Ford Mustang review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

Inside, the Mustang has a cool retro feel that harks back to the classic models of the 1960s. The dashboard has a distinctive dual-cowl design, and the three-spoke steering wheel feels great to hold. It’s a fun place to be.

All models come well-equipped with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which you control through an 8-inch touchscreen. It’s easy to use and includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for connecting your smartphone. You also get keyless entry and start, which is a nice modern convenience.

Comfort

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with enough adjustment to help you find a good driving position for long journeys. While it’s a performance car, the ride is generally quite comfortable, especially on models fitted with the optional ‘MagneRide’ adaptive suspension which can soften things up for cruising.

The convertible model adds the joy of open-top driving, but be aware that it reduces rear passenger space and boot capacity. It’s a trade-off between practicality and wind-in-your-hair fun.

Quality

This is probably the Mustang’s weakest area. While the retro design is charming, some of the plastics used around the cabin feel a bit hard and scratchy. It doesn't have the premium, soft-touch feel you might find in some German rivals. That said, everything feels solidly put together, and you have to remember that those rivals often cost a lot more. The Mustang's affordable price has to come from somewhere, and the interior is where you notice it most.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

For a two-door sports coupe, the Mustang is surprisingly practical. There’s plenty of space for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats, however, are best suited for children or short trips with adults. Legroom is limited, but the fact it has rear seats at all is a bonus, and they come with ISOFIX points for fitting child seats.

You’ll find a few useful storage spots in the cabin, including door bins and a central cubby, but it’s not as thoughtfully laid out as a family hatchback. The wide centre console can make the front feel a little enclosed, but it adds to the sporty, cockpit-like feel.

Boot space

The boot is another pleasant surprise. In the coupe (or Fastback, as Ford calls it), you get 408 litres of space. That’s more than you’ll find in many family hatchbacks and easily enough for a big weekly shop or luggage for a holiday. The convertible model has a smaller boot at 332 litres to make room for the folding roof, but it’s still a very usable size.

Versatility

The Mustang isn't designed to be a Swiss Army knife of a car, but it can certainly handle more than just weekend drives. With its decent boot and child-seat-ready back seats, it can play the part of a family car if you need it to. It proves that owning a fun, powerful car doesn’t have to mean giving up on practicality entirely.

Driving

Driving experience

This is what the Mustang is all about. It’s a car that puts a smile on your face. The V8 model, in particular, delivers a driving experience dominated by its glorious engine noise. It feels big and powerful on the road, but models from 2018 onwards feel much more agile thanks to suspension upgrades.

It’s a fantastic long-distance tourer, happily cruising on the motorway for hours. On a winding country road, it’s engaging and fun, with plenty of grip. Post-2018 cars also got a clever ‘Good Neighbour Mode’, which lets you schedule quiet start-up times so you don’t wake the whole street with the V8’s roar.

Performance

You have two engine choices. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s quicker than you might expect, getting from 0-60mph in under six seconds. It offers a great balance of performance and more manageable running costs.

But let's be honest, the star of the show is the 5.0-litre V8. In models from 2018 onwards, it produces 444bhp, launching the car from 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds. It’s not just the speed, but the way it delivers the power with that unmistakable V8 rumble that makes it so addictive. You can have it with a six-speed manual gearbox or a slick 10-speed automatic.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

Owning a Mustang, especially the V8, isn’t a decision you make with your head. Running costs are high. The V8 will officially return around 23mpg, but you’ll see that number drop quickly if you enjoy the performance. High CO2 emissions also mean it sits in the top bracket for road tax. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is much more sensible, officially capable of over 30mpg, making it a more realistic daily driver for many.

Value for money

While it’s expensive to run, the Mustang is incredible value to buy. A V8-powered coupe with over 400bhp for less than the price of a premium German saloon is a tempting offer. Because demand is strong and it’s such an iconic car, it also holds its value very well, meaning it won’t depreciate as quickly as some of its rivals.

Reliability & Warranty

Fords generally have a good reputation for reliability, and the Mustang seems to follow that trend. There are no major, widespread mechanical issues to be worried about. As with any car, look for a full service history to ensure it has been well looked after.

Safety

Safety features

When the Mustang was first tested by safety experts Euro NCAP in 2017, it received a disappointing two-star rating. However, Ford quickly addressed this. Models built from late 2017 onwards were updated with more safety kit as standard, including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Lane-Keeping Assistance. These later cars earned a much-improved three-star rating. If safety is a key concern, it’s worth seeking out one of these updated models.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The trim structure for the Mustang is straightforward. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost model is the entry point, while the V8 version is known as the GT.

Both models are very well equipped as standard. You get the SYNC 3 infotainment system, xenon headlights, a limited-slip differential (for better traction), climate control, and keyless entry.

The GT adds the mighty V8 engine, larger Brembo brakes to help you stop, and a Launch Control function for perfect getaways. It also gets unique GT badging to show you’ve got the big engine. Various special editions like the Bullitt and Mach 1 were also released, offering unique styling and even more performance.

Engines

There are two petrol engines available. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is a surprisingly potent and efficient choice, making the Mustang accessible to more people.

The main attraction is the 5.0-litre V8. It’s the engine that gives the Mustang its heart and soul. It’s powerful, sounds incredible, and provides the authentic muscle car experience. Both engines are available with either a manual or an automatic gearbox, so you can choose the one that best suits your driving style.

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