advancements not spoiling a timeless recipe.
What's New for 2026?
A new FX appearance package is now available on GT Premium models, paying homage to one of the Mustang's most iconic eras. The package celebrates the third-generation Fox-body 'stang, complete with callback exterior styling accents and a retro cabin redesign. A pair of new wheel designs are on offer as part of the kit; Performance-Package-equipped models get rad Oxford White wheels reminiscent of the fan-like shoes found on the old Mustang Cobra, while the remaining models get a revised version of the Mustang's existing 19-inch split-five-spoke wheels, also painted in white. The Oxford White theme continues with the badging, grille nostrils, and optional white-out taillights on Performance Package variants. Inside, the cabin features plaid perforated leather seat inserts, silver and blue contrast stitching, and carbon fiber trim from the Dark Horse. Independent of the FX package, a new aqua-ish Adriatic Blue Metallic paint option is available on all Mustang models, and the Orange Fury hue also returns after being discontinued in 2019. Ford says that the order books for the 2026 Mustang will open in late June.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Ford Mustang is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $70,000 depending on the trim and options.
EcoBoost
$34,000 (est)
EcoBoost Premium
$40,000 (est)
EcoBoost Convertible
$42,000 (est)
EcoBoost Premium Convertible
$45,000 (est)
GT
$49,000 (est)
GT Premium
$53,000 (est)
GT Premium Convertible
$58,000 (est)
Dark Horse
$66,000 (est)
Dark Horse Premium Coupe
$70,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k
The turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost has nothing to be ashamed of performance-wise, but we're still at a point in time where a V-8 exists, and we recommend taking advantage of it— particularly with the six-speed manual in the GT coupe. Sure, it's $10k and change more than the four, but as it's said, buy experiences, not things; with the Mustang GT you get both. You can also add a GT Performance package for roughly $5000 extra. That gives you 19-inch wheels, big Brembo calipers, a 3.73-geared Torsen differential, as well as some sweet appearance bits.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Mustang's base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It's a solid-performing setup, but the 5.0-liter V-8 is the heart of the Mustang. Rated for 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, it can send power through either the ten-speed automatic or, preferably, a six-speed manual. Ford says an optional performance exhaust increases output to 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet. The Mustang Dark Horse is a track-focused step up from the GT that uses a 500-hp version of the 5.0-liter V-8. Essentially an evolution of the beloved Mach 1 of the previous generation, it has adaptive dampers and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero PZ4s, but gummy Pirelli Trofeo RS track-worthy tires are available via an optional handling package. Ford has improved the ride and handling balance with every generation, and the latest Mustang shows improvements across the board, including better steering feel and feedback. The Dark Horse's standard adaptive dampers go a long way to tame the brutality that is often part and parcel of performance vehicles wearing track-focused rubber.
0–60-MPH Times
At our test track, a Mustang GT with the performance exhaust system ripped to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds; the EcoBoost wasn't too far behind, hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. At 4.1 seconds, the Dark Horse only shaved one second off the GT's time, but it went on to cross the quarter-mile marker in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The Dark Horse did shine during our recent 0-to-150-to-0 speed test with a time of 29.7 seconds, beating a Toyota Supra 3.0.
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Ford
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Mustang yet, but last year's four-cylinder model was good for up to 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. With the V-8, those estimates fell to 16 mpg city and 24 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a GT model with a six-speed manual returned 24 mpg; the Ecoboost model with the automatic transmission delivered 32 mpg. We'll update this section with 2026 EPA fuel economy estimates when they become available. For more information about the Mustang's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang's interior design is a mix of new and retro. We found the seats to be plenty supportive, and the standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster is a massive leap ahead of the previous car's. The configurable display can be customized to fit the needs of most red, white, and blue patriots, with selectable colors, gauges, and even a 'calm' screen that reveals only the most necessary details. If you're feeling nostalgic, the cluster can be configured to look similar to the 1987 Mustang's analog gauges—and a second analog throwback screen that takes its looks from the 1967 'Stang is available as an over-the-air update for all seventh-gen models. Ambient lighting and a driver's display adapt to whichever drive mode you've selected. Base Mustangs come with cloth seats and available micro-suede vinyl inserts, while the Premium level adds stitched bits and pieces from door trim to dashboard. Opting for the FX package on GT Premium models injects some extra retro flair, with plaid seat inserts and silver-and-blue contrast stitching. Ford has also introduced a Remote Rev function that allows the car's engine to blast up the RPMs with a simple click from the key fob while you admire the sounds from outside the car.
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Ford
Infotainment and Connectivity
An available 13.2-inch infotainment screen using Ford's Sync 4 software flows from the gauge cluster toward the center of the car behind a curved glass panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on this system, and an optional wireless smartphone charger helps drivers reduce the clutter of charging cables. Amazon Alexa and Ford Streaming allow voice commands to replace knob-turning or button presses, and every Mustang comes with Ford Power-Up software capability, allowing for over-the-air updates for later software and vehicle function improvements.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Mustang is available with an impressive suite of driver-assistance technology named Ford Co-Pilot360. For more information about the Mustang's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard adaptive cruise control
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available active pothole mitigation (included with Performance Pack)
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
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Ford Mustang GT
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $44,090/$62,425
ENGINE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3
Power: 486 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 255/40R-19 96Y
R: 275/40R-19 101Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.0 in
Length: 189.4 in
Width: 75.4 in
Height: 55.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 3947 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.2 sec
100 mph: 9.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 114 mph
130 mph: 16.5 sec
150 mph: 23.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 312 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.99 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 24 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/23 mpg
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $60,865/$73,205
ENGINE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 307 in3, 5038 cm3
Power: 500 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque: 418 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS
F: 305/30ZR-19 (98Y)
R: 315/30ZR-19 (100Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.0 in
Length: 189.7 in
Width: 75.5 in
Height: 55.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/30 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 3975 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.1 sec
100 mph: 9.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.5 sec @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.4 sec
150 mph: 23.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 8.8 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 166 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 142 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 278 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.07 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/22 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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